Written by Karen D. Swim
I Woke Up This Mornin’ (based on an African American spiritual)
{Well I} woke up this mornin’ with my mind
stayed on freedom.
Woke up this mornin’ with my mind,
stayed on freedom.
Woke up this mornin’ with my mind
stayed on freedom.
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.
Oh well I walked and talked
talked and walked
with my mind
stayed on freedom.
Walked and talked
talked and walked
with my mind
on freedom.
I walked and talked
talked and walked
with my mind
stayed on freedom.
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.
Freedom. This was the word prominent in my heart and mind this morning. Tomorrow in the US we celebrate Independence Day but every day is an opportunity to celebrate freedom. We are free to choose where and how we live. We are free to choose where and how we worship. We are free to choose, period.
Yet, so often we seem to forget that we are free. In his post today, Brett reminds us that we are free to draw our own lines. Yet, we often act as though the choice is beyond our control. Our words and actions are those of people imprisoned. We comment on all the things we “have to do.” We complain about our jobs, finances, lack of time, etc. as though we cannot change it.
We influence our results by the choices we make. If you’re not happy, make different choices. You can do that because you are free.
How will you celebrate freedom today? You’re free to speak your mind in the comments. 🙂
Melissa Donovan says
@Karen, This is true. I sure have my work cut out! Haheh.
Andrew says
Karen,
In free countries, I believe that key is to differentiate pro-activity from reactivity.
Those with more reactive tendencies (unfortunately, like myself) have a habit of letting the world dictate what happens to them. Those with more proactive tendencies generally take a higher level of initiative and feel more empowered to exercise their right to freedom of choice.
Karen Swim says
@Jesse, you are so right, simple but often forgotten. We all need reminding now and then so please return the favor if you catch me complaining. 🙂
@Melissa, ah but it hasn’t been done by you. 🙂
Melissa Donovan says
@Karen, That is true! I am going to go out on a limb and guess that it’s already been done 😉 so now I just have to find it.
Melissa Donovans last blog post..July News and Announcements
Jesse Hines says
“If you’re not happy, make different choices.”
It’s a very simple equation, yet one that many people flat out ignore.
Good reminder, Karen.
Jesse Hiness last blog post..Do NOT Try and Write Precisely
Brett Legree says
Your words are kind, Wonder Woman – thank you.
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
🙂
-Brett
Brett Legrees last blog post..viking fridays – a small hut.
Friar says
@Melissa
One of my favorite words (somewhat related to this post) is “Free” (As in FREE SAMPLE).
My four favorite consecutive words are “All you can eat”.
(Which again, is somewhat related to freedom….even though it only applies to a buffet and not a fundamental way of life).
But hey, the little things in life are important too! 🙂
Happy Fourth! Eh?
Karen Swim says
Brett, you are a wise man. It’s easy to quote you because you always have great information and inspiration. I truly value your wisdom my kilted wonder friend. I visit, get inspired and come away thinking Can and Will.
Emily, wow what a great idea! We often don’t revisit these historical documents very often as adults. The times I have read, there is always something that I don’t remember. Voice thread sounds awesome.
Melissa, liberty would make a great poem for spoken word. 🙂
For anyone reading who may not be commenting take a moment and read the blogs of commenters, this is an extremely talented group. You will thank me, I promise. 🙂
Melissa Donovan says
One of my favorite words in the English language is liberty. Gotta love it!
Melissa Donovans last blog post..July News and Announcements
emily carmichael says
last year i marked the 4th by typing out every word of the Declaration of Independence to share with friends online. it made me focus far more on the content than simply reading it would, or copying and pasting. this year i’m thinking of recording it on VoiceThread. i recommend to everyone that they reread it. there are some surprises in there if you haven’t read it in a while.
Brett Legree says
Karen,
Thanks for the shout today – and for the confirmation. We have the power to choose. It really just depends on which we value more – the desired path, or our current location. If we are willing to let go of unimportant things, we can go wherever we choose.
Brett Legrees last blog post..draw your own line.
Karen Swim says
Friar, that sounds like a dream come true! I am seeing a movement of people who have chosen to do those kinds of things now rather than waiting for “later” (which never comes fast enough!). There are location independent professionals like Lea Woodward and her hubby who travel and work all over the world. They give up some money but gain tons of freedom. I believe it’s why Tim Ferriss’ book, 4 Hour Workweek has resonated with so many people. Most of us want to earn a living and have a life simultaneously. I would love to hear more about your road trip, it sounds like a dream come true.. just hop in and drive. 😉
Friar says
When I got laid off years ago, I got a big severance package. I decided to take a road trip across the continent.
No job. No rent, no mortage. I was single, with no girlfriend, no kids. No one to answer to. And a fat bank account. It was the Perfect Opportunity.
I pointed my Honda Civic west, and just DROVE…living out of the car and/or motels. I went everwhere. California, Arizona, South Dakota, Alberta, Alaksa…you name it. I logged 32,000 kilometers.
For those glorious three months…I felt totally and truly FREE.
And I recognized what a special unique time of my life that was. And how I might not ever get an opportunity like that again. And how very few people ever do.
Now I’m back in reality (with a day-job, responsibitlies, committments).
But I always dream that one day I’ll get to experience that kind of freedome again!
Friars last blog post..It’s almost like they’re proud of it…