Have you ever had a moment where you felt free?

Yes, definitely. I find it can be one of the best feelings. Especially when alone, and/or on vacation. I have spent a lot of effort in my life trying to cultivate that in various ways in my life.

It’s also a counterpoint to a life-long sense of a kind of suffering feeling of observation, expectations, obligations, judgements, and other oppressions which I try to minimize, which I feel from so many aspects of society, even people I love and who offer me great freedom.

Yes, I have had moments like that. Unfortunately, the feeling doesn’t last forever. It probably would last much longer if I was solo, but being alone has its negatives in other ways.

I became especially aware of feeling free after feeling imprisoned in my body with chronic pain and getting relief. Another factor was finally having money in the bank that made me feel safer.

Right after graduation. It did not last long.

The day I stepped away from 38 years of the medical lab to retire.

Also sometimes while riding my old 10 speed bike.

Also while paddling my one man canoe.

When on a swing. Could swing for hours.

Although I wouldn’t normally associate money with feeling free, I think the last time I felt financially secure was maybe the two years or so after we sold our parents house and got our inheritance. For the first time in I don’t know how long, I didn’t have to worry about money. I didn’t go out and spend a bunch but I also didn’t have to worry if I wanted to get something from the grocery store, buy a book I wanted to read, etc. And now I’m finding it very hard because the money is running out and I’m having trouble even finding a place to live. And even if I do, I know I’m going to be back to that worrying about money stage sooner than later. I never realized how freeing it felt when for the first time since I was a teenager, I didn’t have to worry about how I was going to make ends meet.

I don’t know that I’ve ever felt “free” since I was about 10. But I have had several times where I felt a curtain pull back, a weight lift, and stresses fall away. Watching my ex drive away in the U-Haul after the divorce was finalized. Paying off my mortgage. Walking out of my last job and retiring instead of staying and dealing with the B.S. All good examples.

@LifeQuestioner My dad since I was a young girl talked about money being freedom.

Riding on the ferry from SF to Larkspur, up in front with the spray over the bow.

I feel free often but I try to limit my obligations and enjoy life. Its intentional for sure.

I can’t think of a time when I didn’t feel free since I was a teen. I nearly always feel I am in charge of myself.

I thought about this for a while. I can’t say I ever felt trapped. So I’m not sure how to answer this. My life has had its ups and downs. Some things, like aching bones, is beyond my control, so I try not to sweat it and rejoice when I am well again. But most days I do what I want. I find happiness in the little things.

Doesn’t mean that things don’t affect me, but I never felt as if another person had control over me. And I never seriously wanted stuff out of my reach. I think sometimes people feel trapped because they seriously desire things that are out of their reach, and so they never learn to appreciate what they have. Of course serious illnesses can make anyone feel trapped. Being at the mercy of others to care for you would definitely take away any sense of freedom.

@MakeItSo1701 This question speaks volumes about how you’re feeling. I’m sorry you feel trapped like this. Certainly brings back a flood of memories. Being an introvert, bored out of my mind and forced to go to school where I did not fit in at all is a road to despair. There was immense pressure from authority to conform and do certain things when I was made to do and learn other things. Adolescence sucks if you’re in that position.

Out of high school, I took a factory job that first summer before college. I actually enjoyed doing the work and figured out that I could make it on my own without needing anyone. That was when I realized I was at the helm and could tell everyone else to F off if I wanted to. That’s a great feeling. From that moment on, I did what I wanted. Not what my parents, friends, or anyone else wanted. Amazing what you can accomplish when it’s just you going after what you want.

Last May 3rd, I retired, and later that day my son called to tell me he had passed the California Bar Exam. No work, no worries, my son was launched, and I could do what ever I wanted!

I realized that when I was walking to the closing night dance at my college orientation. I had made it into college, with most of the cost covered for 4 years. Never gonna be trapped and poor for the rest of my life.

I always feel free. I am free. I don’t have a smart phone. Life is great.

Oh, I have felt free a few times. Rarely though. What do you mean this question speaks volumes?