On the freedom to be free!

Nobody can give you freedom…or anything. If you're a man [or a woman, you take it. - Malcolm X

“The cavalry ain't coming!” Being free is an act of growing up. The point where our lives change is the day we realize that no one is coming to save us. We are our own liberators. When Malcolm X said that no one can give you freedom, or anything for that matter unless you take it, the underpinning philosophical reasoning is that of taking responsibility for what you want, and going for it. Every four years or so people go to the polls to elect some individuals whom they believe will turn their lives around and make things easier for them. Well…four years later, the same set of people are ready to do a 180 degree and vote in another set of smooth-talking people whom they somehow believe will be different. The cavalry isn't coming!?

When we grow up, we take responsibility for our destinies. We no longer expect our lives to be improved by someone other than us. Only one person is responsible for making our lives better…the person you see in the mirror. This implies that for things to change for us in a positive way, we need to look in the mirror. We need to look inside. Our lives change the day we start focusing on what the person standing in front of the mirror can do, instead of empowering someone else for our great future. That is what being free is all about. It means casting away the shackles of dependency, and beginning to lean on ourselves.

When people think of freedom, images of living in a 10 million dollar home, a yacht and sports cars come to mind. That is not it. Material possessions and toys guarantee nothing. You may have those and still be bound in what Tony Robbins called “learned helplessness.” That is why people always look to alcohol, or drugs, or even a role model for inspiration. It doesn't work. Instead it is self-destructive. If those material acquisition and fame and fortune do not equate to freedom, then what is?

What does it mean to be free??

1. The knowledge that no one cares about you as much as you care about yourself.
2. The realization that no one is coming to save you.
3. Knowing that until you change, nothing will change for you.
4. Knowing that only you can free yourself, no one else will do it for you.
5. Acceptance of the fact that true freedom comes from self-reliance.
6. Taking responsibility for everything that has happened in your life until this point.
7. Accepting that you are responsible for everything that will happen in your life going forward.

That is all there is to being free. Freedom is essence means self-reliance. It is in no one’s interest to come for you. Only you love you in a most comprehensive way. Only you can figure out how best to navigate the challenges that present themselves inevitably on your journey towards greatness. You can do this. You got this. Go for it. Embrace freedom and happiness!

Alex James

May 12, 2022