3 Types of Freedom
In the Broadway musical, Hamilton, there is a line in the song “The Story of Tonight,” that goes:
“Raise a glass to freedom, something they can never take away”
This toast celebrates freedom as an inviolable human right.
I have a three-part distinction around freedom.
Freedom from
Freedom from is necessary when you have been tolerating something far too long, and you are no longer willing to tolerate it.
It is not helping you thrive, and in fact, is likely the source of much suffering in your life.
This is the type of thing you need freedom from.
It could be a job, a relationship, a bad habit, a persistent feeling, a commitment that has run its course, indecision, or inaction.
Freedom from can be powerful,
When you take the step to have freedom from the thing that was a drain on you, it frees up your energy for new things.
Things that excite you, that inspire you, that bring you joy.
Freedom to
Freedom to is like a magnetic force pulling you toward something.
It usually can only operate once you have achieved freedom from.
The energy that you regain in freedom from allows for the still, small voice of freedom to to arise.
Freedom to can act like permission.
Perhaps permission to pursue a dream.
Or permission to take a risk.
The barriers you once had experienced are no longer present.
This is freedom to.
Freedom
And then, there is just freedom.
You don’t feel any external forces on your motivation for doing something because your drive is internal.
Should is no longer a word in your vocabulary.
That’s freedom.
Your inner compass has been honed and is stronger than the expectations placed on you by others.
That’s freedom.
Your actions are aligned with your values.
That’s freedom.
Your habits have been carefully chosen to support your goals.
That’s freedom.
You are at peace with the past and hopeful for the future.
That’s freedom.
You take decisive action.
That’s freedom.
What kind of freedom do you need in your current season of life?
And what tiny step will you take to achieve it?
Love,
Audrey
