Freedom is beyond the ability to freely move around and be part of a free society. It is deeply tied to our sense of being, because by nature we are limitless and unbound. Whenever we are restricted, controlled, or bound, we react sharply because we want to live by our choices, even if they don’t play out. If there is one thing we shouldn’t give up, it is our freedom to choose.

Of course there are times we have to adapt or wait for circumstances to become favourable as we all live in an interconnected world. However, this freedom doesn’t come from external conditions; it comes from our inner attitude.

It comes from finding the ability to sometimes stand apart from the crowd and walk the path we want to, not what is expected of us. The willingness to choose to walk alone because it is the right thing is true freedom.

It comes from being clear on what we want from life, and more importantly, what we want to give life. What works for us may not necessarily work for others. Being comfortable in choices that others may question is true freedom.

It comes from finding courage in tough times. Good times seldom test us, and challenges come as an opportunity for us to know our real strength. Making the right choices in adversity, even if it means prolonging the difficulty, is true freedom.

No matter how much you pour into or remove from an ocean, its level never changes. Choosing to be even-minded through the high and low tides of life is true freedom.

Our life is not defined as much by external factors as it is by the choices we make. No matter how strong the winds and which direction they blow in, a good sailor never lets go of his sails. He aligns them to keep afloat. We too will sail through everything life throws at us when we hold onto our inner resolve that we will not give up our freedom to choose.

(Picture – Heidelberg, Germany)