Are you truly free?

Freedom

This week with Canada Day & the 4th of July happening, two holidays that celebrate freedom and independence, I've been thinking a lot about what freedom means to me. 

Freedom is having the ability to act or change without constraint. It is the ability to think and do what you want without consequences. It is the gift of just being as you are. 

Freedom can also be applied to choice. Having the freedom to create your own work schedule, freedom of creative expression, choosing who you love, where to live and what faith you believe in. Freedom comes in choosing courage over comfort, love over fear and living a life with intention. 

I've been extremely blessed in my life with the privilege and citizenship that gave me the freedom to choose these things and  where I felt able, safe and supported to make choices for myself that embodied freedom. 

Others have not been as lucky. I am ready the book The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger, a 91 year old Holocaust survivor who endured time in Auschwitz and lost both her parents and beloved to the war. She was robbed of all of her choices during that time except the ability to choose her mindset. 

Her story is incredibly inspiring to me. It shows that no matter what situation you are - you always have the ability to choose. 

This week, whether you are Canadian celebrating Canada Day, American honouring the 4th of July or from somewhere else in our big beautiful world, I invite you to reflect on freedom and what it means to you with the following journaling prompts.  

Reflection Questions
1. How do you define freedom?
2. Where in your life do you feel free to be exactly who you are? Where do you not? 
3. What can you do to be more free this summer?
4. How can you celebrate the aspects of your life that are full of freedom? 
5. How can you support others in feeling free?