Do we really have free will? If we are bound by rules, laws and expectations? Before we decide what we want for us we are always guided to behave, what subject to study on, type of clothes we should wear, and let others decide what goals we should have. When someone goes against of these expectations, they often get criticized or excluded. So in a way, it would feel like our choices are already decided for us.
In my opinion, I think we do have free will and it totally depends on us how to use it. There are some places where I can not use my free will such as at school they have rules if I don't abide their rules then there would be consequences, at home I have to listen to my parents and follow their tradition, just like that I'm expected to fulfill society's expectation. For an example, if I feel like not going to the classes. I can't skip whenever I want, and I know these behaviors would bring negative consequences. These limits are real, and they affect my decisions.
I already have some limitations but still I can make my own choices every day. I can choose which people to communicate with, what kind of outfit to wear everyday, which friends I should spend time with, and most importantly what kind of person I want to become. As we know that, people can study in the same institute and follow the same rules but still make different choices. This depicts that people are not always controlled by society or anyone else.
Sometimes social pressure can make free will harder to use. Another example, my friend Shamim he always wanted to be an artist but because of his parents he never could pursue for his dreams. The reason his parents didn't allow him to become an artist was because of the society expectations, everyone thinks the profession of an artist is not a respectful job and not highly paid.
That is why he was unable to study the subject he liked the most, now he studies science which he was least interested in. Still now his parents taunts him for not being able to make an expected result. But they do not understand that their son is unable to focus on study because he doesn't like the subject. No one can force themselves to do something against their will and even if they do it, they can't give their 100%. In conclusion, they fail. Still now Shamim is unable speak up about his uncomfortable situation. He doesn't know how to make it any better.
To be honest, free will doesn't mean that we should be able to do anything without any consequences. Instead, it is the ability to choose our actions within the situation we are in. Even if the society and our family creates boundaries that can never completely bind us. Because we always have the ability to choose no matter how ugly the situation could get. I know we will never be free from all rules, but we are always free to decide how we respond to them.
So, I believe that free will exists and it will always be in our hand. Our family and society might get upset but as long we don't hurt someone physically or mentally our free will should not be their concern. We should be able to make our own decisions and not end our happiness for others.
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