3 Ways to Increase Freedom

Freedom is defined in different ways, especially here in the United States. Most often freedom is seen as free will, to do what we want when we want. The other definition of freedom is what I am going to talk about today, it is reducing or eliminating those thoughts and beliefs about ourselves and about life that limit us and keep us in bondage at an emotional level. For instance, if I have spent the majority of my life believing that I cannot speak in front of others, I most likely won't, despite any desire that I may have to do so. This desire to speak and the belief that I have that I cannot is creating conflict within myself, which is in fact limiting, and devaluing me and keeping me in bondage from living up to my full potential. This is not freedom. In the following, I will provide three ways to increase freedom in your life.

First, recognize that you have choices. Make a list of the things that you have to do each day. Now, make a list of things that you like to do. Are they similar?  Why not? I understand, the laundry needs to be done, the house needs to be cleaned, the groceries need to be shopped for, and the gas needs to be pumped, but who is saying that you have to?  Who says when you have to? Probably you.  You have the choice to do it now, later, or not at all. Nonetheless, you have the power to choose. Therefore, recognize that you have a choice and sometimes choose the fun and leave the laundry.

Next, be of service to someone else. Admit it, your focus many times is on yourself. How am I going to get this all done?  I am so mad right now! That guy just cut me off! I'm so tired. Lots and lots of self focus goes on, which in turn causes overwhelm and then creates even more focus on ourselves. So get outside of yourself. Consciously decide to smile at everyone that passes by and try to brighten their day. Thank a person in military uniform for serving our country. Pull that huge thistle out of the neighbors flower bed. Go ahead and give that guy on the corner your last dollar. At the end of the day, instead of reflecting on how tough life can get, you can focus on how you can add joy to someone else's life.

Last, do it afraid. Opportunities knock and the what if's knock louder. The fear of not knowing the outcome can become paralyzing and at the same time depressing. Thereby limiting us from living the abundant, joy filled life we have always wanted. We only get one shot at this thing called life, so take some risks. Whether it's signing up for an obstacle course, running a 5k, taking a few cooking classes at the local college, or even finishing that entire degree that you've been putting off. Take a chance, live large, make a choice to be the best you, that you can be and just do it afraid!

The power is within each of us to reduce or eliminate thoughts and beliefs about ourselves and about life that limit us and keep us in bondage. Therefore, change your mind. Choose to do something you enjoy, add joy to someone else's life, take a risk and then just see how much your freedom increases.