How the World Looks Wearing Freedom Coloured Glasses
As I sit here to write the clock turns over, it's 11:29 pm, the kids are sleeping, and I feel like I am chained to this desk. This is not a very free feeling. Not that I don't want to connect with the amazing people of Steemit, but the reality is the needs of my family always come first. I often wonder if I've created my own personal prison where I am trapped in a perpetual cycle of punching the proverbial clock.
Do I want too much? Am I making poor decisions? Have I bitten off more than I can chew? The questions are endless, and truthfully, most days I am just too exhausted to answer them anyway. So instead, I will just continue down this path I've paved because the light at the end of the tunnel is independence which is as close to freedom as I can ask for right now. And so I type.
In the fourth Freedom Challenge @sagescrub asked us to contemplate the question, If I lived in a free world how would my life be different? and my mind didn't have to wander far. Matthew and I often dream about what a free(r) world would look like, one where we could live autonomously in peace.
Mrs. Canadian Renegade here again with another dose of reality.
When I close my eyes and dare to dream about my ideal life, I picture myself sitting on a porch, staring out into rolling hills where the trees are fruiting and the garden is lush. Matthew is sitting beside me, I can hear my children laughing near by and the dog barks playfully in the distance. My chest feels light, unburdened by impending bills, or whether or not I will find enough work for the month. Our bellies are full and our hearts are light and we never struggle to find time to be together as a family.
Perhaps, I don't want so much after all. But if a simple country life, rich with connection, is all I desire then why am I struggling to get there and to feel free?
If you have been following along and read What Freedom Means to Me, What Holds Me Back From Being Free, and How I Express My Freedom you'll be familiar with how we feel about the tangled web that government regulation can weave. I equate the government to overbearing parents who take your dreams and drown them in red tape, all in the name of what's best or at least what someone else thinks is best for you.
In all honesty, I believe my life would look much like it will in five years if I lived in a free world.
In a free world, we would have the pleasure of accessing a free market. The people would decide the value of goods and services and business owners and workers would be more inclined to offer quality rather than cutting corners to make a buck.
If we're really being honest, trying to eek out a living has become increasingly difficult, and the cost of running a business can be astronomical. It's no wonder so many people take short cuts where they can see them. I know I am guilty. I buy the least amount of equipment to get the job done. I take risks by sending projects to the printer without proofing them because printers, ink, paper, and calibrating tools are both expensive to purchase and maintain.
Without the banks creating loans from thin air and convincing people to live beyond their means, all for the sake of being a home owner, housing markets wouldn't bubble and property would be more affordable. One might even wonder if neighbourhoods might not become so dilapidated if their residents spent their money on maintenance rather than increasing property taxes.
Without the shackles of government regulations, we would spend more time with our loved ones and less time filling out paperwork. Instead of our funds being squandered on countless permits, property tax and income tax, we would have more to give back to the community; we could support more local businesses and charities than we already do.
Giving back to the community isn't just hindered financially either. The government has a way of ensuring they are in control of how we help others which is a real disservice to communities. They restrict fresh food donations, and the ability to open your home to strangers citing potential food poisoning and fire hazards. The truth is there are an endless what if's but we shouldn't let that prevent us from helping our neighbours.
In other words, if I lived in a free world the journey to buying land and building a house would be much quicker. In a free world, we would be at less risk of overextending ourselves in the process of establishing a working permaculture farm and orchard. In a free world, living comfortably, unburdened by the fear of debt, would be more obtainable. In a free world, we would be have the ability to help our neighbours generously and in a way that could make a real difference. In a free world, our time would be spent chasing our kids instead of chasing a dollar.
It is true.... A #healthy-home is not as easy a task as it would seem it should be. And sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Nevertheless, it is a task worth striving for. And your record of it here can be an encouragment to the rest of us.
All the best to you as you endeavor to 'walk toward freedom'.
Peace
You're right, the task is seemingly easy but actually takes a lot of persistence and dedication.
Thanks for the upvote, we didn't expect it! We knew #healthy-home was taking a break and we just wanted to keep the tag alive while you were away.
Let us know when #healthy-home is active again, we would like to give you a delegation because we think you curate good content.
-Aimee
I think even being free can feel like a prison with the never ending task to be done but I would rather live in a prison I built for myself then live in one someone else has chosen for me. A lot of great points up voted and resteemed.
Agreed! At least we have control over our own lives when we build our own prison. I find self-sufficient people often have a growing to do list instead of a shrinking one.
Thanks for the support and resteem. -Aimee
But the government loves you, everything that they do is to protect you. Freedom is just one more regulation away. lol. Very well written. I totally agree with you. I'm afraid it's only getting worse, especially with the rolling out of 5G and the IoT. They will have complete power and control over everybody if they have their way.
That sad thing is that the majority of people both in the government and the general population actually think that it is the governments job to fix every problem. As long as that is the mindset things will only get worse.
You're right. People should stand in their power and understand that the government doesn't care about them at all. They're there to protect the interests of the banksters, the big corporations and the parasitic elite. And of course to line their own pockets. Like George Carlin said: "It's a big club and you ain't in it."
Upvoted and resteemed because these are great thoughts, beautifully organized and written :) I'm glad you wrote it!
I've been saying "nanny state" but I like "overbearing parents" even better!!
Thank you! We are always grateful for the support. This one was more difficult to write; I've been having trouble sitting down and dedicating the time I'd like to Steemit. I think I hit the main points though, and I am glad to hear that you found the read worthwhile! -Aimee
Sounds like we are living the same dream and see the same issues. What part of Canada are you in again?
Glad to hear we're not alone. We are in the Edmonton area and will be heading west of Edmonton this fall. fingers crossed. Where are you?
Hey @canadianrenegade, thank you for participating in the #FreedomChallenge!
I couldn't agree more!! I see the "eeking" all the time and it's bothersome to me. There are a lot of hurdles that make it difficult to live the life we want to when we are burdened by income, taxes and rules. I think you are doing a great thing to strive for the ideals of the free world you wish to see even despite all the hardships and hurdles that lay in front of you. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of helping in our community!
Thanks! I am enjoying the prompts and reading others ideas as well. This community is so inspiring and supportive. -Aimee
Congratulations on your win. I love your post. That is what mine started to turn into. I had to delete and get back on track.
I feel like I am stuck there myself. My life is not my own. It's to pay bills and keep up with necessities. You're probably right to, your neighbors house would probably be in better condition if they didn't have such high taxes to pay. I know our would be. My yard would be done and I'd finally have my garden set. Money and work hours seem to be in the way.
I love how you guys switched out Mrs. Canadian Renegade :) Hang in there
Thank you! Yes, I definitely see a pattern where most people are too busy trying to make money to sustain themselves that they neglect their passions, their homes, and their health. The mentality has become one day but when will that day ever arrive? We are trying to set up a homestead so we can alleviate the financial burdens, and spend more time together.
Ha! Yes, I hijack the misters account sometimes. My kids keep me too busy to maintain my own account but maybe one day I will venture into my own Steemit account. Ha ha!
I hope you hang in there too! -Aimee
Thank you, i really liked your thoughts.