I started writing this new blog post about freedom, and got completely overwhelmed by the diversity and grandeur of what freedom means. There are so many aspects to it, that I feel I am starting some philosophical essay, and that is no way what I intend to do.
As I wrote on the homepage here, the main reason to quit my job and apartment was to follow this yearning for freedom and to explore what it means to feel free. And since it has been over a year ago, I thought it was about time I gave words to what I have discovered so far. So to not get stuck in perfectionism, the coming weeks, I am going to highlight different aspects of what freedom means to me, at this point in my life. We are constantly changing, and so do my viewpoints. That's the beauty of learning and being human.
Living your unique rhythm
One of the most liberating aspects of quitting my 9-5 job was the ability to live life according to my own rhythm. Getting to dictate my own pace, and honouring my natural tendencies, instead of conforming to external pressures and expectations.
For years, I had been conditioned to conform to a rigid schedule and work at a pace that didn't always feel natural or sustainable for me. Once I left, I was finally able to tune into my own body and intuition and create a lifestyle that aligned with my unique needs and desires.
Now, I have the freedom to structure my days in a way that supports my natural tendencies. For me, this means starting my mornings slowly, taking the time to savour my surroundings and connect with nature. I like to do a short meditation and practice gratitude or journal. And once I had my nourishing breakfast, I’m ready to do something fun and energizing, whether that's a hike, a swim or exploring my surroundings. Sometime after lunch, I’m ready to start working.
I know that this routine may seem counterintuitive to many people, who believe in "swallowing the frog" and getting the hardest tasks done first thing in the morning. But for me, this is what feels natural.
Living life at my own pace isn't always easy, but it's worth it. It takes discipline and self-awareness to create a schedule that honours your own unique rhythm while also allowing you to meet your commitments and achieve your goals. And in all honesty, I have not found the balance quite yet.
I think it's unfortunate that many of us are not aware of our unique rhythm. We have been conditioned from a young age to ignore our own rhythms and follow a strict schedule dictated by work, school, and societal expectations. I believe that when individuals are able to honour their natural tendencies and create a lifestyle that aligns with their unique needs, they are likely to experience greater fulfillment, creativity, and productivity. This can lead to greater innovation, collaboration, and a more vibrant and diverse society.
But Hilde, does full individual freedom not lead to chaos?
In the extreme scenario, if everyone were to live solely according to their own rhythm without any regard for others, it could potentially lead to chaos and disorganisation. Society requires some level of structure and coordination in order to function effectively. An ideal scenario would be a balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility. People should be encouraged to live according to their own rhythm, while also being mindful of the impact their actions have on others and the greater society. This requires a certain level of awareness, empathy, and self-discipline, but it can ultimately lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling way of life for everyone.
Reflection prompts
With this post, I encourage you to reflect on your own rhythm and see if there are any adjustments you can make to honour it more fully. Ask yourself: are you in tune with your rhythm? And does your lifestyle allow you to live your rhythm? What would benefit in your life if you started living more in alignment with your rhythm?
Find part 2 in another blog post.
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