Freedom

Freedom…what does freedom mean to you? Is it something you just have? Is it given to us by someone else or can we choose freedom whenever we want? If freedom is a choice why don’t we choose it? Could freedom be about our inner dialogue, what we tell ourselves about our circumstances?

There have been times in my life that I didn’t feel like I was free to choose what I wanted. Those times I blamed my circumstances or other people for how I felt. I was sure I couldn’t feel better until those things changed.

I’ve been working lately on my core values and finding out what’s really important to me. A clear set of core values helps me remember who I am when I make decisions, it helps with keeping my thoughts where I want them to be, helps me be motivated and disciplined, and my relationships are stronger. At times it’s been easier for me to compromise my core values, who I am, than to say or do what I really wanted.

I didn’t realize why I felt so stuck. I know now it’s because I was going against something inside that was a core part of my being. I believe we’re born with these values and come into this world to live our lives with them as a guide. We can tell by how our life is going and how we’re feeling how close we hold those values.

Having this list of 4 or 5 values that are the most important to me and define my beliefs allows me to check in with how I’m feeling when I make a decision or just how I’m showing up.

Freedom is one of my core values. In order to feel the most alive, I must be free. I can go and do pretty much what I want; I always could. I’ve always been independent and worked in an industry with creative freedom where I can set my hours to suit my life.

My struggle with freedom has been more internal. Looking back on my life there have been countless times that I’ve handed over my freedom to someone or something. Conflict existed because I didn’t understand I was going against my values. This led to feelings of guilt and shame without knowing why. Going against my core value of freedom doesn’t ever feel good. Taking responsibility for my freedom opens me up to the blessings of being true to myself.

We need a sturdy foundation and solid base, and our core values provide that in our actions, decisions, and behaviors. Without this foundation, we may look like we’re doing okay on the outside while we lose our sense of direction and purpose on the inside.

Remembering that freedom is one of my core values keeps me aligned with who I am. What are your core values and are how are you honoring them? Is freedom one of them?

When we change the world changes.

When we change the world changes.