Set Yourself Free

Freedom. A virtue many of us take for granted until it is challenged. More than a word, it’s a statement, an expression, a feeling you should harness each day. By definition, it is a noun with many different meanings. A quick search online leads you to a wide variety of interpretations, some don’t really do it justice or define it correctly. Here is one that I thought missed the mark but also perhaps a reason why our freedom is in jeopardy:

1. the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint

Freedom is not the right to act without restraint. It is the right to make choices in your life that allow you to live a life that you truly want to live. Freedom is meant to be enjoyed but also shared, with respect for yourself and those around you. Every human being should have a chance at freedom and while we know that many don’t get that chance, it makes it that much more important when you have the chance at it, that you fight for it and embrace it.  Don’t let anything stand in your way. Not fear, not sadness or the anxiety of the unknown.  Freedom does not give you an excuse to do whatever you want, but rather to enjoy the beauty of life and make each day something you can look back on with pride.

Freedom seems like a distant memory when you turn on the TV or go online these days. But it doesn’t have to be. Yes, the world we live in has forever changed. Yes, our country’s at a pivotal turning point and I pray everyday that someone steps in and rights this ship. Yes, a revolution has begun and this is like nothing we have ever seen before. But it’s how you choose to live your life each day that still matters. Be kind to others. Do what makes you happy. Surround yourself with friends and family. Laugh, joke, tell stories of your heritage and family traditions. Get involved with your community and fight for what you believe in. Keep the hope alive but do it freely. Not because someone told you to or because that’s how it’s always been or supposed to be. Redefine what freedom means to you and then do whatever it takes to achieve it. Do it with kindness and careful consideration. Learn to help others on your journey and enlighten them with your experiences.

I urge you to look at the life you have created and enjoy each day to the fullest. If you no longer can find any joy in your days for whatever reason, make a change and do it quickly. Don’t think too much into it. Change waits for no one. If it feels right, do it and don’t look back. I have learned that you should ALWAYS trust your gut.  I singlehandedly moved myself to a whole new city and state on somewhat of a whim with whatever I could fit in my car and an attitude of ‘This is it. This will set me free. I can and will do this.”

I came across this blog in my Google search of ‘what is freedom’ and was captivated by a very poignant line:

“What’s changed, though, is the definition of freedom. I learned in the early days that I didn’t just want freedom for freedom’s sake—I wanted to do something with it. I wanted to make things, to challenge myself, and to value growth and learning.”- Chris Guillebeau

This is what freedom is all about. This is why we each have a chance at it but we must first find what it means to each of us, fight for it and that fight won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.  If you find your freedom don’t ever let it go and do something positive with it. Change a life. Spread love. Create light. Set yourself free.

XoX,
Avril