I grew up a proud first generation American. Coming from a family originating in a country with one of the longest dictatorships in history, my family had escaped as they emigrated through a few countries before settling here, in the land of the free. Now, in a world marked by turbulence and uncertainty, freedom seems quite the farce. For myself, this is trauma kicking in as I’m more inclined to laugh and shrug things off, internalizing the experience. For many others, freedoms are being stripped as I sit here and fathom all that is happening out there across our country and the world.
Images of freedom often represent an unlimited world, being autonomous and not being constrained to anything! However, true freedom goes far beyond these external liberties, but in the ability to align with one’s own personal values. This notion has been encapsulated by Seneca, the Stoic philosopher, who argued that freedom is achieved when we master our own minds and live in accordance with virtue. Seneca once wrote, “No man is free who is a slave to the flesh.” By this, he emphasized the importance of self-discipline and clarity of purpose. For those of us on the journey of recovery, this sentiment resonates deeply. Freedom is not about escaping challenges or avoiding pain; it is about choosing how we respond to them. Rather than being enslaved by external forces or internal turmoil, we become free when we root ourselves in personal values—those intrinsic principles that define who we are and what we stand for.
Similarly, the life and legacy of Sly Stone, the iconic musician who recently passed away, offered a reflection on freedom through personal expression. Sly revolutionized music with a message of unity, individuality, and resilience. Despite facing personal struggles, Stone’s art celebrated the freedom to express one’s truth and embrace one’s identity. In his words, “Stand! You’ve been sitting much too long, there’s a permanent crease in your right and wrong.” This call to action resonates with those of us seeking freedom—not as a passive state, but as an active pursuit of what we stand for.
Sly Stone’s music reminds us that freedom is an ongoing process, a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Just as he blended genres and defied conventions, we too can embrace the freedom to break away from limiting beliefs and align with our true selves.
Personal values act as a moral compass, guiding our decisions and grounding us in authenticity. They remind us of what truly matters, cutting through the noise of societal expectations, past mistakes, and future anxieties. When we prioritize our values, we create a foundation of self-respect and inner strength that no external circumstance can shake.
For example, consider a value like honesty. An individual who commits to living honestly may face difficult moments of vulnerability or confrontation. However, this commitment fosters trust, self-worth, and alignment with one’s deeper self. Similarly, values such as compassion, courage, or accountability serve as anchors, offering steadiness in a world that often feels adrift.
At Choice Recovery Coaching, we witness daily the empowerment that comes from reconnecting with these values. People in recovery can often feel lost, burdened by guilt, shame, or fear. By helping individuals identify and embrace their core values, we provide them with a framework their lives—not as a reaction to past traumas, but as a deliberate choice rooted in what they stand for.
The world around us is undeniably distressed and disturbed. From global unrest to personal upheavals, the challenges we face can feel overwhelming. However, when we ground ourselves in personal values, we create a sanctuary of inner stability. This stability allows us to navigate the chaos with confidence, knowing that our worth and identity are not dictated by external circumstances.
When personal values are in place, individuals can move through life with a sense of purpose. They can face adversity with resilience, make decisions with integrity, and connect with others in meaningful ways. This is the essence of freedom: the ability to live authentically, irrespective of what is happening around us.
As recovery coaches, we encourage individuals to look beyond external benchmarks and double down on the alignment with their values. Are they living in a way that reflects their beliefs? Are they making choices that honor their true selves? These questions shift the focus from what is beyond their control to what is within it, fostering a sense of empowerment and peace. This supports the development of personal recovery and wellness capital.
Freedom is more than the absence of constraints; it is the presence of self-esteem, self-efficacy and personal accountability. Inspired by the wisdom of Seneca and the creativity of Sly Stone, we are reminded that freedom is both a timeless philosophical ideal and a tangible, everyday practice. At Choice Recovery Coaching, we strive to help individuals reclaim this freedom, empowering them to live with confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the promise of freedom through personal values offers a beacon of hope. By rooting ourselves in what truly matters, we create a path to inner peace —one that no external force can take away. As we continue this journey together, let us all stand firm in our values, embrace our individuality, and celebrate the infinite power of freedom.
Wishing ALL the Freedom in the World to YOU and yours!
