What Would You Choose Freedom or Comfort?
These days, it’s sunny, breezy and pleasant enough to walk around. For us though, July to October tend to be one of those “colder months”. During the night, it feels as if I walk on ice and I don’t have to turn on any fans in the house. But I’d take it any day compared to our hottest months where things are definitely way more hotter and unpleasant.
Let me be honest, I seem to have run out of things to say .It’s ironic because I have so many topics I’ve written down. And though I am slowly getting them out, words just don’t come out that easily anymore. It’s not that I am uninspired.I am very inspired, intrigued and motivated.
I got reconnected to another project that felt like a part of my core mission in my life but I still have some hesitation over it. I was offered to actually pursue another formal education and a lot of things I really wanted but it all felt like dealing with the devil kind of situation.
These days, in times of this life transition,I just want to make sure that I still live within my own terms because I’ve managed it so far, having my own freedom even though it costs. I do not want to jump into anything just yet even though I know I could do something big with this upcoming project.
Just like these birds that are free to roam, I want to still be like them.
The other day, I met someone who reminded me that not everyone has options and choices.
Coincidentally, I heard many phrases like
“ I work because I have no choice”
“ I am doing it because I have no choice”
“ I have to because I have no choice”
In my brain, those things don’t register to me well. It’s as if you’re writing a code and they won’t execute. My adopted parents raised me to believe there are options and choices. At the same time, there are consequences and pain that you have to endure in the process. So, even in my most difficult situations, I never say that I don’t have choices. I still have many choices, it’s just that I have to be extremely comfortable with the uncomfortable. It could bite me in the future but that was just the consequences of my actions.
I let you in on some reflection of mine lately. I don’t have the answer to this but I guess nobody in their sane mine would choose poverty over wealth.
Here’s the background and I’ll let you advise me on this one.
I grew up comfortable. My adopted family provided me with everything they could. They provide safety, emotional support and I grew up pretty okay. But it’s life. At some point during my teenage days, something happened and they experienced bankruptcy. I was responsible for feeding 5 people, including myself taking care, I also took care of two households and their bills.
Even almost 10 years now, we’re still dealing with so many of the aftermath of it and it’s mostly myself who takes care of everything and works for it. I don’t think I would ever survive without the great friends I have.
Now, at some point, almost exactly 10 years ago as well, I got reconnected to my birth family. They were pretty much absent for my entire life but reappeared. While they were already comfortable, my maternal side of the family became a lot wealthier.
That certainly affected the lives of my siblings excluding me, the outcast in the family. Whenever I was with them, all they did was flaunt their wealth and purchases to me. There was always an air of distrust and jealousy among them. I was proud of being so independent, though I didn’t make much, at least it’s what I earn rather than just some hand-me-down money. So, I was all about independence.
Until one time, I just felt tired of it all. It’s normal to feel that way I guess. When you’re living in poverty but with pride, it’s the most challenging thing there is. It’s a weird place to be in.
I saw how “easy” my siblings had it all. They weren’t even the smartest in the room but they had the persistence while I got so caught up with my pride. According to society's standard,they have it all. You know, well-educated, settled in life and some normal jobs and business on the side.
Then, at some point, I decided to side with my biological family. Life was easy. I never have to think about money at all but there was so much manipulation and I was that black swan who constantly gets taken advantage of.
The rule to them was simple. If you want access to their wealth, you have to submit a lot of control in your life. For someone who was so used to being free, it didn’t sit well with me. But I can’t lie when I see just how many things can be managed properly, there was a pang of jealousy.
For the last 2 years, I've disconnected with them only recently meeting them again. I got quite a bit of tempting offers but they would cost me my freedom. While I don't really have a comfortable life right now, I believe that it's something I could work on.
So, the main question is, how should I navigate this all? Should I choose freedom or comfort?
If you have something to advise me, feel free too because I am going to take them into consideration.
You have a great life story, everyone feels a roulette of emotions and, undoubtedly, the best thing to do is to talk. Although money gives you a lot of comfort and takes you away from many financial worries, I prefer freedom, that power of decision, the initiative to undertake your own projects and feel proud because what you have achieved is synonymous with effort, sacrifice and perseverance.
