15 Comments
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Diana C.'s avatar

I loved how you connected your need for freedom to your gypsy and seafaring roots – that felt so authentic. 💜Freedom truly isn't just about physical space, it's about feeling free inside...

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May More's avatar

so true - its rooted inside us all and how that takes roots is different for us all <3

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Chingmay Anaïs Jo's avatar

Me too. When I discovered the island where I live now, I stopped moving around. I haven't moved for 17 years, whereas previously, I moved from city to city every few years. Thanks to living on my island, the Covid period was not too tough for us because we didn't lose our freedom to hike.

I second the importance of "The Freedom to Authentically Be Me." :)

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Robert Gowty's avatar

Yes to rural living and island life. It may not have the convenience of city living, although that too can fade quickly in a lockdown. It does offer a different sense of freedom.

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Sally Prag's avatar

Beautiful writing. Authenticity is freedom. I really relate to what you share. I adore the sea and wild land. Having these close to me is a necessity for my sanity and joy.

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May More's avatar

Yes - Authenticity is freedom - that says it all, really. We can not be free with unreality. TY for your comment, Sally

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Debdutta Pal's avatar

Lockdown was so life-changing, it showed me how much I took for granted.

Loved how you took us through the concept - discovering oneself freely can be such a wonderful journey...series of journeys rather.

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Nevena Pascaleva's avatar

I'll never forget the Covid times—the most horrible period of my life. I don't think I've ever recovered; I still suffer from social anxiety. I watched a movie back then—I forgot the name—but it was about a pandemic that affected only women. A man kept his wife locked inside for two years to save her. After all her friends had died and there was no hope for a cure, she went out anyway, just because she wanted to feel free. She preferred freedom over life.

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May More's avatar

wow thats powerful - i am with u - Covid changed everything

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A. Njoto's avatar

That last bit about lineage feels like fresh air to me, like all of a sudden, I can feel the freedom in you. Well, that's really the point of the essay and I can only feel happy for you, May!

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May More's avatar

Thanks, Adrian - I think over the years there have been times when I craved "more" freedom but at the end of the day I had a family to consider and I would never have wanted my need to impact badly on those i love

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Janaka Stagnaro's avatar

I see there are two freedoms—conditional and unconditional. The former is subject to change and relates to a changing personality. I am very independent and don’t appreciate being told what to do. Yet there is also unconditional freedom that deals with spirit, and that means being free of any conditions or things or people that I feel I need to be happy. Squaring the circle, finding freedom within constraints. Makes for a happy marriage for sure. Gandhi was grateful for jail time for he had more time to meditate. 🧘

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May More's avatar

yes - TY Janaka for that comment and this is why I said freedom is different for us all.

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Smillew's avatar

“Growing older, my focus is on fostering positivity”

You’re doing a great job! 😊

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May More's avatar

That's because I have friends like you :-D

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