March 2, 2011

Welcome

What is freedom? Great thinkers, politicians, writers, and artists have debated the meaning of freedom throughout history.

Freedom refers to, in a very general sense, the state of being free, unrestricted and unconfined. Freedom means different things to different people. To an 18-year old boy, freedom is to live by his own rules instead of his parents’; to a journalist, it is the freedom to be able to express his thoughts and opinions in his work; to a young girl in Afghanistan, it is the ability to go to school alongside her brothers.

Lately we’ve been hearing a lot about political freedom – the freedom to live one’s life without fear and tyranny. Just last month, the people of Tunisia and Egypt fought for and won their freedom. This is something we take for granted in this great country of ours. But how truly free are we? Many of us may be imprisoned as a result of our own doing. We live fettered to financial woes, peer pressure, failed relationships, stress, worry, low self esteem and self doubt. Until we learn to free ourselves from these obstacles, we can never experience pure inner freedom in the face of challenges.

This month, we share with you a few ways to get started onto the road to personal freedom. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. You can connect with me at Mindy Tulsi-Ingram on Facebook. And to all our Irish friends, a Happy St. Patricks Day!

Sincerely,

Mindy

The Price of Freedom

How can one accomplish more in life?

How do we feel more satisfied with what we have?

How do we free ourselves to enjoy true inner peace?

Here are 5 ways to start you on the road to personal freedom.

1) Set your personal objectives. What do you want for yourself this year – A better job? More money? A better relationship with your partner or spouse? List the things you need to do to meet your objectives and stick to them.

2) Finish what is unfinished. How often do we have unfinished business hanging over us? Complete the past. Fulfill any promises that you have made to ensure nothing is holding you back.

3) Push your boundaries. Push yourself and raise the bar for yourself. Don’t short change yourself. Raise your standards to bring out your best.

4) Handle your money completely. Spend wisely – money should add value in some way. When you are in debt, a pack of cigarettes or a frapuccino does not add much value. Failure to manage and understand leads many to poverty and want.

5) Stick to your personal values. Whatever life may bring you, it is crucial to stick to your values. Allow your values to guide your decision making.

Patricia Sampson once said, “Self-reliance is the only road to true freedom, and being one’s own person is its ultimate reward.” Once we are free from the innumerable worries and anxieties of life, we’ll be well along freedom’s path.