As we approach the time of year in Jamaica that we humorously refer to an ‘emanci-pendence’ (for non-Jamaicans this is a contraction of our ‘Emancipation’ from slavery, the celebration of which falls on August 1, and ‘Independence’ on August 6, which refers to the date on which Jamaica gained its place as a sovereign nation), I always ponder the meaning of freedom and true liberation.
For me and for most of us today (although unfortunately not all) it is more about mental, psychological and, yes, economic freedom. The ability to really be our authentic selves and not allow others to define us; being in charge of our minds, our thinking and the choices we make and our ability to create lives that give expression to our talents and purpose. And yet, how many of us can honestly say that we are in fact experiencing true freedom?
Maybe you, like the vast majority, have found yourself locked into a hum-drum existence, buying into the depressing and negative circumstances that the daily news feeds us, and where just paying the bills and surviving takes up so much of our time, that we have forgotten our power to dream, and to imagine. We have lost touch with that aspect of ourselves that is powerful and we have learned to literally ‘small up’ ourselves (another Jamaican term meaning to shrink and hold back) and retreat.
My challenge to you in this season of Emanci-pendence is to rediscover your ‘why’ and to commit to taking at least one action towards reconnecting with it and living it! It is in fact your pathway to freedom.
Here are a few questions that can help you get on your way:
- What do I really love doing so much that I would be willing to pay someone to let me do it (of course assuming I have the money to do so!) – these are your passions!
- What skills do I have? This is about the knowledge (both theory and applied) that I have learnt over various periods of my life – for example, like sales, project management or singing.
- What do you do that requires little thought and you do it naturally? These are your talents and could be very different from what you love to do and your skills! “Talents” can be connected with our personality ‘types’ – for example, we may be very extroverted and have a natural way of approaching and speaking to people or perhaps we are naturally inclined to work alone and do research work. These are part of our ‘talent’ package which we can harness.
Now you can use the answers to these questions to help you create your vision and your goals! But, there’s more, and here’s where many fall short – you probably have some habits, beliefs and programming that may cause detours on your road to freedom.
I’ve found that learning Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) has been one of the most liberating decisions that I have ever made. NLP reminded me of the wonderful, powerful internal resources that I have and helped to connect me to them; it gave me tools to develop goals in alignment with my most cherished values and the focus and drive to make them come true; it showed me how to use obstacles and challenges in ways that propelled me forward instead of stopping me in my tracks; it allowed me to release worn out ideas, beliefs and baggage from my past that I didn’t even realize were holding me back; and, importantly, it gave me skills to help others to do the same!
So, this week, as I contemplate the blessing of freedom in my life, I give thanks to my Creator that I have had the opportunity to learn that I no longer have to be a victim of circumstance. What about you?
Would you like to learn how you too can create a life of freedom? If so, then sign up now for my next NLP Practitioner Multi-Certification programme which starts September 29. Enrol by August 31 and catch the early bird discount! Learn more about the programme here: http://limitlesstransformationja.com/html/schedule/
Or schedule a free Discovery session with me to find out if working with me as your Coach is right for you! Click here to book now: https://uimdleaztrtsifhzbm.10to8.com/
To your true liberation!
Elizabeth Terry
NLP, Time Line Therapy®, Hypnosis Trainer and Master Coach
Flow Consultant, Entrepreneur’s Institute