I laughed out loud while reading a query to a syndicated advice columnist.

A woman, who apparently is trying to lose weight, wants a coworker to remove his ever-present candy dish because the woman lacks the willpower to walk on by.

Unable or unwilling to adapt to her workplace surroundings, the misguided woman expects the world to adapt to her.

How ludicrous to demand all temptations be removed from our paths.

What about self-discipline and free will?

No one is forcing that overweight woman to eat candy every time she sees it. Surely other workers pass by that candy dish and resist reaching out to grab its contents.

We alone are responsible for our choices, although many people seem to thrive on blaming others for their poor decisions.

These are the folks who refuse to accept responsibility for their behavior. Everything that happens to them is the fault of others.

Every choice we make has consequences, good or bad. It's entirely up to us, not anyone else.

The most power we will ever have in life is the ability to think for ourselves.

As a favorite Cameroonian proverb puts it, "A person is not rewarded for having a brain, but for using it."

Apparently some individuals are afraid to do that. Using our brains involves critical thinking, self examination, and lots of questioning. It's hard work, but I can't imagine living any other way.

Sadly, too many folks find it easier to relegate this enormous power to others: their spouses, their friends, their religions, their political parties, their workplaces.

How many times do we hear people deeply mired in debt complain that their spouses "insisted" on the loans and credit cards, and the "helpless" spouse just caved in and signed the papers.

Why?

If our brain tells us something is not affordable, we should heed our mind and refuse. We don't jump into the quagmire and then blame our spouse for the predictable disaster.

I've talked to people in jail who said their friends "made" them take drugs or commit the crime.

I've heard patients whining about bad outcomes from unnecessary surgery.

But guess what? The doctor "made" them get the operation.

That'll be the day. If one thinks for himself, he will be able to refuse when friends suggest foolish or illegal acts or doctors recommend dubious body part replacements.

The worker with a bowl of candy on his desk is not making anyone take a piece.

If someone truly is intent on losing weight, she will resist the temptation and ignore the candy.

But, as a favorite Sudanese proverb wisely states, "The one who wants to do something finds a way; the one who doesn't, finds an excuse."

Life is filled with temptations and persuasive individuals who might lead us astray.

The key to having a satisfying life and a healthy body always starts with a good head.

Use it.