If you follow my Instagram profile, you’ll notice that I use #livefree quite a bit and, seemingly, indiscriminately. As random as it may seem when I use this hashtag, there is a strategic reason behind its use. Since it’s Monday and this is the day of the week when inspiration seems to be at its peak both in need and usage, I thought I would explore what the idea of living free means to me.
Living free is something I have been working toward for a while now. Some days are better than others because living free requires adaptation and takes time. It requires a mental shift that focuses on taking a personal inventory. For most people, myself included, living free is a mindset and a lifestyle change that isn’t always so easy to come by. We all have to eat and pay bills, which requires us to give a good portion of our time away to others. And, we have people that depend on us. So, yeah, living free isn’t easy or something that happens overnight. What it can be, though, is something that we aspire to daily with patience and gentleness.
Allow me to share with you what living free means to me. It may mean something different to you and I honor and respect that.
Living free means setting boundaries and learning to say no when saying yes relinquishes your control over the way you live your life.
Living free requires you to live simply and within your means; not only within your financial means but within your spiritual and relationship means too. Overextending yourself to others means you’ll always come up short and in the end, you’ll feel emotionally drained.
Living free does not judge. We are faced with choices every day. Sometimes we make the right choice, sometimes we falter and choose wrong. Our choices move us in many different directions. Accept the choices you make without judgment. Be kind to yourself and keep moving forward.
Living free requires sacrifice. Sometimes you have to let go of the weight that is anchoring you in place.
Living free is messy. Often, when we make choices to lighten our burdens we’re met with criticism. Sometimes from others, but most of the time we’re criticizing ourselves. Self-reflection in the key to sorting out the messiness of living life on your terms.
So, as you begin this first week of the new month, I ask you this question.
What can you do to live free today?
Start small. Living free is easiest when you ease into it and give yourself time to figure out what those two words mean to you.
Share your thoughts. Spread the message by sharing this post. And, if you’re so inclined, head over to Instagram and #livefree with me. Don’t forget to tag me so I can see what living free means to you.
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