"Before making your choice, release your fear of wrong decisions. Perceived mistakes can lead you down wonderful and unexpected paths that expose you to life-changing insights. If you can let go of the notion that certain choices are utterly right while others are entirely wrong, you will be less tempted to invite others to take the reigns of your destiny.
When your choices are your own, you will be more likely to accept and be satisfied with the outcome of those choices. Your decisions will be a pure reflection of your desires, your creativity, your awareness, and your power."
This reminds me of a book I read in my twenties. If I'd been able to fully put it into practice then, I'd likely have needed about 62% less psychotherapy. The book is The Psychology of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden. It essentially argues that self-respect comes from making your own choices based on your own highest values and accepting responsibility for the consequences. Not entirely easy. But a lot more attainable, satisfying, and worthwhile than trying to make decisions perceived as perfect, right, or normal in the "eyes of the world."
