To many people, the word
“freedom”,means so many different things.
As I looked around a room full of
people, whilst chewing down a delicious vanilla
tea cake, I figured I’d step into their shoes, and look at freedom through
their perspective.
Among the 4 chosen ones, I
started with the eldest.
An old man, aged about 84, sat
across from where I was, sipping on a hot cup of coffee. I looked at life,
through his perspective. To him, freedom was getting out, in the real world.
Freedom was getting the entire Sunday off, and being able to spend it with his
Grandchildren. It was getting out of the old age home, experiencing simple joys
of life, with a little different sort of happiness. Sharing icecream with his
Grand children, Soaking in the sun, Walking in the park with them, watching
them play. And, ending the day, with nothing more than a simple cup of hot
coffee, and a heart filled with sheer content.
The second person I chose, was a
lady in her mid-forty’s. She sat quietly in a corner, reading a romantic novel,
while I tried making eye contact. I couldn’t help but imagine the kind of
freedom she yearns for. To her, Freedom would mean, getting time after
seeing her children off. Kissing her
husband Goodbye. Getting done with the household chores. Reading a book, going
out shopping with her mates. Freedom, was being on her own, and cherishing
precious moments, with herself.
The third living being I chose,
was a dog. Dog, a man’s bestfriend. And, this one, sat by his blind master. To
him, freedom meant long walks, guiding his master, spending time with him. Dogs
really cherish being with humans. So, being a vital part in a human being’s
life, is the kind of freedom, every dog yearns for. It’s their little paradise.
This little German Shepard seemed very content sitting by his master, and
chewing on an succulent bone.
The last one, was a pretty little
girl, aged about five.
To her, freedom meant pretty
bubbles, crayons, balloons, and her loving family. She scribbled on a blank
piece of paper, with not a care in the world. To her, freedom was the way she
lived. Not being restricted. She quite enjoyed being able to do what she liked.
And, the smile that she gave to her parents, was priceless.
So, what does freedom mean to me?
With my birthday around the
corner, I realize my teenage years are coming to an end. A sense of happiness
followed by stark realization, sinks in. Being a teenager, gives you a right of
passage, to do whatever you like( Atleast, that’s what everyone tells you!)
According to me, age doesn’t
define your maturity level. But, it takes a lot of time, to actually get down
to understanding that.
Freedom to me, is when I’m wise
enough to know that I’m allowed to do something, but maturity kicks in, and
allows me not to.
Freedom isn’t like a bird. It
can’t sore high whenever it feels like. It can’t take flight, as and when it
wishes to.
But freedom, is when you know,
instinctively, that you’re ready to take flight. Freedom, is having full
confidence in yourself, to take a chance, and make a step!
Freedom, is being yourself,
without a care in the world. Freedom, is dressing up, the way you like.
Freedom, is accepting yourself
the way you are, and loving it!