Feeling Free-er Than Free

What defines feeling ‘free’?

Well, the definition of freedom is, ‘ Freely making decisions based on your personal values and beliefs. It is no fear of judgement from others and setting no expectations.’

The expectations we have are often based on the opinions of others, or the assumed views that the people we love and look up to, will be negative. We associate our fears of rejection with ‘not being good enough’. The truth is, we won’t ever feel good enough if we chase satisfaction through values which aren’t our own. By doing things for our own happiness, we find so much more fulfilment in the moments and the process of becoming who we are proud of. Progress doesn’t become visible by changing our body, or wearing the clothes that are deemed ‘fashionable’. Progress shows in the smallest of things, such as the smile to a stranger, saying hello to an old friend, or letting someone know they’re loved by so many.

Freedom is the same, in many ways. It is more than a feeling of understanding yourself ad what has got you feeling trapped. It’s more than just knowing boundaries. It’s about putting into practice what you discover makes you happy. It’s giving yourself the time to appreciate the things in your own life, while not basing your approval on what others think.

Freedom, for me, is letting go of the past version of myself, but continuing to take on board the lessons she learned, throughout her challenges and past defeats. Changing the way I think about my future also brings me comfort in knowing I’m not the same person I was a year ago. I have come a long way, and I assist my recovery by my daily choices. I know that freedom is getting closer.

It won’t be a moment passing and I have suddenly found freedom. It doesn’t happen in a moment. But it is a continuous choice that can’t be lacking. It requires sustained effort, and the process will have it’s dips. You know yourself the best. You have the perfect understanding of your own personal growth, what has changed, what needs to change and how to go about it. Change is a scary concept. But our perspective at the beginning of anything we take on in life, shows how capable we are of achieving our dreams.