"Lack of discipline always leads to slavery" ~ Claude Hamilton
Freedom means a lot of different things to a lot of different people; however uniquely represents an overall feeling amongst all these "things." I have heard a few talks in the past year or so, from some very successfully free leaders, that have opened my eyes to what true freedom represents. This quote above says it best.
Lacking discipline will lead to slavery in every example; whether it is in something small or huge. For example, if we do not eat right and exercise (lack of discipline in our health), it won't necessarily lead to slavery right away, but soon, we will become unhealthy to a point where we can't eat the variety of foods we once could, then sick and even more limited on our food choices, then perhaps hospitalized where we are told what we can and cannot eat (slavery in a sense). All because our lack of discipline when it was a slight edge decision, we wind up hospitalized with some illness that leaves us vulnerable and without freedom any longer.
The old/common saying "ignorance is bliss" is interesting; ignorance is NOT bliss, it may seem like bliss to those who want to avoid taking responsibility, but he key word there is "seem." So to further that, "everything is not as it seems," therefore ignorance truly is not bliss, because it is not as it seems. I rest my case (but for those of you confused, I will give you some background for proof and clarification). The root of freedom is responsibility and maturity; immaturity in a sense, is ignorance. Ignorance is lacking knowledge or information and also not learning. Immaturity is defined as: not fully grown or lacking wisdom. Responsibility is being accountable, competent and capable - all of which require knowledge, information and wisdom. Responsibility takes discipline, as it can not always be easy to make the right decisions.
Wrapping this all back around in a circle, now that everything is at least semi-defined, proves that: 1) Ignorance is not bliss, 2) In order to achieve a level of freedom in anything, we have to grow, learn and mature through discipline into a person who actively takes responsibility, and 3) Anyone can do this - yes even you.
What would your Freedom Day look like to you? Would you have lost the weight that is weighing, not just on your body, but on your heart and mind as well (pun intended). Would it be your last day of work, because you are now able to be a stay-at-home-wife/mom? Would it be the moment/day you pay off your last piece of debt? What is it for you? I truly challenge you to write this out in great detail, or at least think about it. If you write it out and read it 2-3 times daily, I can almost assure you that you will achieve it. Although hard work is half the battle, persistence and visualizing your dream is the very important other half (if not more).
Tomorrow, I have the privilege and unique opportunity to share and experience a good friend's Freedom Day. I know it will be very emotional, exciting and exhilarating. But I look forward to every single moment and know that it is helping to build a dream inside me as well.
Keep Dreaming,
M
