We Need to Give People the Freedom to Choose What’s Right for Them

I read a lot of articles about love without attachment and respect for other people's decisions, but only one day did I really get it. And I will tell you what happened to me that day.

My boss and I have a very special relationship. He is the manager everyone can want to have. He informs me of my work and everything I do. You think I'm a big kid. Whenever he has a chance, he praises my results and shows his confidence in me and my work.

One day, I decided to go to a job interview for another company. I had no plans to leave; I just wanted to see what other companies have to offer. And I told her about it.

His reaction completely surprised me: instead of thinking of himself and giving me everything to keep me going, he said to me, “Andrei, go for an interview, and if you think that's better for you, go. ”

It was clear to me that he was not comfortable with my departure. He loved my job and wanted me to stay, but there was something he understood: the most important thing was that I was happy. And that makes a difference.

He thought of me instead of himself. It was a development. Instead of forcing me to give up everything, I was given a choice. And choice means freedom.

It meant I had to compare. I saw what others had to offer and decided what was best for me. And then, when I have to choose, I choose what makes me happy. So I went for an interview, saw that my current project was better than the new one, and went back to work with the new troops.

A few days later I was at home, remembering the whole incident when my girlfriend called me and told me she was thinking of taking a weekend trip.

We had not seen each other for a while, and I had made plans for the weekend. But he was thinking of leaving and wanted to know what I thought about it.

The first thing that came to my mind was: “No! Tell her not to go! We have plans! ”But then I remembered how my boss had reacted. I wanted her to be happy.

I wanted her to be able to choose what was best for her. I wanted her to have a choice, as I had, because I understood that having a choice meant freedom. So I told her to go even though I was so upset that I couldn't be with her.

There are two things I learned from this experience.

Releasing gives people the opportunity to make their own choices.

My supervisor has taught me an important lesson: think about what other people want and need instead of just thinking about you.

When someone wants something that goes against what you want, there are two options. The first convinces the other to do what you want. This method gives you strength. You will be satisfied, but no one will really be happy about it. By following this course, you are putting yourself at risk by thinking that you know what is right for someone else. And you may fail.

But there is another way: to present your choice, but to support someone else's choice. This method is good and very powerful because it gives some strength. You may or may not get what you want, but either way there is no way to fail.

Free will means freedom.

Freedom is something we all want because in the end freedom brings happiness. Freedom means being able to compare situations - advantages and disadvantages - with the best choice.

Since we all want freedom, we should also realize that others have the right to be free.

They say that birds are a symbol of freedom. If you look at the sky and watch their movements, you will understand why. I have never seen a bird drag another around the sky. Yes, they can fly close to each other, they can eat and sleep next to each other, but that's all. If they choose to drag, none of them will be able to fly and both will fall to the ground.

Sometimes it can be hard to respect other people's choices because it contradicts our own self-esteem. But we all want the freedom to choose what is best for us. And everyone benefits when we all choose to give it to each other