As we emerge from our homes after another extended period of compulsory confinement, it seemed appropriate that the focus this week should be on freedom. The dictionary defines freedom as the quality or state of being free. What does freedom mean to you? Is freedom a word that dominates your vocabulary, occupies your mind or steers your way of living? “I think freedom for me comes down to three things; time freedom, financial freedom and location freedom.”
Skye Khilji, Episode 011 Focus on WHY Whilst freedom is sought on differing levels; physical, emotional, mental, financial, spiritual and social, the very concept of freedom allows for your own unique interpretation. Essentially, there are three types of freedom that capture all levels: the freedom to do, the freedom to be and the freedom from. In Viktor E Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning, our ability to choose our reaction under any circumstance is referred to as the "last of the human freedoms." Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor, Frankl, says that “man is capable of changing the world for the better if possible and of changing himself for the better if necessary. Every human being has the freedom to change at any instant.” This is echoed by French philosopher, Albert Camus, “Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.” Evolution of all life focuses on becoming a better version of its previous form. You cannot always control your circumstances, however you can control your attitude. There is not one singular meaning of your life. You have the freedom to choose your WHY. It is unique to you and dependent on your decisions, situations and responsibilities. WHY do you do what you do? Inevitably, when talking with many of my podcast guests on Focus on WHY, everything comes back to the concept of freedom in one form or another as they each speak of their own version of freedom and what it means to them. “Not being pushed and pulled around by your thoughts meaning you have a sense of emotional freedom. You have the consciousness and the power to determine what's going on and how you feel about it as opposed to being at the mercy of the life around you. I describe it as being the director of your life rather than the manager of your circumstances.” Devan Bailey, Episode 134 Focus on WHY Freedom is often referred to in association with other words to define the type of freedom they seek. Here is just a selection of what some of my guests have shared. Freedom to create. Freedom to work. Freedom and love. Freedom and choice. Freedom and flexibility. Freedom and opportunity. Freedom and acceptance. Freedom and independence. Freedom and kindness. Freedom of time. Freedom of curiosity. Freedom to be heard. Freedom to explore. Freedom of just being. “My mission is to end needless emotional suffering. I love helping people to have that freedom.”
Tim Shurr, Episode 127 Focus on WHY Over the last year, the pandemic has forced the hand of your freedom. Whilst confinement of lockdown has been limiting, it's actually given me a large degree of freedom. I couldn’t travel and I wasn’t free to move around, yet using the wonderful medium of podcasting, I created a solution where I was able to connect with people from all over the world. Doing what I love to do, shining the light on people's purpose, for me, that is freedom. Have you found freedom or are you still chasing freedom?
ACTION POINT Remember you have the freedom to choose what freedom means to you. Choose wisely! Focus on freedom! Amy
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