Chapter 1: Understanding Freedom

Growing up, my understanding of "freedom" was fairly limited. I viewed it merely as the ability to think, speak, and act as I pleased. While there were certainly repercussions for my actions, the belief was ingrained in me that adhering to societal and governmental norms would ensure my "good" standing and, consequently, my freedom.

However, I've come to realize that much of what I previously interpreted as freedom was, in fact, privilege. True freedom is not something bestowed upon us to be guarded; rather, it is something we actively create and continuously nurture for ourselves.

For instance, my passion isn't so much about sobriety; it is about the autonomy that sobriety affords me, which leads to various forms of freedom:

• Financial abundance
• A flexible schedule
• Unlimited personal growth

Choosing sobriety has significantly enhanced these aspects of my life.

Here are three strategies I employ to actively cultivate freedom:

1. Cultivating Internal Freedom

Internal freedom refers to the autonomy and self-determination we feel within. Our emotions and habits can either enhance or restrict this feeling, making it easy to lose sight of our internal freedom.

In my younger years, emotions such as fear, self-doubt, and guilt often constrained my sense of freedom. This led me to make decisions aimed at avoiding discomfort rather than pursuing my true desires. For instance, I would spend weekends watching football simply because it was what others were doing, believing that acceptance was worth compromising my own interests.

I have since distanced myself from both football and alcohol, and my happiness has grown as a result.

So, how did I achieve this transformation? By changing my mindset through:

• Spiritual practices
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Neuro-Linguistic Programming

Transforming your thoughts can alleviate emotional struggles and diminish the bad habits that often accompany them. This change is not something that merely happens; it requires effort and commitment.

Fostering internal freedom empowers you to take control of your life, assert your needs, and chase your dreams without hesitation.

In the video The Miracle Equation: Achieve Anything You Want With This Formula, the host shares powerful strategies for personal transformation and achieving goals. This content aligns perfectly with the idea of harnessing internal freedom.

2. Navigating External Influences

External freedom involves the factors outside of ourselves that shape our choices. Elements such as society, culture, family, and social norms can either expand our horizons or limit our options.

Consider how many people allow societal, familial, or financial expectations to dictate their career choices. I was once one of those individuals. At 18, my understanding was limited to:

• A fondness for math (which is straightforward)
• Accounting being a numbers-focused career
• The belief that I'd gain financial independence post-college
• An abundance of job opportunities in the field
• My sister's successful career as an accountant, which my parents endorsed

Four years after graduating, I left my accounting job to pursue a career in life coaching.

What did this journey teach me? I had been conditioned to ask, "What do others believe is best for me?" instead of "What do I feel is right for me?"

By turning inward and asking the right questions, I enhanced my emotional intelligence. This intelligence allows us to understand how external influences interact with our internal thoughts, shaping our emotional states. Strengthening this skill is crucial for navigating external pressures, so we can avoid making decisions rooted in doubt or a survival mindset.

Despite skepticism from my mother and partner when I launched my coaching business, my internal freedom and emotional intelligence helped me maneuver through their doubts. This principle operates on the idea that knowledge leads to better choices. With a willingness to learn and take risks, the world opens up.

When you can discern your own voice amid societal noise, you can make decisions that resonate with your values and goals.

In the video The Freedom Formula with Jasmine & Bob Gardener, the hosts discuss how to break free from limiting beliefs and external pressures, which perfectly complements the topic of navigating influences.

3. Embracing Fulfillment

View your freedoms as a pathway to fulfillment. Desiring what you want and striving for more is not an act of selfishness; rather, it is a sign of self-assurance.

Have you ever pondered, "How did I arrive at this point?" Not in the negative sense, but in reflection of achieving what you believed was your ideal life yet still feeling a sense of longing and disappointment.

This is often due to a narrow understanding of freedom, where we are conditioned to protect what we have at all costs:

• Guard your wealth
• Safeguard your possessions
• Maintain your social standing
• Shield yourself from your emotions

We've been misled.

The belief that to "Stay Good and Protect Freedom" equates to "Gratitude of Thought + Denial of Emotion" is not the true freedom equation; it is one of suppression. This mindset leads us to think we should be grateful for what we have, dismissing feelings of disappointment or anger as self-centered.

It’s time to unlearn this narrative.

The real freedom equation is:

Cultivation of Thought + Processing of Emotion = Taking Action to Enhance Your Freedom

This understanding empowers us to create freedom where it may not yet exist by harnessing our internal freedom and adeptly navigating external influences.

The most exciting part? This freedom equation operates as a multiplier. When you embody freedom, you inspire others to embrace their own. You illuminate possibilities for those around you, which is one of the most generous gifts you can offer.

I see the potential within you and the impact it can have. Now is the time to foster your own freedom.

Ready, set...

GO,

Jenna

Jenna Lou is the mind behind the Sober Reference Podcast and a Medium blog. She is dedicated to easing your journey, be it in health, career, or relationship intelligence. As a former Division 1 athlete turned CPA, life coach, and CFO who has overcome personal struggles, she believes in the transformative power of learning and growth.

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