Crafting a Life of Freedom

Published On: May 24, 20214.2 min read837 wordsCategories: Recovery

When we’re little humans people commonly ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Typically we give some lofty, if not admirably ambitious career titles like a movie star, astronaut or doctor. We then continue doing our thing, growing up and watching as these dreams fall to the wayside never to become more than what they are, dreams. 

Whether or not this is good or bad is entirely up to you, as some dreams do just come from the heart of a child and don’t line up with your priorities as you become an adult. What if you don’t know what your adult priorities are? What if, through various choices and circumstances, you don’t even know what you want? If someone were to ask you today, as an adult, what you wanted to be, would you even have an answer? 

As we grow up, the expectations of others, the influence of society and even our own choices – good and bad – determine the goals we set for ourselves and the paths we take to get there. So frequently we are unsatisfied with these so-called goals and we lose our heads entirely and end up in that frequent state of questioning why we’re here, what purpose are we serving being here?

Life-purpose planning

No one can tell another what his or her life purpose is. In fact, it can even be detrimental to give advice to another person about their purpose in life. As author Hunter S. Thompson wrote, “I ask you…to remember that all advice can only be a product of the man who gives it. What is truth to one may be a disaster to another. I do not see life through your eyes, nor you through mine. If I were to attempt to give you specific advice, it would be too much like the blind leading the blind.”

Life-purpose planning, therefore, is not sitting down across from a therapist and listing step by step their instructions on how to find your life’s purpose. Instead, it’s utilizing the tools, talents and gifts you’ve been given to create a path that reflects the life you want to live. It’s not so much about gritting your teeth and baring it until you reach your goal, rather, it’s choosing the kind of life you want to live – perhaps one of freedom, of peace, joy, virtue and gratitude – and making choices every day to live that way.

Life-purpose planning benefits

Of course, there are practical sides to this ideal, since you can’t just decide this is how your life is going to be and then sit back and wait for it to work out accordingly. 

For example, starting a gratitude journal and listing three or more things to be grateful for each day will form a spirit of positivity and gratefulness which may help you persevere through unpleasant jobs or periods of dullness. 

Exercising daily and creating a healthy meal plan for yourself will help you take control over unhealthy habits and urges. Plus, by crafting a healthy lifestyle for yourself, you’ll not only feel better but you’ll be motivated to continue living this way as you see and feel the results. 

Taking the time to pray, meditate or simply connect with a higher power will offer you a strong interior sense of purpose and fulfillment. Not only will this bring joy to your soul, but it can also offer interior freedom from the belief that you have to be a certain way or live life in accord with someone else’s standards. When your worth comes from something greater than you, it’s harder to be swayed by the opinions of the world.  

Take back control of your life

Life-purpose planning isn’t saying, “I want to be [insert job title here],” it’s choosing the way you want to live your life and making choices that align with that path. It’s about discovering what is important to you and taking the steps necessary to live in such a way. 

At Freedom Detox, many, if not all, clients come seeking a life of freedom. They seek counsel from therapists and doctors not in order to be told how to live their lives but to receive guidance in the best ways to achieve the life they want to live, that is, in total freedom from addiction. 

Through life planning – from crafting a personalized workout routine, to scheduling in daily prayer/meditation or giving yourself leisure time to pursue hobbies important to your well-being and creativity – you will begin to slowly and intentionally create the life you want to live. Not only will this offer you ownership and a sense of healthy pride over your life, but it will also motivate you to continue this journey no matter what obstacles come your way. 

To begin your journey to health and wellness and a life of freedom, contact Freedom Detox today at (800) 475-2312. 

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