What is freedom to you?

People have a lot to say about the word freedom. When asked what it means to them a lot of people will talk about their right to express themselves or their great country. Some people will quote songs or old stories. When I'm asked what freedom means to me I think, 'everything.'

I love the songs and old quotes about freedom, I love that I have freedom of speech and all the other freedoms that being a Canadian allows and I love the speech in Brave Heart. The love I have for the things listed in the latter sentence however does not compare to the amount that I love the people that surround me. The people who inspire me and the people who I inspire.

When Im asked to talk about freedom I talk about people.

I speak of a woman named Francesca, I speak of myself and I speak of all the other people that I am lucky enough to know, who are brave enough to be free.

If you ask me about freedom I will talk about things like chasing sunrises by climbing to the top of a mountain at 3 o'clock in the morning. I will talk about getting a surgery because you want to be at your young daughters high school graduation and wedding. About travelling across the world to meet a family you didn't even fully know existed. About exploring new ground and learning from everyone you meet. I will talk about forgiving yourself for your mistakes and letting yourself be happy.

All the things I just listed off are choices. I believe that people are free if they want to be free. It is a choice. It is harder for some people than others. If a person is born into a horrific situation then it may take them longer to realize that no matter what your situation is you can be free in your mind and your heart. For people who struggle with mental illness it might take longer as well but if they are brave and strong the help they need will find them and freedom will follow.

I find it funny in a way, once you decide you are free the things you thought gave you freedom, like a car or money don't matter so much anymore, because you are free and nothing can change that fact.