A Different Kind of Freedom
Freedom. It's a word we use a lot in America. It has many contexts, perceptions, and applications. While many of us believe we are seeking happiness with our finances, what we crave most is freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom with our time. Freedom to pursue our passions and callings. Freedom to leave the job we hate. Freedom to pursue work that matters. Freedom to spend money on things that actually add value to our lives. Freedom from the burden of debt.
There's a different kind of freedom we don't often talk about: contentment. While most of the aforementioned freedoms come from having more, contentment is a freedom born from wanting less. I've spent the past few days talking about the materialistic instinct most of us humans have. It's pervasive in our lives and in our psyches.
Over the past few years, I've thought about this topic so much. I've thought about it through the lens of my own journey, but also the journeys of the clients I've had the honor of serving. Something has happened to me through this journey. I've lost the taste for possessions. It feels weird to even type that. Buying things no longer gives me a dopamine hit. If anything, I cringe at the secondary consequences of owning more possessions (space, attention, care, time, etc.). Therefore, I've reached this interesting place where I don't value many things anymore.
One could argue that's sad. It's weird not to get excited about purchasing this shiny object or that trendy trinket. However, there's a freedom in that unlike anything I've ever experienced. My soul no longer craves things. Outside of a few pieces of clothing and new books, I can't think of any new possessions that would add value to my life. As a result, my contentment level has shot through the roof. I still have spending money, but instead of buying things, it all gets funneled into experiences and memories. Last weekend, for example, I went to a nice dinner with some buddies. I ordered one of the most expensive things on the menu.....and a wonderful dessert I definitely didn't need. When I don't crave things, I have so much freedom to reallocate my limited resources toward things that truly enrich my life. It's everything I imagined it could be.....and more.
It's been an interesting journey. I don't claim to be an expert. Rather, I think this is a good starting point to introduce the conversation and possibly give you something to think about. I'm sure I'll circle back to this topic in the near future, but in the meantime, find what freedom means to you....especially those freedoms stemming from contentment.
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