What Do You Long To Be Free From?
Independence Day is a perfect time to ponder the freedoms you desire most
July 4 is Independence Day in the U.S. and that inspired me to write and share my own declaration of independence. I encourage you to write yours and share it in the comments.
Note: Anyone can comment on this post. Normally, I only allow paid subscribers to comment because I want to provide a safe, supportive space for people to share personal experiences and mental health challenges.
Here’s what I’m declaring my independence from:
Believing every mean thing my inner critic or anyone else says about me.
Measuring my success as a writer solely on the basis of how much money I earn.
Letting other people’s opinions about what’s best for me overrule mine.
Working for anyone who values profits and obedience more than people and honesty.
Assuming I know someone’s beliefs about people or issues when all I actually know is their religious or political affiliation, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.
Staying silent to avoid conflict when a person says something that bothers me.
Letting my fear of failure keep me from trying.
Basing my self-esteem on what I do instead of who I am.
Refusing to question my beliefs or listen to anyone who doesn’t share them.
Pretending I’m fine when I’m not and not seeking help when I need it.
Now it’s your turn. What are you ready to be free of? Is there anything on my list that you’d include on yours?
P.S. If you’d like to talk with me privately about how to free yourself from a belief, behavior, or relationship, I’m happy to do that!
I really liked the way you presented this--as what a person would like to be free of. The things I would like to be more free from is my inner critic, and my clutter. Today I did pretty good with my inner critic, I gave her compassion, because underneath she is my frightened and anxious little girl. As a little girl I was trying to please my father, whom was quite stern at times. So now, I try to take a deep breath, take a walk, meditate, and encourage myself to try a new way of looking at my problems, and most of all give myself compassion.
This was quite Beautful. Well said.