Instincts are self illusion

ERICA DOWNING

Artist/Vendor

The definition of instinct, according to the Oxford dictionary, is an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli. In other words, a reaction to a situation of similar circumstances from a known previous experience. What you may call a gut feeling is actually a reaction to a memory based on a past experience. The circumstances may have changed but your reaction remains the same. This is not only human nature but animal nature. The difference between the two is the ability to change said instincts. Instincts can cause missed opportunities and forgotten dreams, a life’s purpose unfulfilled, in attempts to protect one’s self against the unknown and repeating past mistakes. But with great risk is great reward. We must have confidence and faith in ourselves, and treat each new experience as such, a new experience. Humans have the ability to adapt and alter reactions based on new circumstances. Humans have the ability to change the circumstance altogether if they have the faith in themselves to do so. Instead of allowing your surroundings to change you, know and trust that you have the power to change your surroundings, which will change your circumstance, improve your situation and provide new opportunities you thought could only be imagined. Take the leap of faith and trust yourself.