Freedom

    What does freedom look like? Is it a job? Is it your own home? Is it money? Kids?

    I think freedom is defined differently by everyone. If you went around and asked everyone you knew what their idea of freedom was, you'd likely get a different answer. I have a sneaking feeling that quite a few people would answer something to the effect: to not have to work again for the rest of my life.

   Why do our jobs serve as such shackled upon each of us? We work to afford a life that we're too busy to enjoy. Man... that's crazy! We also work to afford the house and the car we can't afford, wearing clothes we don't want to wear but have to, to go to the job we don't like... So, how free are we, really?

    I am running with abandon toward a free life. I don't want to live conventionally. I don't want to fall in between the cracks of labels. I want to break barriers. I want to break false pretenses. Not living within the expected perceptions of who I identify myself as.

   A little background about me... No judging now.

   I'm married to a wonderful husband, we have 3 beautiful children. I'm a Christian. I live a plant based lifestyle. I'm also an author. I love to travel but don't get to nearly as often as I'd like to. I love gardening and have a strong interest in sustainability and natural living. I do believe all persons and creatures have a right to life. I don't believe in coincidences. I believe in God. But I also know there is an enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy what is good. With all that being said, I strive to not be what you may expect me to be. As God is working in me, I am breaking free from the assumptions that come along with each of these "labels." ie. Wife; mother, Christian, vegan, hippie, pro-life.

    Labels aren't freedom, for you or for anyone else. So, I think one of the first things we need to do is stop labeling ourselves and each other. It isn't kind and it benefits no one. We're all here living under the same sun. We're all alive. We all want the same things, mostly. We're all extraordinary beings who deserve and need love.

    So, this is my brief first entry about freedom, barely scratching the surface. Breaking free from labels. Just think about it, the next time you meet someone new. Instead of analyzing them and sizing them up, filling in the blanks about the things you don't know about them, allow them to just be who they are and love them even if they're different from you— or don't share your views. This world needs copious amounts of love, poured out from every corner. Be love to someone today, treat them with the same care and attention you would want from someone.

   Stay tuned and sign up for notifications, I'll be digging in more as time ticks on.