We are often faced with choices that have similar appeal. We are left to opt for one at the expense of the others. Decision making, especially in the face of options that hold similar values, is a painful process as in chosing one we are compelled to give up the others.

Most people have a tendency to opt for the options presented by those who will make the consequences of not subscribing to their views immediately visible and painfully felt.

As a result, they miss the possibilities they would have had, if they had chosen the options provided by those who preferred to respect their freedom and never wanted to force their views upon others. We notice, at times, we too tend to respond to the demands of an officer who might fire us on not responding rather than following the instructions of another who would gently reprimand and give us more time. Are we any different from the students who diligently do the assignments of those teachers who are known for punishing students who come with unfinished homeworks and leave the works asked by gentle and kind teachers undone?

Any decision that we take should be motivated not by the character of the one who demands but by the inherent value contained in what is demanded. That requires assuming personal responsibility for one’s choices. This is possible only if one is in constant contact with his or her inner self and is fully conscious of his or her vocation in life.