"Freedom is the oxygen of the soul."
~Moshe Dayan

The Voluntaryist states that... "Freedom is a mental condition - a condition of the spirit. All of us are free, if we but choose to acknowledge it. To borrow from Rose Wilder Lane, freedom is control of self. The essence of your "self" is your mind, soul, and spirit. We all are always free to change our thoughts, improve our knowledge and understanding, change our attitudes and beliefs - the inner part of each of us."

We reveal our independent spirit when we are not afraid to speak up, express our thoughts and opinions, take action, etc. An independent spirit does not wait to be told what to do and how to do it. She does not live life passively. She is an active participant in her life. She does not just "follow the crowd" because that is the easiest route to take. An independent spirit does not wait to be told what to think. She does not fear and/or assume that her thoughts and beliefs are wrong or less valid because they differ from the thoughts and opinions of others.

Are you fully expressing your independent spirit or are you stifling the voice within you? When you have an opinion are you more likely to express it or keep quiet? When you have an idea are you more likely to share it with others or keep it to yourself? When you are concerned about something are you more likely to give voice to your concern or remain silent? When you feel the need to act on something are you more likely to do so or remain still out of fear?

Think of various circumstances in your life and ask yourself the questions above. Now, ask yourself "Why?". Why didn't I share MY opinion? Why didn't I contribute MY idea? Why didn't I voice MY concern? WHY didn't I act? Was it out of fear? What was I afraid of? Why was I fearful? How would things have been different if I HAD shared/contributed/voiced/acted, etc.? What would it take for me to be able to behave differently the next time a similar situation arises? Once you know the reasons why you do or do not do something, you will begin to know yourself better. Then, you can start making changes. Through small changes, you can give yourself... mind, soul and spirit... a precious gift. The gift of freedom.