Look for job offers and projects without risking your freedom. There is nothing better than being true to yourself and being accepted for who you are, not for the money you have. That is my appreciation, I hope to be of help.
I see that freedom matters a lot to so many people. You know, back in the day I know people would say money is above it all. But just from the reply I saw around here, most here preferred freedom than a comfort life.
Perhaps the experience led us to reflect better and to know that money is not synonymous with happiness.
Answering your questions or the title just for me and my opinion I need to take a freedom why because anything you will do and not someone distract what we do a things that we capable.
That's interesting for sure, Maybe these days freedom is what matters to most people.
If I were in your shoes, I will choose my freedom. Yes, today money is everything, but I would rather have my peace of mind over something that makes me feel anxious. Like they said, we only love once that is why we need to live our life to the fullest, to enjoy our life and especially to have our freedom. It is not easy at first but try to choose yourself, try to get out in your comfort zone and you will know. I know Im not expert for like this topic but I know you will understand me on why I choose my freedom. I hope this comment of mine will help you even if it just a little to finally choose what's your heart desire. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to get from us our opinion. Keep praying and ask for some guidance. Stay loved and positive 😊
The question I am going to throw back at you is, between freedom and comfort, which brings you genuine happiness? Because there lies your answer. We could advise you all we want but from personal experiences the one true advice is the one that we give ourselves. And of course guidance in such critical times is what makes the difference. So, be sincere with yourself, where does your happiness lie?
I think this is a good lesson for many things that hold us back in life. We fight to hold a feeling, without really questioning whether we should or not. I think it might have to do with the sense of "loss of self" if we change course significantly. the thing is though, we are always changing anyway - so shouldn't we be sure we are the ones making the decision on the direction?
Yep,exactly. We built habits and even make choices that could feel comforting eventhough they're the ones holding us back from where we want in life. These days, I am learning to let go more of my ego and pride and thank you for sharing your perspective😊
If this were my choice I would choose freedom, life is too short to be subjected to bad times or do things we do not like, I always bet to be in the place we want doing what we want with passion, for me that is the key to existence.
For me I choose freedom.. as a independent person I work my own I earn may own.. we both similar, I make distance with my family and relatives I choose my own path.. because you're happyness is you're freedom.. yes there a hardship but the fulfillment is there when you earn it by you're own, just follow you're goal. Family always there's but keeping distance is your freedom..
Luxuries come and go, but family is forever.
When I start reading the post, and at the same time, by some parallel rail, my brain starts moving, I know I'm in the right place... 😃
While I was reading your post, I got an idea of welcoming people in the #HHHLive show, for example... It should be something like this:
I don't know the answer to YOUR question and what you should do, but I would probably go in the direction of freedom... I know the BLUE pill is more comfortable, smaller, easier to swallow, and everything will be easier... But... I don't like Schweppes, but it's easy to compare with it... What would be Schweppes without its bitter taste?
Comfort is nice, but not for a long time... I think you are not the kind of person who could settle for an "average"... The challenge, the adrenaline, the thrill is your fuel... 😃 It's weird that I'm saying that, without knowing you... but... Am I right? 😃
hahahahahha yeah that's a good one! I think what I was forgetting is my own life's purposes. They require some sacrifices and definitely a life that's full of challenge and thrill than just comfort. Sorry that I got back here pretty late, I am currently sick and haven't fully recovered.
Sorry to hear that you are sick... 😞
Get well soon!!! 💪
I can see where they are coming from, but there are actually options in life. It's just that there's the pros and cons to weigh. A breadwinner might think he cannot quit his stressful job because the whole family would go hungry, but it isn't true because there are always other possibilities to explore, e.g. finding a new job, going freelance, etc. There will be risks but the door is not shut for sure. That's my thinking.
I am not an expert in such matters, but I think it's good to take your time to figure out what you want in life, big life goals, be it travel the world, early retirement, or it could be doing charity. Think of your passions, what makes you excited, and you feel happy engaging in the activity. It took years to gradually figure what I wanted in life as well.
I'm really moved with your story. I admire your clarity in valuing freedom over comfort, knowing full well it might come with sacrifice and uncertainty.
If I had to choose, I’m choosing freedom. It means accepting the challenges but also living authentically and true to yourself.