On Freedom and Gratitude

Freedom and gratitude are two of the most widely used words in the modern coaching world. Tons of books have been written about them, and about their importance in our lives.

Just like with any widely used terms however, their omnipresence means that they sometimes lose their meaning and significance. It’s important to understand the context in which such terms are used, as it’s exactly what will help us to create meaning rather than getting lost in the semantics.

When I talk about ‘freedom’, I usually use the word in the context of helping solopreneurs such as small business owners, therapists and artists to compose their own freedom in order to live their life they want. When I discuss the concept of ‘gratitude’, I encourage you to think of the little positive things in your daily life which give you a sense of achievement and wellbeing and help you appreciate the progress you are making towards your goals.

But times like this, after the recent Ukrainian invasion, remind you of the universal dimension of such terms. Freedom also means to live in a sovereign state and enjoy the benefits of a welfare system. It means to be able to enjoy a peaceful existence with your loved ones without the fear that one sudden blow or air raid can cease that existence within a moment. It also means being able to express your views publicly without fear of being prosecuted and imprisoned.

Likewise, gratitude also means waking up realizing you have survived yet another night. It means realizing you still have the privilege of seeing your child smile and play worry free; of being able to take your dog for a walk in the park, of attending a family BBQ, exercising your hobbies and spare time activities and working on your personal development.

And while freedom can fuel your daily gratitude, it’s not an absolute requirement. By adopting a mindset of gratitude in our lives, we can start composing the terms of our own freedom rather than having them dictated by external sources.

Let us not forget this.