Are You Really? Think About It!

As this country celebrates its independence (my ancestors weren’t free in 1776), it has me thinking. Are we truly free?

Seriously, think about this for a moment. You may not be physically enslaved, in prison, and have some flexibility in how you think and move in this country, but does that really equate to freedom? We sing along with Beyonce and Kendrick as “Freedom” is a catchy tune without carefully pondering the words or what it means to be free. I think it’s time to turn the music down and take a look closer.

Let’s start with the definition of freedom. The dictionary says it’s the power or right to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Or the absence of subjection to foreign domination or tyrannical government. This latter point about foreign domination made me think about how we allow others to dominate our thoughts. Doesn’t feel so free to me!

In my opinion, I don’t think we are. I know I want to be free, but I’m not (YET).  Part of my wellness journey is continuing to move towards freedom every day and as Beyonce says not ‘let my freedom rot in hell.’

So before you head to the family BBQ this July 4th, I wanted to provide you with 15 ways to escape the concentration camp of your mind and live freely.

Journal Prompts

• What’s your biggest insecurity? What would life look like if you let it go?
• What is one risk you took that made you proud of yourself?
• When you’re overwhelmed, how do you reconnect with the present moment?
• If you could only achieve one more goal for the rest of your life, what would you pick and why?