After many years of feeling chained to things I don't want to be chained to, I've come up with a list of ways to set yourself free on a daily basis that will clear up your head, your conscience, and your heart. Do I do all of these 100% of the time? Of course not. I'm human. We all fall into unhealthy patterns and behaviors. In my experience, here are ways to increase your freedom emotionally and spiritually to add joy to your daily being.
1. Stop Gossipping
Yeah, this is a hard one, because it's oh, so tempting to catch up on the latest and spill your guts especially if it's REALLY JUICY! (Did you hear who Jenny hooked UP WITH?) It can be totally tempting to unload all you know once the ball starts rolling in the gossip lane. The truth is, this sets you up to say something hurtful that could possibly get back to someone you care about or an innocent person, if given bad information. Then you must begin defending yourself or making excuses (waste of your time) as to why you were talking about this person if it gets back to them. Even if it doesn't get back to them, those around you will remember that you talk about other people and therefore, stop sharing private information with you. Instead of jumping on this bandwagon, next time try changing the topic, walking away or simply say you have nothing against this person and rather not talk about them. Which leads me to...
2. Defend the person not present.
It's SO easy to pile on the person unable to defend their actions or words when there is a group of people talking about them behind their back. Next time everyone is hating on Evan, stand up for him when he has no voice and suggest perhaps there is more to the story than we know. We shouldn't make a judgement call when we only know half of the story.
3. Don't lie
Period. When you don't lie, you don't ever have to endure the discomforts of living a lie, participating in a lie, or covering up your lies. When you come from a place of truth, your conscience is free. Perhaps you don't always say exactly the right thing or take the best action, but at least it comes from an honest place. People who lie are constantly working double time to remember their lies and act accordingly. It's exhausting and a waste of your energy.
4. Do it right now
Not later. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Take care of it now. Get it off of your plate. Procrastination can poison your present joy by obsessing about what you have to do later. Why not bang it out right now and get it over with? Get if off your to-do list if it's important. Stop putting it aside if it's something you can conquer with ease, especially if it is a nagging task.
You will feel so much better once that item is off of your mind for good.
5. Stop asking for opinions from others
This one is hard for the people pleasers and the indecisive. The truth is...ONLY YOU know what is best for you. ONLY YOU know what is best for your life. Don't let others dictate your decisions. This will result in you living out other people's desires and wants, which may not be applicable to your life's goals, ambitions, or needs whatsoever. Listen to YOU. Listen to that voice inside. Get quiet. Listen for it. Don't spend your time pleasing others and being miserable. All of the answers you seek are in you. Stop looking for the answers elsewhere.
When you free up your conscience, heart and mind, you have time to focus on the things that really matter. That kind of freedom is priceless.
Enjoy your freedom.
Sincerely,
Katherine Leigh
