Freedom and the ability to be free.

Here's a thought I've had for awhile.

Freedom... specifically what it means to the individual person.

What does it mean to have freedom? What is it that truly makes us free?
Is it being free from decision? No, we are humans, we have to make decisions every day, good and bad.

Is it being free from responsibility? This I have to say is also no. No matter who you are, you are responsible... for yourself, for the environment, there's always something you're responsible for.

Is it the ability to go where we want, when we want? Ahhh... here's where the tricky part is. Can we truly ever just stop what we're doing and get up and go. Well... yes you could. But what are the repercussions? If you have a job, you may lose it. If you run out of money, you're stranded wherever you are. So we're not 100% free in this sense. Though I do believe this aspect of freedom contains the closest definition of freedom, with a bit of the first 2 aspects.

So, how are we free then? Are you free? Think to yourself about that.

Myself, my freedom has enlarged itself suddenly and very quickly. Those who know me know that I love motorbikes and have been working on my first one, getting it ready for the safety inspection... disappointed with the first inspection when it failed, getting a few more parts and finishing the repairs. Well today, my bike has passed inspection. It's declared safe to ride.

I can now go and transfer the ownership under my name completely and legally ride it on the streets. My area of travel has just gotten a whole lot bigger. Before, I was limited to two early morning buses to take me into town, and two in the evening to get me home. And only on the weekday. Weekends were a bust. I have to bike 14kms just to get to a bus. By then, I'm hot, sweaty and tired. I wouldn't want to inflict that on anyone, friends, family, etc...

Now, with my motorbike, after a bit of practice, I can hop on and leave, no need to worry about the bus, or the temperature during the day. (I've been severely dehydrated just from biking in the heavy heat)

What do I think freedom is? It's the ability to not be 100% dependent on something. Like the bus system. Sure, bad weather I'll take the bus, I have no problems with that. But on a nice day, why should I have to go home and be stuck there?