The Challenge Of Freedom

11/9/2016

I was watching a movie last night and a line out of it was of particular interest "It's not really about obtaining freedom, it's about what you do when you have it!".

The reason for the interest is because in my case its been not much. For so long it was all about obtaining financial freedom, time freedom, spiritual freedom, and all the other freedoms that I was told I needed to have to achieve ultimate happiness. It was this search that made life interesting. It's why we started International House & Pet Sitting, sold all our stuff and traveled the world. All in the name of freedom and what it represented to us.

It was why we did all the programs, seminars, online courses and workshops. We wanted what was being sold a life where you have the money, time, health and resources to do whatever I wanted when I wanted. However what I was not ready for was what happens when I got it!

You see I never really thought freedom in these areas was actually possible so the question of what I would do with it never occurred until now. It was only when I came across "Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge" that I explored what is stopping me from living a life of freedom.

The answer is nothing! I have it. I am living it.

I have all the criteria I had set (or was set for me), to live a life I and many others had only dreamed about. Time freedom - Check, Financial freedom - Check, Spiritual freedom - Check, Health - Check, Relationship - Check, Check, Check, Check ...

For me the freedom lifestyle (as I had defined it), was a wonderful motivating goal but after living it for a few years, a really boring destination. Everything that was bright and shiny became same old same old. Yes I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, but it's just 'That"... knowing what I want!

So the question then remains what next? If I truly had a lifestyle of freedom then why do I feel a need to do something else? And herein lies my reason for undertaking this blog challenge.

Its about expanding my view of what I thought a freedom lifestyle was all about. Because after living my version of it for some time now, I have realised it's not just about achieving those things then sitting back and enjoying the fruits of my labour. There is something more, and my challenge is to find it.

I suspect it's about switching focus from trying to achieve something, to actually giving back and living in the joy of freedom, however at this point I have no idea how that looks. I'm sure as I progress through this challenge it will all start to become clear, but for now its just noice to get some clarity about were I am at and how to move forward.

As always I am open to your ideas, thoughts and input so please feel free to express them below.

Just Liven what's Given

Cheers

Gavin

jillgavhousesitters.com

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“This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1”

#10DBC #freedomplan

6 Comments

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Jodie link

12/9/2016 06:19:27 am

It is just noice to explore 'clarity' and what you want 'next'!

Not only has this post inspired thoughts for my Day 2 topic, but it's also articulated a feeling that I have had that I didn't really want to focus on - it's an effortless 'same old, same old' that I now feel can be reframed.

I am reminded of a friend who is a poet telling me that she resisted for a long time the idea of writing poetry in form. She thought that putting a boundary or framework around her creativity would stifle it. After a while she decided to just give it a go and was surprised to find a whole new level of creativity coming from having to find ways to work within a framework.

I feel that is what this blog challenge represents to me, as much as I've resisted it in the past, choosing free flowing 'form' most of the time, I can see that it's time to explore the joy of creating within boundaries, set by myself (which is no doubt a whole other challenge - but that's for another time).

Thanks so much for sharing your insights on this topic and I look forward to more as you expand your view of freedom.

xx

Gavin link

13/9/2016 05:29:22 pm

The thing this challenge is really clarifying for me is that "going with the flow" or "liven what's given" or what ever we call it comes with the inherent discipline or structure of listening then doing. For example I "Felt" to do this blog challenge as life made it obvious to do. My only action was to listen then do it, with no expectation of what the actual outcome will be. Life takes care of that!

Loralee Hutton link

13/9/2016 01:36:17 pm

I've been feeling somewhat similar & like you, I'm using the challenge to dig a little deeper to see if the "freedom" I originally envisioned is a stepping stone to something else.

I posted the first 2 days on my website, but I think I'll finish the challenge off on Medium (it's a bit faster for blogging & I don't feel like I'm overwhelming my regulars with off the cuff posts)

I'll be keeping an eye out on your blog too - to see how things progress for you too - as we're on a similar path :)

13/9/2016 05:37:52 pm

Yes Loralee sounds as if we are. For me its becoming increasingly obvious that True Freedom can only be found in the mind. The interesting thing about this is it took living a freedom lifestyle to start to see it!

I too look forward to reading your journey.

John Lewis

23/9/2016 02:39:37 pm

Congratulations on winning one of the top prizes in the 10 Day Challenge!

Merrilee link

24/9/2016 04:40:59 pm

Congrats! Great to see one of the people I corresponded with got a major prize. Shame I couldn't find a comment box for the other two. I might follow you next year. Do you ever find house sitting ties you too much to a place. I suppose you just have to chose. Some people have fretful pets and they advertise they want you to be home a lot of the day! I saw some great places in New Zealand. Thanks for sharing - Merrilee (Mindful Merrilee but on Instagram Merrilee Merlady)

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