What is Freedom to You

Most people dream of freedom.

But freedom means different things to different people. Like not living in fear and having enough money to buy food.

Even being able to make simple choices every day can be an important freedom.

What is freedom to you?

Below are a few of the main ones people often think of first.

Freedom from

Bosses

Some bosses are great and some are awful, with many stages in between. However nice a boss is though, many still yearn to be free. To work for themselves with profits from their efforts going into their own pockets rather than someone else’s. We are very often taught through schooling to get a job, to follow the crowd, rather than think outside the box. Taught that we shouldn’t take risks but rather get on the treadmill of work, eat, sleep, without thought of a better life.

With the rise of the internet more people understand that there is another way, that they don’t have to be chained to a J.O.B read more Here!

From Routine 

An everyday routine can become boring and stale and make you feel like a prisoner. If you have many commitments you probably dream of the day you will be free from them. Adding a little variety to a routine can give a feeling of freedom. Even if you love your life, it can still seem stifling at times.

From having to budget. 

Financial freedom is the dream of so many. It gives you the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you like. To arrange working hours to suit yourself and to have work you enjoy. The sort of work that has you leaping out of bed in the morning because you love what you do. That has you working long hours because you want to.

What about Economic Freedom?

I always assumed it was the same as financial freedom but it’s not.

“The five principles of economic freedom: property rights, rule of law, free trade, a constitutionally limited government and sound money supply have a proven record of generating long-lasting economic growth, opportunity and prosperity.”

The there is the UK Human Rights Act of 1998. This details the basic rights we have to certain freedoms that we often take for granted, that many do not get in other areas of the word.  If we didn’t have these freedoms, then those above would not be considered important.

• Article 3: Freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
• No person should have to suffer torture or degrading treatment in any shape or form, yet it still goes on in so many places of the world.
• In the western world we don’t like to think such things happen but they go on everywhere.
• This happens even in so called civilised countries.
• Mans inhumanity to man can be carried to unbelievable lengths.

 

• Article 4: Freedom from slavery and forced labour
• This one speaks for itself. Every person should have this right but even here in the UK there have been people found to be living in inhumane conditions and treated as slaves, even in this day and age. I find it very hard to understand how one human being can treat another in this way.
• Article 9: Freedom of thought, belief and religion
• Should not every person have this right? We like to think everyone does but the reality says otherwise. In some countries many are afraid to speak out, even afraid to think thoughts against an oppressive regime. There are many afraid to speak of beliefs they hold and even more not permitted to follow the religion of their choosing.
• Article 10: Freedom of expression
• What is freedom of expression?
  “Right to express one’s ideas and opinions freely through speech, writing, and other forms of communication but without deliberately causing harm to others’ character and/or reputation by false or misleading statements.

  How often have we heard of those who speak out in oppressive regimes being imprisoned. 

  Freedom of press is part of freedom of expression.”

• Article 11: Freedom of assembly and association    
• Here in the UK we can hold a protest march, have a gathering or create a like minded group of people to discuss anything or protest about laws or anything we aren’t happy about. As long as the law isn’t broken and it remains peaceful, so as not to impact others, it is allowed. For others that struggle against oppression and speak out, they know their very lives could be at stake. They continue for the sake of their people risking imprisonment and death.

 

So…. what is freedom to you?

We often take certain freedoms for granted. Being able to move around wherever we like. Able to voice our opinions aloud without fear of retribution.  Able to believe in a religion if we choose. Having jobs and changing jobs.  Being able to make choices about your children’s schools, about where to go for holidays, to even have holidays. So many things we take for granted, means freedom to some, even just having the freedom of choice seems like an impossible dream to some people.

My freedom is working from home, able to work around time with my grandchildren and being able to work the hours I choose. It is also being able to travel and visit family often. I can do that because my work can go with me.

So tell me….. what is freedom to you?

If your freedom is starting your own business or you are thinking about it, have a read of one or two posts including this one. My review after 6 months. HERE!

————————————————————–

 

If you enjoyed this blog post, please share for others to see.

Comments and questions welcome.

Thank you for visiting.