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.