Freedom is Happiness

Over the years, I developed a much better understanding of what freedom really is; and this is all based on what I experienced, good or bad. In addition to that, I have learned to value my own freedom – and I do mean value. I do take freedom very seriously, and I am utterly grateful for the freedom that I have right now. I say right now because none of us are one hundred percent sure how long freedom will last whether it is in our personal lives or in general.

But what is freedom?

According to the Britannica dictionary, the word freedom means “the state of being free: such as (a): the power to do what you want to do: the ability to move or act freely.” That is a simple definition of the word. The part where it says, “the power to do what you want to do,” stands out to me.

Why would anyone want to do what they want to do? To be happy? Just think about it. Let us say that you have a job that you dislike, and you are working minimum wage. Sure, you can get a better job – but this is the job you can get for now. There are many reasons why you do not like your job like the pay is not good enough, your co-workers are not easy to work with, your supervisor is a jerk, or maybe the work easily stresses you out. Let’s face it – you are not very happy at your job because of at least one of these circumstances. Therefore, in reality, you do not want to work at your current job, but it is required that you do because you have to pay for the necessities of life. You probably would be much happier staying home while binge-watching the dramedy series Cobra Kai and drinking a few glasses of Stella Rosa Red Wine. Well, I do anyway. Would you be happier working at a job you hate - or do whatever floats your boat?

When you do something that you want to do, it is usually the state of contentment that manifests. You have a taste for extra cheese pizza; therefore, you want a few slices of extra cheese pizza. You ordered a medium pie from your favorite pizzeria and ate your pizza. It brings you joy as you are enjoying your first slice. You delight in the taste of the gooey, extra cheese as it dances on your tongue while you are chewing and then travels down your throat as you are swallowing. Now, that is satisfaction. You want to go on a vacation to a city of your choice. You want to drive your favorite vehicle. You want to spend time with a person you care about. You want to buy the latest technology at the mall. How often do you hear anyone wanting to do these things just so they can be angry?

There is more to it than just doing what you want to do (as long as it is ethical). The dictionary also mentions, “the state of not having or being affected by something unpleasant, painful, or unwanted.” This gives an immensely powerful meaning to freedom. Now, let us go deeper into this.

When I think of this part of the definition, I think of living in a world where we do not have to worry about calamity. I think of living in a world where it is safe to walk down the street without being hurt, robbed, or something much worse. I think of living in a world where there is no hate; you are not being mistreated because of your race, color, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, or even political views. I think of living in a world where all types of bullying are highly prohibited, and a child does not have to be afraid of walking by the “cool kids.” I think of living in a world where you can be who you are without being judged. I think of living in a world where you can try to enjoy your day without being heckled by a complete stranger.

In addition to that, another part of the definition is “the right to use something or go somewhere without being controlled.” Why would anyone want to be stopped from being happy? Once there is control by someone or something else other than you, then there is no freedom – or at least, the kind of freedom that you want. Would a person be happy if they were being controlled by something or someone?

When you have freedom, you have choices. You pick what brings you joy. When you go by your own schedule and choose what you want to do, you are the one who is in control of the life you want. Freedom is also when you are living in peace. It is also when you can trust the world that we live in but still set our boundaries. As a result, we are not afraid to reach our goals. Freedom is having a feeling of being limitless. Once you are not limited from the things you want to manifest, that allows you to experience happiness in your life.