Freedom is the need for independence, autonomy, to have choices and to be able to take control of the direction of one’s life. We fulfill the need for freedom by making choices in our lives. (William Glasser)
Even though human needs are essentially the same for everyone, the behaviors through which individuals choose to satisfy those needs may be quite different. Beginning at birth, individuals have unique experiences that feel either pleasurable or painful. Through these experiences, individuals learn how to satisfy their needs. Because individuals have different experiences, the things they learn to do to satisfy their needs will be different as well. (ibid)
Each individual has memories of need-fulfilling behaviors specific to his or her unique life experiences. These pleasurable memories constitute the individual’s quality world and become the most important part of the person’s life. For most people, this quality world is composed of pictures (or, more accurately, perceptions) representing what they have most enjoyed in life. These perceptions become the standard for behavioral choices. Unlike the basic survival needs, which are the same for everyone, the perceptions in each person’s quality world are very specific and completely individual. Individuals choose to behave in different ways to fulfill their needs because their quality worlds are different. To be in effective control of one’s life means integrating this knowledge into the way one deals with others. (ibid)
Wishing you peace and wellbeing as you check your quality world pictures for freedom.
PS: Remember to hold the ones you love just a little closer and tighter this week (without expectations).
