“Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose – and commit myself to – what is best for me.” – Paulo Coelho
Clients often tell me they desire freedom. Great I say, it’s one of my core values, I totally get it. Let’s get this freedom train rolling!
But here’s the thing that messes them up…
They mistake freedom for a life without commitments.
Makes sense, right? No commitments = freedom to do whatever you want.
Then why are they still not happy?
Because commitments and freedom don’t work like that.
A lack of commitments doesn’t give you freedom. It gives you a boring, unfulfilled, and dissatisfied life.
No thanks.
So choose.
Choose wisely, consciously and with your whole heart.
100% pure, untarnished commitment.
Which doesn’t necessarily mean you always want to (nice fantasy!) It simply means you take action on what you say you’re committed to. Because you said so.
And honouring your word is the key.
That is true freedom.
Great post Sandi! Freedom is one of my core values and for me freedom is all about choice – we may not be able to control what happens outside of us but we can certainly choose how we react. I just love the following quote by Viktor E. Frankl (it sums up what freedom means to me) :”Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Yes! That space is essential and yet missing for so many. Freedom is one of those values that can be a bit slippery for people unless they’re really clear.
I know for me it has made all the difference in being self-employed for over a decade!
Great post Sandi! Freedom is one of my core values and for me freedom is all about choice – we may not be able to control what happens outside of us but we can certainly choose how we react. I just love the following quote by Viktor E. Frankl (it sums up what freedom means to me) :”Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Within reason, freedom is having walk away power; the ability to make or not make commitments of your choosing.
Honoring your word is key and some people take that too lightly; if you say you are going to do something or commit to something, then you should be true to your word.
That’s my take on it…….
@bdorman264 Years ago I took a leadership program that drove home the power of honouring my word vs keeping it, which is what most people default to. It’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten!
I like your ‘take’…it’s usually much more easygoing and positive than 90% of the stuff out there! Keep it coming!
@Sandi Amorim
And I’m still not sure on the difference between keeping your word and honoring it, Sandi. Can you respond?
I’m CHOOSING to boldly share my gifts with a larger audience by COMMITTING to improving my connections with the world at large through my web presence so I can experience the FREEDOM of meeting and working with those beautiful souls I’m meant to guide as holistic life coach.
Whew. That felt good. 🙂 As always, a huge thanks for prompting the enquiry Sandi!
@Sabrina at MyMiBoSo Feels good to make that kind of commitment and declaration! I could feel the satisfaction all the way over here 🙂
YESYESYES! So often we think that external things are keeping us confined, and that if we just get rid of all that external stuff – all those commitments dragging us down – we’ll be free. What’s true for me is the capacity for freedom is completely internal. Every choice I make determines how free my spirit is to fly. No one else has the power to make that choice. Only me. THAT’S freedom 🙂
@JennyBBones We’re singing the same song soul sister!
Funny though, how easy it is to focus on the externals which takes away our power. Choice = Power…and spirits flying high 🙂
@Sandi Amorim It’s such a beautiful song! And it’s got a kick 😉
Commitment brings freedom. You just have to know what sort of commitment you need to make to get it.
@TheJackB Oy, ain’t that the truth!
@TheJackB Oy, ain’t that the truth!
Years ago, a wise man told me that the only way to experience true freedom is to be of service. I didn’t have a clue what he meant then, but I do now.
@Carol Hess Who was that masked man…er, I mean wise man 😉
Hey Sandi!
I’m choosing to make a difference in my corner. My commitment is to keep it real, keep it me – in that I find my freedom to use my voice, my ideas (and my drawings!)
Love the Coelho quote!
@Ameenafalchetto I do so love how you’re keeping it real Ameena!
Your energy and your gifts make such a difference!