Freedom is not the simple state of not being in chains on a slaveship or a plantation.  Freedom is both mental and physical, and the barriers to freedom are often not so easily seen by the naked eye.  Freedom is definitely essential to happiness, and likewise a lack of freedom often leads to misery, boredeom, sadness and unproductive behavior.   Today we digress from discussions of black history and instead start a discussion on the basics of freedom.  Have a positive day and be inspired!

Freedom to Work

Most adults work. Most children work as well (in school, on projects etc.).  Work is an inherently human thing but too many of us work just to pay bills.  Without bills forcing us to pick a certain job or work a certain amount of hours we could truly be free to work to be productive.  Everyone knows that people who enjoy their jobs work harder, longer hours and in many cases admit they would do it for free (think pro athletes, or teachers).  Working without the burden of bills and debt is true freedom so if you want to be free, get rid of the bills and work at something that you truly love.  How do I get rid of the bills you ask?  Well that’s what the Survival Guide is all about.

Freedom to Love

Many say that love is vital to happiness. This may be true, but if you are not free to love then you will never know this happiness.  What stops one from being free to love?  Fear is a major deterrent.  Fear of rejection, fear of failure and fear of an unsuccessful relationship are all self-imposed barriers.  Setting expectations or predicting outcomes based on past relationships are also self-imposed blockers.  Removal of fear, expectation and baggage brings the opportunity for both success and failure in love.  Every individual is in control of this so ultimately your freedom to love is entirely up to you.

Freedom to Prosper

It is inherent in our human nature to do better.  Humans are not a lazy species, and no matter what stereotypes exist out there, there is no race or culture of human being that is lazy and does not want to better themselves.  It is the set of barriers created by individuals and society (jail, lack of opportunity, rejection, imprisonment, etc) that stop people from prospering or reaching their full potential.  The barriers will always exist; it is up to you to avoid or overcome those barriers. 

· Just because your school sucks does not mean that you can’t still learn

· Just because there is a lot of crime in your neighborhood does not mean you have to be a criminal

· Just because you don’t have a good job now does not mean you cannot find another, better job later

I can go on writing examples until my fingers bleed, but you should get the point.  You can prosper and you can change any situation if you just take the steps to do it.  Avoid ANY situation that could limit your freedom permanently (ex: jail without the possibility of parole) and you can ultimately find your route to prosper.

Freedom to Be

Freedom to Be is the most important of all.  So much peer pressure exists to “tell” you what music you should like, what foods you should eat, what to wear, and what is “cool”.  Giving in to this pressure robs you of your freedom.  You may not realize it but peer pressure, which is driven by media pressure, robs you of your freedom every single day.  Just think if you could wear what you wanted, eat what you wanted, worked out how you wanted, and lived how you wanted how free you could be!  Guess, what, you can do all those things!  Like NIKE says, “Just do it”. Be how you want to be, but just be happy.  

The Top 6 Enemies to Freedom

1. Debt – the Corporate slave master’s method of maintaining control over the masses.  With debt too much of your time is spent on work to pay the master (VISA, Wells, Fargo, etc.) and you will never be free.

2. Contracts – Serfdom, Peonage, indentured servitude, mortgages, rent-to-own furniture and car loans.  These are all forms of contracts designed for the powerful to lock you into multi-year situations where you must work to pay the master.  Years of your life are wasted beholden to a bank when you could be free to pursue other interests and dreams.

3. Incarceration – Jail restricts the body and the mind.  Society has spent a lot of effort figuring out ways to lock you up.  Unfair drug laws and sentencing guidelines are the number 1 enemy to black youth.  Don’t get caught up in the game.  Your freedom depends on it.

4. Corruption – Political and corporate corruption are responsible for the creation of laws and policies that limit the freedom of the masses.  When smart people find a way to go around the system, corrupt politicians and money men invent new laws and policies to prevent your escape.  History has shown us this and continues to show it to us today.  Corruption will always exist, your job is to recognize it and avoid the traps that are set for you.

5. Lies – When you lie you lose your freedom.  Point blank.  People who lie (and have a conscience) don’t sleep freely.  Lies limit the way you interact with people.  Lies force you to cover your tracks and behave in ways that require you to deceive others.  Lying results in the opposite of freedom.  Personal integrity and truthfulness always result in freedom of conscience and most of the time result in the ability to live freely among others.

6. Intoxication – Drugs and alcohol limit your ability to control your own actions.  When the mind is under the control of a drug you have given up some level of control.  Each person is different but make no mistake, drug use will continue to take more control of your freedom the longer you use them.  Your mind is your most powerful weapon in your fight for freedom. Don’t let drugs destroy your most powerful tool.

Freedom is a God-given right and should be enjoyed by all.  We should never let others take it from us and we definitely should never give it away.

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