I used to think it was. I’m offered a choice of cereal or eggs for breakfast. I choose cereal. Boom, free will exercised. Pretty straightforward.
But then I wonder-- was I influenced by nostalgic memories of being served cereal as a kid? Did I choose cereal because I was convinced by the media that cereal is a healthier choice? Is there something in my genetic makeup that causes me to prefer cereal? Did I exercise free will, or was I captive to outside circumstance? Does free will exist at all?!?