In the fast-paced world we live in, we’re constantly surrounded by influences: social media, family, friends, and the community at large. Yet, not all influences are within our control, and therein lies a key distinction. Success and well-being are not derived from trying to control everything but rather from understanding what we can influence and letting go of what we cannot.
Seeking influence, as opposed to control, is a healthier approach to life. Influence works through subtle, intentional actions – often by simply speaking, thinking, or acting in a way that aligns with your values. Control, however, is often linked to stress and anxiety, as it creates an expectation of micromanaging outcomes, which is seldom realistic.
Understanding Influence in Modern Times
In today’s world, the concept of “influence” might bring to mind people posting short videos, doing product reviews, or creating attention-grabbing content. But beyond the digital landscape, we are all influenced by those we interact with – our families, friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances on social media. The connections we maintain affect our decisions, behaviours, and, ultimately, our health and well-being.
Dr. Stephen R. Covey once said, “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” This quote encapsulates the power of focusing on what we can influence versus being overwhelmed by what we cannot control.
To manage the myriad of influences around us, it’s helpful to categorize them into three groups:
- Things I can control.
- Things I can influence.
- Things I have no control over.
Understanding these three distinctions enables us to direct our time, energy, and focus to the areas where we can make the most difference.
Nurturing Relationships Within Your Circle of Influence
One of the most valuable things we can influence is our relationships. Whether personal or professional, the quality of these connections greatly impacts our lives. Building and maintaining strong relationships requires consistent effort, communication, and respect. Authentic communication is essential – showing appreciation, offering support, and being trustworthy helps foster relationships that stand the test of time.
Think of how we raise our children: we guide, nurture, and influence them, but we can never truly control their thoughts or actions. This reality highlights the importance of distinguishing between healthy influence and futile attempts at control.
Influence in the Context of Health
The concept of control versus influence extends beyond relationships and into the realm of health. While there are certain aspects of our health that are beyond our control many factors are well within our influence. Identical twins may share the same genetic code, yet their health outcomes can diverge drastically due to lifestyle choices and environments. This highlights the importance of epigenetics, a field that demonstrates how our genes are not fixed destinies.
Epigenetics shows that we have the ability to influence how our genes are activated or deactivated, which directly impacts our health. Just because certain conditions may run in your family doesn’t mean you are destined to suffer the same fate. The choices you make – whether they are dietary, physical, emotional, or mental – can literally turn genes on or off.
As Dr. Bruce Lipton emphasizes in The Biology of Belief, our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions influence our cellular biology. Our beliefs and perceptions shape our biology far more than we once thought. When we shift our mindset to one of empowerment and positivity, we can create an internal environment that supports healing and well-being. Joe Dispenza’s work echoes this, demonstrating how the mind can change the body through focused thought and meditation, while John Demartini’s teachings remind us that our perceptions of our lives and experiences can influence our health outcomes in profound ways.
In short, while we cannot control our genetic code, we can influence how our genes express themselves. This means that our thoughts, emotions, and habits have the power to shape our biological reality. This understanding empowers us to make better decisions about how we live, leading us toward a healthier, more vibrant life.
So, what aspects of health do we have influence over? Let’s explore six key areas where we can make meaningful choices that contribute to living a long, healthy, and vital life.
- Physical Health
Regular physical activity, appropriate posture, and movement are areas we can influence significantly. While we may not be able to control every injury or genetic predisposition, we can choose to stay active, stretch regularly, and maintain good biomechanics. Vitalistic chiropractic care can support spinal health, balance the nervous system, and enhance your body’s ability to heal and function optimally.
- Chemical Health
The foods we eat, the water we drink, and the substances we expose our bodies to all play a role in our chemical health. Though we can’t avoid every environmental toxin, we can choose to nourish our bodies with wholesome, natural foods and minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. By controlling what we consume, we can reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and optimize cellular function.
- Mental and Emotional Health
Our mental and emotional well-being is deeply intertwined with our physical health. Chronic stress and unresolved emotions can manifest as physical ailments. While we may not always be able to control the external events that cause stress, we can choose how we respond to them. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and seeking therapy when necessary are within our control and can significantly improve our mental resilience.
- Sleep
One of the most overlooked aspects of health is sleep. The quality and quantity of sleep we get every night directly influence our energy levels, mood, immune function, and overall health. While we can’t always control when we feel tired, we can create a conducive sleep environment, establish healthy sleep habits, and make sleep a priority.
- Nature
Spending time in nature has a profound effect on our well-being. Fresh air, sunlight, and natural environments help regulate our circadian rhythms, reduce stress, and foster a sense of calm and connection. While we can’t control the weather or our proximity to nature, we can choose to spend more time outdoors when possible, reconnecting with the natural world around us.
- Gut Health
The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” due to its complex relationship with the rest of the body, particularly the immune system. While we may not have control over our microbiome’s initial composition, we can certainly influence it through diet, hydration, and lifestyle choices. Fermented foods, probiotics, and a diet rich in fibre help promote gut health, while processed foods and excessive sugars can have the opposite effect.
Living a healthy, vibrant life isn’t about controlling every aspect of your environment. It’s about focusing your energy where you can make a difference – on what you can influence. While genetics and circumstances may set the stage, it’s your decisions that play the leading role in shaping your well-being.
By recognizing the boundaries between control and influence, we can shift from a place of anxiety and frustration to a space of empowerment and growth. Whether it’s nurturing relationships, optimizing your health, or fostering mental and emotional resilience, the key lies in focusing on what matters most and letting go of what you cannot change. Through this mindful approach, you can lead a life of purpose, balance, and vitality.
