When was the last time you have felt entirely, completely free?

Sometimes life is full of long summer nights, starry skies and open horizons. And sometimes it is all about to-do lists, responsibilities and financial obligations. The thoughts and stress caused by these influences can make us feel like we are tied down to things. Tied down to the world, to our circumstances, to our surroundings, and even to ourselves.

So how do we hold on to that feeling of freedom, of lightness, ease and endless possibilities? That feeling can mean something different to different people. For some, it is the freedom of time, the freedom to travel, working when are where you want to and spending time with loved ones. For others, it means not having to worry about money or having to live up to the expectations of others. Freedom is very individual, but it always entails the freedom of restraints in one way or another.

We can’t control everything that happens in life, but we can control certain things that may help us to feel free, and we can definitely control our reaction to those that don’t.

Control your reactions

Between stimulus and response, there is a space – a space where we have full control to choose that response. A way to shift from the tendency of an automatic reaction (often enough an overreaction) to a transformative response. This is where growth and freedom lie. It takes practice, to breathe, take a minute, to observe your emotions and then – react. Will anger influencer a positive outcome? Will outside approval benefit you in the long-run? Probably not. Will questioning intentions help you to evaluate the situation? Will speaking truthfully bring you peace of mind? Probably yes. Observing and transforming your reactions takes practice, but it is one of the best ways to free yourself from the restrictions placed on you from others and your own mind.

 See the bigger picture

One of the cleverest ways to feel free is simply changing your perspective. We often tend to overthink and worry about something someone said or did to us or the nitty-gritty of life. Try and see the bigger picture, look at the context of a situation. Was it really as intense as we experienced it? Did the other person really mean what we think they did? Or was that just our own interpretation? Don’t we forget way too often how privileged we really are?

Remember and ask yourselves these couple of questions. Worry less, appreciate the little things and never lose your humor. Nothing makes going through this world as light as humor does.

Evaluate your self-worth

Your self-worth, often unconsciously, forms the base for all our actions in life. The way we see ourselves, the people we surround ourselves with, the things we do, the relationships we cultivate. People with low self-worth often attract other like-minded people. Yet, if you really start valuing who you are, others will do too. Talking freely about your opinions and what really matters to you, connecting, laughing and maybe criticizing will come more naturally to you and ultimately others around you will feel free to do the same.

Love yourself

Love everything about you – your strengths, flaws and everything in between. Every little part of you. Yet, not in that passive way, we often read about. Work on being the best version of yourself and strive to be that person every day. Finish your to-do list, head out for that workout, be kind to people, help others, speak up and forgive.