Have you ever taken a moment to assess yourself in regards to your free will? It's easy to say, “I am free and owned by no one,” but how true is that statement? Today, you might have driven to work of your own free will, stopped by Starbucks for your usual order, and turned to your favorite radio station to amp things up a bit before heading into the workplace—all seemingly acts of free will. But, did you take a moment to assess your mental health?
A shift in mood can be our body’s way of letting us know that danger is near and that we need to counter this danger. It’s easy to sit in that shifted mood, which can present as feelings of anxiety at the thought of dealing with a messy co-worker, a micromanaging boss, or always-right customers. Especially if we do not have the tools to cope and manage these feelings, they can remain unprocessed, leaving us stuck and lost in our thoughts and fears.
So, are you really free? Is your mind held captive by consistent thoughts of fear of the unknown, thoughts of "what ifs," or self-doubt? Are you taking on the responsibilities of others and left feeling empty and opaque? How much of yourself are you pouring into someone else without it being reciprocated?
Take a moment and rate yourself. On a scale from 1 to 10:
Reflecting on where you fall on this scale can be a crucial step in identifying areas of your life where you feel trapped and where you can begin to work towards freedom.
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's important to recognize and validate your emotions rather than suppressing them. This can be the first step in understanding what is causing your mental entrapment.
Identify Triggers: Pay attention to the situations, people, or thoughts that trigger negative feelings. Understanding these triggers can help you develop strategies to manage them.
Develop Coping Mechanisms: Learn and practice healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety. This might include mindfulness techniques, exercise, hobbies, or talking to a therapist.
Set Boundaries: Protect your mental health by setting boundaries with others. This can prevent you from taking on too much responsibility and feeling overwhelmed.
Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or professionals for support. Sharing your burden can often make it feel lighter and provide new perspectives.
Assessing your free will and mental freedom is not a one-time task but a continuous journey. By regularly checking in with yourself and addressing the areas where you feel constrained, you can work towards achieving true mental freedom. So, take a moment now—rate yourself, reflect, and start taking steps towards liberating your mind. How free are you, really?