The maxim, think for yourself, may sound overly simplistic and appears, at first blush, to be stating the obvious.  After all, it is sage advice that applies to every area in life and is nothing short of common sense.  Yet, many have been conditioned to doubt themselves and place unbridled blind trust in “experts” and "professionals".

Being continually distracted, over worked, and overwhelmed in many aspects of our lives makes it increasingly difficult to go against the narrative of pundits. Worn down and debased, the right and responsibility to decide for oneself ends up being relinquished to those who are supposed to know what is best.  

Considering the axiom from the context of functional nutrition and a holistic approach to health, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of empowering yourself with the skills needed to come to your own conclusions and guard yourself against subtle manipulation or group think.  Independent thought should not be confused with moral relativism nor should it be a license to reject thoughtful discourse or to forsake humility, however.  

Does that mean that there aren’t truths along the way?  Of course not.  One needn't be anti-establishment to be pro-truth. But don’t let me form your opinion.  Instead, you need to draw those conclusions on your own. Here are some do's and don'ts to guide your path to enlightenment.

THE DON'Ts

Don’t rely on the media.  Don’t let corporations, lobbyists, or special interest groups influence you.  Don’t let establishment medicine, social media, or politics push you.  Big Government, Big Tech, Big Pharm, or Big Brother aren’t in charge of your well-being, you are.  Your health isn’t a political party, a commodity, a data point. It's not a social or science experiment, nor is it something to be controlled or assigned an arbitrary value. It isn’t anyone’s business.  It is not up to others to influence or dictate decisions on your behalf.  It’s up to you. Your questioning of them doesn't make you a conspiracy theorist and if that is how you're made to feel, then that in and of itself is a red flag.

THE DOs

Do your own research. Watch out for fraudulent studies masquerading as truth. Identify the source instead of trusting the remark "studies show". Look for conflicts of interest. Ditch blind conformity. Investigate motives and scrutinize intentions.

Give yourself permission to explore. Empower yourself with knowledge. Stop seeking the approval of others. Challenge the mainstream narrative. Ask what the driving force behind something is. If it is fear, beware.

Take counsel from trusted, reliable, impartial resources but remember, humans are fallible and subject to bias, emotion, intimidation, and even greed. Filter accordingly.  

Reject peer pressure or societal norms. Look for non-dogmatic information that is free and transparent. Follow the money. Expand your visible horizon and think outside of the box. Look at different perspectives through the lens of objectivity.

Try to wait at least one big sleep before forming an opinion or making a decision; clarity often comes in the morning. Practice humility and accept when you are wrong. Ask questions then question the answers.

Go down rabbit holes (chasing facts) if it is helpful but stay out of the weeds (fear filled distractions). Independently verify sources. Beware of information psyops. Apply logic.

Support and travel with others who are also on the journey to truth. Be willing to listen. Employ your own intellect. Exercise reason. Value your own opinion but respect that of others.

Actively participate in matters that directly impact you. Speak up. Be lionhearted. Be charitable.

Muster courage and display bravery. Learn from your mistakes. Forgive yourself. Be accountable for your decisions.

Count personal experience as a worthy data point. Remain true to yourself. Be honest.

Push the pause button. Sit in silence. Develop discernment.

Have faith.

Seek peace.

Pray.

In other words,

THINK.FOR.YOURSELF.

Thoughtfully,
Marie Stumphauzer, FNTP

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+

FREEDOM OF THOUGHT WILL NOT ONLY SAVE YOU,
IT WILL SAVE THE WORLD.

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