It is quite common to hear people blame their life choices on their upbringing or environment. For instance, someone might claim they are involved in prostitution simply because their mother was in the same trade. However, it is worth asking whether every individual raised by a sex worker inevitably adopts that exact lifestyle. Similarly, a person might justify their criminal behavior by pointing out that their father was a highway robber. Yet, we know that not every child born to an armed robber is currently out stealing.

We also frequently encounter the excuse that a terribly difficult economy leaves people with no choice but to become fraudsters. If we were to follow that logic, would it imply that everyone living in Nigeria should now be engaging in fraud? On a related note, some individuals blame their participation in hook up culture on their parents failing to send them to school. But if we observe the world around us, it is obvious that not all women lacking a formal education have turned to that line of work. Furthermore, growing up in a home so poor that the family could barely afford to feed themselves is sometimes used as a justification for becoming a kidnapper. Does that mean every single person born into severe poverty is destined to start kidnapping people?

Ultimately, helplessness is nothing more than a state of mind. It is easy to rely on a specific narrative because it provides a convenient excuse, allowing you to hide from your true self and from God. The good news is that you possess the power to rise above the limiting scripts you have written in your head. You are entirely capable of making positive choices and doing much better for yourself.