When Freedom is Frightening 

"The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice 
what we are for what we could become."

"Freedom is not something that anybody can be given. Freedom is something people take, and people are as free as they want to be."  

All creatures (humans included) arguably crave freedom—the ability to do what we want when we want—without being coerced, constrained, or controlled by others. So why is it so hard to figure out what to do when that freedom is finally attained?

As an example, consider an adult dog that has been chained to a post since he was a puppy. After repeatedly testing the restrictions of the tether, he likely will have resigned himself to the fact that he can't venture beyond his constraints. This behavior can easily become so ingrained that even when the chain is removed, the animal doesn't attempt to go outside the previously defined boundaries. It can even be traumatic if he is forced outside his normal territory.

I'm reminded of the James Whitmore character in The Shawshank Redemption who was about to be released from prison after a long prison sentence. Brooks—Whitmore's character in the movie—was so traumatized by the prospect of having to face freedom that he tried to subvert his release. Despite his attempts, Brooks was released and was subsequently driven to suicide in his futile attempt to adjust to freedom.

Many people have similar responses when they are freed from restraints that are often more emotional rather than physical. It may be the end of an abusive or oppressive relationship or extrication from another restrictive or limiting situation. Sadly, even though the person may now have absolute freedom to pursue his own agenda, it may be difficult to change his mindset and take advantage of the newly gained freedom. Particularly after being constrained for a long period of time, one may intuitively—and somewhat paradoxically—find security by continuing to adhere to the confinement of the prior restraints.

When one is no longer controlled or restricted, things change. One must begin to make his own decisions and accept the consequences his actions. It is quite ironic that the freedom that has been dreamed about for so long can be quite disorienting and disconcerting when it is finally achieved.

The challenge is to allow and embrace the concept of freedom. One must then be able to actively visualize what he wants from life, recognizing that while our goals are never guaranteed, they cannot possibly be accomplished until we are willing to pursue them. Surprisingly, this is a very difficult concept for some people. For whatever reasons, they may have no real concept of happiness, contentment, or success. It ultimately comes down to having the courage to proceed, recognizing that the alternative is to choose to remain chained to the post. How sad if the self-imposed confinement is allowed to continue needlessly after the restraints have been removed.

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"Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err."