Freedom

/ˈfrēdəm/

noun
noun: freedom
1.  The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
2.  The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.
3.  The state of not being subject to or affected by (a particular undesirable thing).
4.  The power of self-determination attributed to the will; the quality of being independent of fate or necessity.

Man is free at the moment he wishes to be. ~Voltaire

I've learned that fear limits you and your vision. It serves as blinders to what may be just a few steps down the road for you. The journey is valuable, but believing in your talents, your abilities, and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path. Transforming fear into freedom - how great is that? ~Soledad O'Brien

What exactly is freedom?  The dictionary definition is great but how does true freedom FEEL?  Do you feel free when you can do what you want, when you want? Do you feel free when you are alone?  With others?  Outside?  In your home?  On the beach?  For me, freedom is inside and the ability to break away from the things and thoughts that weigh me down. 

I just spent a week with a group of amazing people that accept and care for me FOR ME--that is not something that I have not always experienced. I laughed until my cheeks hurt, I cried and released what no longer served me, I relaxed and recharged…..I am changed and I am forever grateful for the time spent together; I look forward to many more wonderful times with them.  Never again will I allow others to downplay my significance as a person.  These days, I am very selective about my tribe; I cannot waste another day trying to please someone (or people) that do not do the same for me.  I will love and give to the people that are in my corner.  I will not let any good thing be left unsaid to those that are important to me.

I used to ACT happy because I thought that if those around me truly knew the REAL me then they would not like me.  This was not freedom, it was a prison of my own making.  My smile was fake.  My life was just going through the motions, not TRULY living.  Now, I look back and wonder WHY did I create this self-made prison for those that did not have my best intentions in mind?  Why was I content with being unhappy?  Why did I feel as though no one would like me?  What was wrong with me, was I not worthy ?  Why did I feel like loving people that did not love me was OK? …was I ENOUGH?  Why am I not enough? 

I built a wall of self-doubt, fear, and a life of uncertainty for people that were not about ME at all!  Pfffft, really?  I WAS and AM enough.  I AM whatever I want to be and more than anything I am….ME!  I am sorry that not all see these things in me but the important part is that I see it in myself and those that truly, deeply love me see them too.  I no longer need validation to feel worthy of love.  I am worthy just as I am because I have a lot of love to give.  I have cried a LOT of tears.  Carried a lot of shame because my story is NOT pretty.  Experienced a lot of fear that others would judge me.  Held a lot of doubt that I was worthy of acceptance and love.  But through it all, I found myself again.  I found my smile.  I still have moments of insecurity and self-doubt but those times are fewer and less frequent.  I am worthy of love, I am worthy of respect.....period.  I will settle for nothing less.

As scary as it sounds, we cannot rely on others to give us our self-worth.  We are whole, complete, and worthy simply because we are a living human.  We (all of us) deserve respect because a heart beats in our chest.  As a woman, I tend to lend self-worth to others and forget and why I get out of bed every day.  I continue to move forward.  Please do not spend one more day feeling lost, stuck, numb, or asking for someone’s love and/or attention.  If they do not give it freely when you are being your true, authentic self then they are not worth your time or tears.  Find your WHY and remember that you are amazing…..just as you are!

Are you tired of feeling defeated?  Are you tired of living with self-doubt and fear?  Are you ready to make a change?  Do  you want to look in the mirror and say…I freaking LOVE YOU!  Use the contact form (on the right) to send me a message, we can work together to make changes and create a life that you love to live!