Are You Really Free?

By: Dr. Kathleen Hall, Founder and CEO of Mindful Living Network

“The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage.” Carrie Jones

July is the month of our country’s birthday that symbolizes freedom.

Take this time of year to do a “freedom check up” for your own life.  When we are attached to things such as financial status, material possessions, our role as mother, father, husband, wife, our career or our ego, we are living in bondage.  The more attached we are to our “things” the more spiritual, emotional and economic energy we have to exert to hold on to these attachments.

In difficult times like these, our lives can feel particularly unstable, unpredictable, and uncertain. Though uncertainty can cause feelings of fear, anger, avoidance, helplessness, distrust, worry, inertia, and impulsiveness, it is also an invitation to recognize what truly matters.  It’s a great opportunity to evaluate your life and assess what creates bondage in your life and what creates freedom?

• How free are do you feel to be your authentic self in this world, with your friends, at work and in your family?
• Have you sold your freedom for security in some relationship or a job or career?
• Do you encourage the people in your life to be free in your presence with their words and actions?

If you are ready to make a move towards freedom, consider baby steps:

• Consider the impossible. By creating a new “story” for yourself, you will begin to consider new futures and possibilities.
• What’s your timeline? Think about turning points or milestones in your life. Cease those markers to create the new you.
• Don’t look back. When you are ready to embrace your new goals, new freedoms, don’t let the past and “what if’s” hold you back. When objects are in motion, they remain in motion unless they are stopped. Don’t let the past stop you from embracing the new you.

This July join me in reflection as we inquire into Mindful Living® and the nature of the freedom of our own souls.  Are you really free?

Dr. Kathleen Hall, internationally recognized lifestyle expert in stress, work-life balance and mindful living, is Founder and CEO of the Stress Institute and The Mindful Living Network. Author of 3 books; Uncommon HOPE, A Life in Balance and Alter Your Life, media including: The Today Show, Dr. OZ, Oprah and Friends, Martha Stewart Living, USA Today, CNN, FOX, and Forbes. When she is not at work, she commits her time saving animals’ lives through Habersham Humane Society. For more information about how to get in touch with Dr. Hall, visit: www.stressinstitute.com.