Circumstances vs Decisions

Dear Aspen reader,

When I was in high school I was tasked to write a senior thesis paper, topic of my choosing. So, I decided on something light-hearted: When it comes to the shaping of human behavior which holds more power, nature or nurture? I was kidding when I said it was light-hearted. It’s actually a pretty debated and well-researched topic in the field of Psychology. But, even then, it seems that I understood the fact that there were competing forces that impact our behavior and our decisions.

As we roll into the Thanksgiving holiday next week, I want to take this concept a little deeper. This week, spend a few moments thinking on this question:

Am I a product of my circumstances or am I a product of my decisions within those circumstances?

Because the truth is, most of us will be faced in the next 10 days with the choices to succumb to the circumstances surrounding us (platters of turkey, boats of gravy and oodles of pies). We will have to decide to overeat or eat mindfully. We will have a decision to remain active over the course of a holiday weekend or use it as an excuse to sit back and refuse to move. Maybe you’ll face the decision to refrain from social interaction versus taking a chance to share a meal with new friends.

So, will you let the circumstances direct your ship and dictate your outcomes? Or will you make decisions that keep you on the path to wellness, even when a myriad of options stare you in the face? I’m not saying don’t indulge; but maybe don’t OVERindulge. We all have choices to make when it comes to maintaining wellness and the holidays are no different. So enjoy, find time for rest and move your body but also be sure to make decisions that will support your overall well-being.

In health,