Let Freedom Ring

To begin this entry, I would like to thank all of the people who made my freedom possible.  Thank you to all of the veterans, to everyone currently serving our country, and for all of the fallen soldiers who gave their life so we can all be free.  I also realize, it is not only the soldier who makes the sacrifice, but also their families. Their children, their spouses, their parents, their friends and anyone else who worries about them while they are in active duty and holds down the fort at home, putting on a brave face for their children and their loved ones.

free·dom

   /ˈfridəm/ Show Spelled[free-duhm] Show IPA

–noun

1.  the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint: He won his freedom after a retrial.

2. exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

3. the power to determine action without restraint.

Independence, Liberated, Autonomous, To Be Free. . .

My captive has been my weight and my freedom is being released from the physical restraints of being morbidly obese.  I know I am still in the "morbidly obese" category and I know I am still big, but I am getting a little bit more of my freedom back everyday.

This is a seat belt extender.  I have had to use one in my car for the last two years because my seat belt wouldn't fit me.  Yesterday, I was able to take it off and put it in my glove compartment.  I no longer need it to feel safe in my own vehicle.  I have lost enough weight that my seat belt actually fits me (without choking me or being so tight I can't breathe). So far, every car I have been in, the seat belts have fit. 

I think the things that I appreciate the most about this whole experience are the little things. Seat belts fitting, being able to sit in a chair with arms, having to worry that a restaurant has a bathroom stall big enough that you can turn around in, being able to go to dinner and not worry about if the place has chairs or booths, or worrying about walking on something wooden (stairs, etc) and if it will hold your weight.  I was able to go on a boat ride yesterday for the first time in 14 years. I walked up a plank across a muddy spot to the dock and was able to get on and was extremely comfortable.  The little things that most people don't think about are what I appreciate.  My freedom has been with this weight loss surgery, its given me the common, everyday functions of living back. I no longer have the worry, fear, and anxiety about going places, doing things, or being around people. 

I am not sure how many people have read the book Eat, Pray, Love or have at least seen the movie.

Here is an excert from the book that changed her and it has changed me too.  This was given to her in the context of her marriage dissolving and letting go and moving on, but I can apply it to my own life and maybe some of you could too.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FREEDOM

These instructions were given to her at the ashram before her final ritual of letting go of her marriage.

1. Life's metaphors are God's instructions.

2. You have just climbed up and above the roof. There is nothing between you and the Infinite. Now, let go.

3.The day is ending. It's time for something that was beautiful to turn into something else that is beautiful. Now, let go.

4. Your wish for resolution was a prayer. Your being here is God's response. Let go, and watch the stars come out - on the outside and the inside.

5. With all your heart, ask for grace, and let go.

6. With all your heart, forgive him, FORGIVE YOURSELF, and let him go.

7. Let your intention be freedom from useless suffering. Then, let go.

8. Watch the heat of the day pass into the cool of the night. Let go.

9. When the karma of a relationship is done, only love remains. It's safe. Let go.

10. When the past has passed from you at last, let go. Then climb down and begin the rest of your life. With great joy.