I have always wondered what freedom is. What does it really mean to be free? I genuinely ask myself this question every single day. For the most part, people tend to bring in materiality as freedom. But you can have material wealth and still not be free.
Everybody yearns for freedom, but what is it about freedom that we yearn for? I believe that what we as humans who walk this earth yearn for is “living our lives on our own terms.”
No matter how you look at it, this is the true definition of freedom.
What does it actually mean to live your life on your own terms?
Honestly speaking, I'm still in transition into this phase of life, but to me, this is what it means:
– Taking control of everything that has to do with your life
It is so easy to blame others for where we are, and I get that. I did that a lot, and i’m probably still doing it, but the truth remains that no one cares. Complaining about the situation or blaming others gives them control over your situation. You’re no longer in the driver’s seat.
– It means operating on the "no-lose" model
In one of my previous articles, I talked about the “no-lose” decision-making. This simply means you’re okay with any decision you’ve made. No regrets, only lessons learned. Living life on your terms means that you view every decision you take from a place of optimism.
– You don’t live to please people
This is the major reason why we remain stuck. We always care what others think of us, even when we’re doing the right thing. When you choose to live life on your terms, you don’t care anymore, because, guess what? Everyone is imperfect. Everyone's got problems too, even if some people act like they don’t.
– You’re on a mission
Living life on your terms means having the courage to follow your purpose. There’s something inside that tells you that you belong in the sky. You have no time for naysayers or doubters. You’re doing what is beneficial for you.
– You’re willing to take a shot
Living life on your terms means you’re willing to dare, dream, believe, fail, make mistakes, and learn over and over again. It means you’re willing to take a shot no matter what. Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.
No man can give you freedom. You take it for yourself. It is a mindset that shows that you’re in full control of any decision you make, and you get to live with it.
It is declaring to the world, “I’ll rise to the occasion and do what I feel is right to steer my life in the right direction even if the world doesn’t see it that way.”. This is true freedom.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could dare to live life on our terms?