Over the past few years, we have all been trying to grasp what exactly is going on in the world around us, and at the same time, doing our very best to continuously seek joy. I have understood freedom in a much more profound way than ever before because I recognize that it is directly connected to joy. Freedom is a gateway to more joy, and experiencing joy means we are truly free.
My understanding of freedom encompasses two parts: the first has to do with the inherent and God-given freedoms we have always had since birth, and the second has to do with the freedom we allow ourselves to experience, within our mind and soul. Often, we recognize one part more prominently than the other, and sometimes, we do not experience either of these parts. I believe the latter is what has happened to us in recent years. We have forgotten we are already inherently free and in turn, we have robbed ourselves of experiencing pure joy that comes from that freedom.
When we do not believe that we are free, we block ourselves from experiencing joy. It is as if we are in our own prison, locked out from joy. Then, we experience the opposite of joy, which is fear. Fear leaves no room for joy or freedom because our mind only wants to focus on what we are scared about and cannot control. We become more reactive and we have a difficult time focusing on what we can control, our thoughts. Fear has certainly escalated to an uncomfortable level for the past few years. And how have we felt? Terrified, stifled, sad, and isolated are just a few feelings that come to mind that I have experienced.
When we are free to be who we are, and to live with a freedom-mindset, we open ourselves up to being flooded with joy! A heaviness is lifted off of our shoulders, and all the pressures to be or think a certain way so that we are accepted no longer exist. We were never meant to be hidden, separated, and silenced. We were meant to shine, thrive, and express joy and freedom!
This song that I am about to weave in here may surprise you, but Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time," which she recorded for the One Moment in Time: 1988 Summer Olympics Album, is a song that covers several joy-filled themes such as empowerment, motivation, believing in our dreams, and determination. Do you know what this all leads to though? Freedom. I am including my favorite lyrics from a part in the song where it reaches its ultimate climax and presents the eternal message of freedom:
You're a winner for a lifetime If you seize that one moment in time Make it shine Give me one moment in time When I'm more than I thought I could be When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away And the answers are all up to me Give me one moment in time When I'm racing with destiny Then in that one moment of time I will be I will be I will be free I will be I will be free
-Lyrics from One Moment in Time, written by Albert Hammond and John Bettis and performed by Whitney Houston, 1988.
The lyrics are suggesting that we are not just winners during that one moment in time when we are achieving our dreams, but that one moment in time can light the way for the continued momentum and inspiration to be a winner for a lifetime. Once that spark has been lit, there is no stopping us as we shine! For me, this is the point in the song where I am completely aligned with Whitney's energy. I can feel the electrifying joy in my grasp! And look at how the song ends: "I will be free." Freedom is what happens when we allow joy in, and it is completely up to us to seek and accept it for our lives.
Want to be a winner for a lifetime? Choose joy and accept that you are already free. And like the song says, you will "feel eternity." You will be tapped into this high-vibration energy that feels like heaven and bliss, you will believe that anything is possible, and you will become unstoppable!
So, my friends, be the winner you were always meant to be, and keep on shining with joy and freedom!