Free Your Freedom!

Freedom is a word that has been tattooed on my heart for as long as I can remember.

Maybe it comes from being a first born, an Aries, my penchant for being a leader, the oldest cousin, or a wild heart.

This time of year always makes me ponder on the essence of freedom. So many in this world seek it, but how many actually live a life that is free?

At it’s core, freedom is defined in many different ways—just like peace, love, or happiness—each individual has a unique way of describing and living their ultimate freedom. And that is what makes it so achievable for all.

For many, freedom comes with a feeling in your gut that life is going your way, for others it is about how many vacation days a year they get, and for most—at its core—freedom is the allowance of living an authentic life.

Sometimes I feel like I stifle my freedom out of guilt.

I bring myself down when I ask for what I really want out of life. I grapple in the grey of “just settling” and “achieving my own true greatness.” I feel guilt for having high external expectations for my career, and financial gains. At times I feel chained to be a cog in the wheel, and that my only path to success is how the world defines it. This path to freedom is exhausting, and is not something I feel like participating in. Does anyone else struggle with this?

We are living in a time of ultimate and beautiful change. Some may not see it, but feeling it is undeniable. At times, it can be uncomfortable…coming into true feelings of self, awakening our inner-most desires and goals. Most of our lives, we have been conditioned to accept being that cog, when in actuality, we are meant to be the wheel! Changing over to whole-living is an adjustment, so try not to feel guilt for the joy (and freedom!) you are currently creating.

For me to “achieve my own true greatness,” I have to look to the freedoms that I have right now.

Some of the most freeing feelings I get come from laughing with my family, the time to work toward my dream job, having a dance battle with my husband in our living room, playing hide and seek with my dog, Frankie (yes, he actually knows how to play this!), being grateful for the food in my cupboards, and hello—having cupboards, and a kitchen, and a home! WHAT!? It’s those little details.

We are all meant to be free. It is up to everyone to set off your inner freedom like a firework and live in that feeling!

Can you hear all the “Ooohs” and “Ahhhhhs” now?!