Salute to Freedom

What is Freedom?

Is freedom something bestowed or declared?  Is it earned, claimed, or innately present?  Ask ten people and you will receive as many answers.  In the personal realm, we measure freedom in terms of our own health, our work, our choices, time, finances, and obligations.  In the larger context of society and the world, freedom is measured in terms of governance, security, economics, religion, and self-expression.  There is also freedom as it exists within the landscape of our minds and hearts.

Let the following thoughts from others stir you.  What is freedom to you?

"Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom." — Albert Einstein
 
 "Everything can be taken from a man but… the last of the human freedoms —
to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." — Victor Frankl
 
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” — Marianne Williamson
 
“The secret of happiness is freedom.  The secret of freedom is courage.” — Thucydides
 
 “Man is free at the moment he wishes to be.” — Voltaire

Salute Your Freedom

It is tempting to dwell on where you feel constrained in your life.  Today, acknowledge a specific aspect of your freedom that you deeply appreciate.  Ask yourself:  How am I free right now?  What am I free to do, think, choose, or express?  Who am I free to be in my life?

Now, select an aspect of your freedom which you would like to exercise more fully.  For example: Leave work on time more often.  Choose how to spend the rest of your summer.  Take a mini-trip to a place you’ve always wanted to see.  Think about what might be next for you in your career or work.  Get involved in something in which you would like to have a voice.  Allow yourself to dream and pursue new possibilities.

Happy Independence Day — to those here in the U.S. and to those of you in other countries. — Salute your freedom!

Here's to you,