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Freedom and Independence: What does it mean to you?



Freedom is a core value for me. As I think about what it means to me, I wanted reflect on others' definitions and quotes. To take the time to understand our core values helps us have to resolution to follow our path.

 Merriam Websters defines freedom this way : the quality or state of being free: such asa : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or actionb : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independencec : the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous <freedom from care>d : ease, facility <spoke the language with freedom>e : the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken <answered with freedom>f : improper familiarityg : boldness of conception or executionh : unrestricted use <gave him the freedom of their home>

Freedom means opportunity, flexibility, living with abandon, adventure, ability, autonomy and choice.  Spiritual freedom means acceptance, forgiveness and joy. 

“The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.”
― Viktor E. Frankl

 “Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose – and commit myself to – what is best for me.” Paulo Coelho

 “Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.”
― Viktor E. Frankl

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1

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