Do you feel Free?

Rediscovering Freedom: A Conversation with a Teen Client

Recently, I had an intriguing conversation with one of my teenage clients that left me reflecting on the nature of freedom. I asked her, “Do you feel free?” Her response was honest and straightforward: “I don’t even know what that means. ”And honestly, many of us don’t.

The Elusiveness of Freedom

Freedom can feel elusive when our lives are shaped by old beliefs and expectations—many of which we may have never questioned. We often navigate life making choices based on what we think we’re supposed to do, following a path that feels predetermined. But here’s a liberating truth: everything you thought you were supposed to do, everything you believed about yourself and your life—all of that can change. You have the power to let go and create something entirely new, something that genuinely resonates with your heart.

My Journey: From “Supposed to Be” to Authentic Freedom

I once lived according to a script I thought I was meant to follow. I chose a career because I was good at it, not because it ignited my passion. I selected a partner based on financial security rather than deep love, influenced by my childhood experiences of financial instability. Money became my safety net, shaping my choices for years. For 22 years, I thrived in executive management, marketing, and business—but eventually, the toll of living according to those beliefs became evident. I felt burnt out, stuck, and disconnected from myself.

Then came the moment that changed everything—not through a grand revelation or dramatic upheaval but in the gentle gaze of a horse. In that moment, amidst the chaos of work stress, financial worries, chronic health issues, and the daily juggling act of raising five kids, I experienced something profound: peace of mind, aliveness, and wellness. It was a feeling I hadn’t encountered in years—a moment that broke through the noise of my life and allowed me to feel grounded and free in the simplest way.

From that point forward, I knew I couldn’t return to my previous life. I changed my mindset and transitioned into a career filled with purpose—answering a call that had been within me all along.

Redefining Freedom: The Challenges Ahead

This shift wasn’t easy. It came with judgment, criticism, isolation, and days filled with self-doubt. Sometimes people struggle to understand why I changed direction or who I am becoming. But here’s the truth: the judgments and negative thoughts projected by others are flimsy and fleeting; they only affect me if I allow them to define me. I’ve learned that nothing has the power to define who I am—no person, relationship, or circumstance. Not my children, my partner, or my work can dictate how I feel or who I must be. Some days I forget this truth; I slip back into feeling controlled by others’ opinions or defined by the roles I play. I’m far from perfect and occasionally feel trapped by expectations or old beliefs.

But even on those days, it doesn’t change the fact that I am free.

Embracing Awareness

The awareness of my freedom is something I carry with me more often now than ever before. This realization has transformed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined—liberating me from the prison of limited beliefs and empowering me to live as my true self.

The Truth About Freedom: You Are Always Free

If you feel stuck, take a moment to reflect: all those thoughts and beliefs that seem to define you are not set in stone. The power to change your mind and forge a new path lies within you. This is profound freedom—it doesn’t depend on circumstances or other people’s approval. True freedom comes from knowing you can choose how you respond to any situation.

Freedom isn’t about being perfect or always getting it right; it’s about having the courage to remember that you are not defined by your circumstances or limited by others' opinions. Its about seeing beyond the “shoulds” and “musts” imposed on you and stepping into a life of purpose and authenticity while giving yourself grace as you evolve.

Remember: no one has the power to control who you are or how you feel. You are always free to live a life aligned with your truest self.