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ppy New Year Friends! Most of us got to enjoy some valuable time off work during the holiday season. Some are lucky enough to just be heading back today while others are already back in the groove. I had a wonderful time visiting my family and friends but while I was out of town there was a question looming in the back of my mind. What am I going to write for my first blog of the year? I started out with the intent of discussing your new year’s resolutions and whether or not they’re changing and progressing. But then I figured that was just too common and predictable. Blah. Y’all deserve better. So, I decided the best thing I have to give you to start 2014 off right is ME. Well, at least a glimpse inside of my innermost thoughts and desires. I decided to share with you what matters most to me in hopes that kindred spirits will relate and some sleepwalkers will awaken. There is one thing that I long for more than anything else in the world. I dream of it. I work hard to obtain it and I’m not sure that I could keep going if I ever began to feel it wasn’t attainable…
ppy New Year Friends! Most of us got to enjoy some valuable time off work during the holiday season. Some are lucky enough to just be heading back today while others are already back in the groove. I had a wonderful time visiting my family and friends but while I was out of town there was a question looming in the back of my mind. What am I going to write for my first blog of the year? I started out with the intent of discussing your new year’s resolutions and whether or not they’re changing and progressing. But then I figured that was just too common and predictable. Blah. Y’all deserve better. So, I decided the best thing I have to give you to start 2014 off right is ME. Well, at least a glimpse inside of my innermost thoughts and desires. I decided to share with you what matters most to me in hopes that kindred spirits will relate and some sleepwalkers will awaken. There is one thing that I long for more than anything else in the world. I dream of it. I work hard to obtain it and I’m not sure that I could keep going if I ever began to feel it wasn’t attainable…
The one thing that matters most of all to me is FREEDOM.
See, so many of us are caught up in the hassles and supposed requirements of
this rat race that we have surrendered almost all of our freedom without even
knowing it. We think we’re free because we have no physical chains. We think
we’re free because we come and go as we please. But do we really? My ultimate
definition of freedom is the ability to walk in my life’s purpose on my own
terms. Therefore, every fiber of my being is striving to make that
happen—sooner than later. However, there is such a thing as my current reality.
My current reality consists of a full-time job, running an organization,
planning events, running programs, numerous meetings, business calls,
responding to emails, mentoring, being there for people who depend on me etc.,
etc., and the beat goes on…But within those responsibilities lies the potential
to get caught up. Some of those responsibilities fall in line with my life’s
purpose and I’m ok with that but some don’t. In the midst of all that’s going
on I have to ask myself “Do I have freedom within these responsibilities and
obligations?” What or who consumes most of my thoughts and time? As I strive
for my ultimate freedom am I neglecting to create freedom where I am now?
What is your definition of freedom? Have you thought about
it? I’m about to ask you quite a few questions. After you leave work are you constantly
worried about what your “boss” said or will say to you tomorrow? Are you
depressed about your job? When you come home to your family do you find that
you are you still consumed with what happened at work? Do you barely have the
spirit to smile when your son shows you the picture he drew at school today?
Are you checking emails on your iphone while checking math problems with your
daughter? Do you even have the energy to check the math problems? Are you
updating your social media but haven’t updated your significant other with a
warm greeting or kind word? Are you driven to consume more and more material
things at any cost? Are you cursing your creditors in your head but haven’t
hugged your child? Are you holding on to a grudge? Are you holding on to past
hurt and disappointment to the extent that it affects your moods and actions in
2014? If you answered yes to these questions then you may want to consider
where you stand in relation to being free. Bad days will occur. Stress will
come. Valleys must be forged through. But when these sentiments become the
extended version then we must evaluate who/what is controlling us. Does your
job consider you when you leave? Does it consider you while you are there???
Does it deserve more of you than your family does?
Another form of freedom is peace of mind. While my goal is
to get free the desire for freedom is so I enjoy life and not be consumed by
the rat race; not be consumed by things, systems, cycles or negative thoughts.
So, while I continue to balance my plate and strive for ultimate freedom I am
making an effort to get as free as possible in 2014. I will create my own peace
within and here are the steps I am taking:
I will bask in the power of the little things.
I will make time for myself in the morning.
I will have some days in which I turn my cell phone
completely off.
I will take the time to enjoy the beauty of nature. So I
will appreciate the brightness of the sun and the glow of the moon.
I will continue to literally chuckle when people annoy me at
work because my purpose is much greater than that.
I will cook more. This means I dictate the foods that I
consume.
I will literally enjoy the taste of the food; not just the
sauces and condiments
I will exercise.
I will smile even more.
I will not lose sight of what really matters.
I will accept people for who they are and not who I feel
they should be.
I will recognize the strength in being vulnerable.
I will recognize the power within me.
I will marvel at the innocence of children.
I will literally take the time to smell the flowers when
they bloom.
I will enjoy the scenery as I commute to work.
I will respect and appreciate silence.
I will dance even if I’m not the greatest dancer.
I will de-clutter my mind of other
people’s expectations of me.
I will cherish the moment.
I will listen without interrupting.
I will continue to not stop talking about my Wu-Tang
stlye when certain people walk into the office.
I will not be consumed with worrying about things I cannot
change.
I will appreciate life’s lessons.
I will apply the knowledge I have acquired. That’s wisdom
folks!
I will work on not compromising quality(time, relationships,
nutrition) for convenience.
I will unapologetically be the best me I can possibly be!!
Ok, you got my list and you know my number one desire. I
would really love to hear your definition of freedom and whether or not it’s
important to you? Do you consider yourself to be free? The rat race will kill
us if we let it. Stress is no joke. Being unhappy sucks. Life is short and to
leave this world without striving to do it on your own turns seems tragic to
me. Even if we have to create small freedoms within our mind it is a step
towards being you, which is something too many of us have lost sight of. But
it’s never too late to rediscover and reclaim---YOU, free of the restrictions,
restraints, expectations and ideologies of the world. Cheers to living and not
just existing!
“Free your mind and the rest will follow.”
