Declare Your Independence!

Freedom Must be Taken

No one has dominion over you. Has anyone ever told you that?

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash

But… do you FEEL free?

FREEDOM is a central thought to people who decide to pack their lives into a van or an RV. They think they are attaining freedom and independence by taking action, before they have their mind right. Someday, they come back having discovered the meaning of freedom, or disappointed that nothing changed, and they still feel trapped.

You were born independent and free. So far as I know, you deserve to stay that way. But to BE free, you have to choose to be free. You need to DECLARE it! Then you need to act on it.

Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow —En Vogue, 1992

Every 4th of July, I read the US Declaration of Independence. I sometimes read the rough draft because there were some details that were left out of the finished document. Regardless of what you think of where the country started or where it stands today, the Declaration is an incredible read if you let it sink in. It’s made of fiery stuff.

Sedition. Insurrection. Rebellion!

A minority of the people decided that they had had enough of their current government and, by declaration, gave their monarchy the middle finger. They first got their mind right with the idea by declaring themselves free, and then let it guide their actions. It’s not a minor point that they felt they had to put to writing where they had been wronged and why they were entitled to be free. They needed to DECLARE their independence, because they understood that it cannot be granted to you. Anything granted to you just demonstrates that you are the serf and they are the masters.

These colonists understood that they were born free but had become enslaved. The same likely goes for you.

You have been enslaved by your:

• Thoughts

• Actions

• Government

• Family

• Obligations

It’s time to get you out of that. Let’s start with a declaration

“I am free and I’m declaring my independence”!

Say it a few times and then put a pin in it for now. The first part is done. You’ve declared your independence. Now what? Now you take action.

Many years ago, I read a book. Really, I’ve read a lot of books, but this is one that is relevant to the discussion. It’s called, How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World by Harry Browne. It was written in 1973, and the information contained within has helped a lot of people to start thinking as free men. I say “men” as in the species, not the gender.

This book is also full of fiery stuff.

The ideas contained in the book will help you program your mind to become free in an unfree world. I’m not going to sell you this book; you’ll have to seek it out on your own. However, I’ll give you a brief book report to see if it’s right for you:

Concepts from the Book:

1. Personal Freedom Through Individual Responsibility: Browne emphasizes that true freedom comes from taking full responsibility for your own life, choices, and happiness. Instead of relying on external systems, institutions, or other people, you must focus on what you can control—your thoughts, actions, and decisions.

2. The Traps That Limit Freedom: Browne identifies "traps" that people fall into, which keep them from leading a truly free life. These include:

   • Identity Trap: Defining yourself by others’ expectations or societal roles.

   • Morality Trap: Adhering to rigid moral codes that conflict with personal desires.

   • Unselfishness Trap: Sacrificing your own needs to please others.

   • Group Trap: Conforming to groupthink or collective demands at the expense of individuality.

   • Government Trap: Expecting governments or institutions to solve personal problems.

   • Despair Trap: Feeling helpless due to external circumstances.

3. The Freedom to Choose: Browne advocates for living according to your own values and priorities. Freedom is achieved by making deliberate choices that align with your personal goals, rather than following societal norms or external pressures.

4. Direct Alternatives: Instead of fighting systems or trying to change others, Browne suggests finding "direct alternatives" to achieve your goals. For example, if a job or relationship restricts your freedom, find or create an alternative that better suits your needs.

5. Living in the Present: Browne encourages focusing on the present moment and making choices that maximize your happiness now, rather than deferring it to the future or dwelling on the past.

6. Avoiding Unnecessary Conflict: He advises against wasting energy on unwinnable battles, such as trying to reform society or change others’ beliefs. Instead, focus on what you can control and create a life that reflects your values.

7. Practical Strategies for Freedom:

   • Financial Independence: Reduce dependence on others by managing your finances wisely and creating multiple income streams.

   • Relationships: Surround yourself with people who respect your individuality and share your values.

   • Location and Lifestyle: Choose environments and lifestyles that support your freedom, even if it means moving or simplifying your life.

   • Self-Awareness: Understand your own desires and motivations to make authentic choices.

8. The Box Theory: Browne uses the metaphor of a "box" to describe self-imposed limitations (e.g., guilt, fear, or societal expectations). Freedom comes from recognizing these boxes and choosing to step out of them.

My thoughts are that Browne’s philosophy is about achieving personal freedom by rejecting external constraints, focusing on what you can control, and designing a life based on your own terms. The book is both a mindset shift and a practical guide to living authentically in a world full of pressures to conform.

I believe that when you develop the “I am FREE and INDEPENDENT” mindset, you’ll start to recognize where to take action to make it so. Some people get there on their own, but others need help. Others still will stay trapped forever.

If they are “lucky,” they’ll never realize that they are slaves.