Freedom

By: Gabriela Yareliz

“Deep down we all know that freedom is a choice, yet so many of us don’t feel that truth.” Beth Kempton, Freedom Seeker: Live More. Worry Less. Do What You Love.

This season is made for reflection. As the year 2020 was ending yesterday, I saw an overview of the year that was truly heartbreaking. Sobering. (Thank you, ABC News). While it can be a heavy thing to look back, it can lead to freedom. I wonder what the world would look like if we stopped and thought about our history, as humanity. How would the world be different if we talked to our veterans more; if we discussed and sat with eras where our countries faced conflict, war and anguish; if we thought about those we have lost and what their lives can teach us; if we read things of value— what would this world look like? What would the world look like if we could see beyond the present moment that absorbs us and our own reflections?

Lastly, what if we saw each decision we make and we weighed it thinking, Will this bring me closer to freedom? In Freedom Seeker, Beth Kempton discusses how every decision, every dollar spent, every minute of awareness and focus— all these choices either take us closer to or farther away from being free.

Focus. Be aware. Reflect. Let’s choose to listen. Let’s choose lessons. Let’s choose freedom.

“Freedom is found within, in the shape of our laughter and the way we love, in the truths that we live by and the stories we become.” Beth Kempton, Freedom Seeker: Live More. Worry Less. Do What You Love.