We are shaped to an astounding degree by the things that happen to us. What's that old prayer? Serenity to accept the things I can't change, courage to change the things I can, wisdom to know the difference? Well, I don't believe in prayer, but I believe in people. Anyone can learn that serenity, courage and wisdom if they make the decision to try.
Things happen to us all the time, and some of our responses are automatic. There are both physical and emotional responses to stimuli that your average person simply can't control. But reaction doesn't stop after the first few milliseconds. There's always time to choose a further response that augments or counteracts the automatic stuff. Long live free will.
