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‘True Freedom is Within Us’ – My Definition of Freedom

‘All good things are wild and free.’ – Henry David Thoreau

Talk about the word ‘freedom’ and there are so many opinions and discussions around it. People of different age groups would have different perspective on this term. My definition of freedom too kept changing as I grew up.

As a kid, I believed that freedom is to be able to lead a life without restrictions. It is to be able to wear the clothes I like, eat what I relish, and play with my mates without seeking anyone’s permissions. My definition of freedom was too simple then, wasn’t it?

As I grew to be a teenager, I thought freedom is synonymous to enjoying life. Making new friends, hanging out with them, going for parties, and visiting new places marked my freedom. Isn’t teenage the age of being naive?

I happened to fall in love, choose my own life partner and marry him as per my will. I also took up a job, and felt self sufficient. I thought my freedom lies in my independence and in my ability to take my own life’s decisions. My definition of freedom looked appealing then.

When I became a mother, I had quit my job. I planned to be a homemaker out of choice. I chose not to go back to work and be a WAHM. I thought being able to choose for myself had set me fully free. I was partially right then.

I took up writing/blogging as a profession. I then started to believe that ultimate freedom lies in expressing oneself. I thought I could translate my thoughts into words and reach out to different people. And so my freedom lies in my creative expression. I still ain’t fully wrong in believing so.

definition of freedom

This December I stepped into my thirties and I had a sudden realization dawned upon me. Call it being wise with age or being mature with the experiences of the past 3 decades, my definition of freedom took an entirely new meaning.

I happened to realize that freedom is not a goal of life. It is rather a way of life that helps one to live fully. Freedom is within us and it’s the key that takes us closer to the door of eternal happiness. It is not a feat that I can achieve. It is something that I have to internalize. It will help me to understand my own being and lead a happy life.

And so, my definition of freedom changed again. It now comprises of all that I thought it means and also much more.

Freedom to me now means, to be able to live my life my way and also to live it unapologetically.

It is to take my life’s decisions and also being confident about them.

Freedom means to assert my choices and also be proud of them.

It is to express myself creatively and also to look beyond the common perception.

It is to stay firm in my beliefs and also to debunk the myths that fail to convince me.

Freedom to me is to wake up with a free mind everyday and do away with the prejudices and judgement of the past.

It is being a kid with my kids and not bothering of what the world thinks of me.

It is to connect with my responsibilities and fulfill them happily.

My freedom allows me to make mistakes and also learn from them.

It helps me to lead a comfortable life, and be content with it.

Freedom is my way of life that simply allows me to be myself.

I truly believe that freedom can’t be granted through an external source. It can best be achieved by exploring within the realm of one’s own self. It is a state of mind that eventually leads to true happiness.


This blog post is a part of #LetsDiscussFreedom Blogathon. I would like to thank Nisha from A2ZlifeOfATwinMom  for introducing me. I would now like to introduce Sunita from SunitaSaldhanaBlog and recommend you to read her views on the prompt, ‘What Does  Freedom Mean To You’.

 


What is your idea of freedom? Do share your views in the comments below.

Also read- Treasure Of My Life- My Library Shelf

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. MommyingBabyT

    Loved this Charu. I think it captures your journry as an adult in such a beautiful way. And a quote comes to mind – The woods are lovely dark and deep but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.

    1. TheMomSagas

      Thanks Tara. That’s such a beautiful and meaningful quote.

  2. Sumira Bhatia

    So beautifully written

  3. alpanadeo

    So true. Freedom lies within us. But we keep on looking for it outside and we get dependent on others to grant is freedom.

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