To Break free, you first need to know what holds you back.

Of course, there are many levels to this question, as there are many reasons for the need to break free that may be subject to political, societal, economic, religious, family, etc.

For the sake of this writing, the depth of need for breaking free is based more on a personal emotional level. The question is my attempt to polish up a previous fast-growing dulling mindset and continue to move toward living in love and peace of mind. Taking that first step to freedom will increase my appreciation for life experiences, not only from the past but for the many opportunities presented here and now.

What is it that holds you back?

Have you ever encountered such a question, and if so, when? Defining what holds a person back, at least for me, inspires a deeper look into my progress toward fulfillment while traveling this life journey. What is my goal, and what is stopping me from reaching it?

When I feel I am moving ahead, about to meet with satisfaction. . ., something happens, then I go right back to start over, or so it seems. If truthful, the answer lay more to an everchanging motion comparable to a backward-and-forward life-altering movement taking place over time. Much easier to recognize that in the early years of one’s past, the action seemed more backward than forward. However, forward-motion experiences keep hope alive despite facing many challenges that interfere with one’s progress.

The easiest way to describe this life-altering movement would be compared to the flipping of a coin, like a penny, where one side is shiny, bright, and polished, and the other is very dull, dingy, and worn down. Of course, it is easy to distinguish all aspects of its surface on the bright side. However, on the other. . ., tough to make out, leaving it up to imagination or memory with few distinct markings to recognize.

For the sake of simplicity, I will call this journey a flip-flop of life’s coin. Now on the bright side, it holds a vibrancy that leaves no doubt about value and worth. This side of life is identifiable with a shiny brilliance easily detected and recognizable by only incredible future possibilities.

Just imagine when the sun hits that side of the coin. A mind would be filled to the brim with beautiful insights into all pathways of life. One’s life would overflow with ideas for improvement while heading for the easily attainable world of success and fulfillment. Unbelievable joy would be felt with each waking moment while exploring what’s ahead based on one’s life journey experiences.

However, even during those times, there would be a reality-based awareness of ability and economic limitations. Although recognizing the fact of not being a superwoman, on this bright side of life’s coin, putting one’s mind to it. . ., there is little that cannot be achieved.

However, on the flip side of this very same coin, not so hard-pressed to find a life of fading images, worn down and difficult to read with a slowly aging body and less alert mind. Within this dull side, all too easy to remember mistakes, failures, and feelings filled with so much doubt, especially with the aging process and the fast-approaching fading of essential memories that come and go with time.

I must admit that at this point, although appreciative of the many experiences throughout my life journey, there sometimes lies deep within nagging doubts of self-worth and value. On a personal note, when identifying with this side, I wonder if my writing dreams are too big and if I need to be more accepting of my limitations. Besides, what could I say or, for that matter, do that would be of interest to others?

But then again, on the bright side, I find life perceptions exciting and am sure that my attempts would interest others as an author. While in this mindset, I know I will continue for as long as I am inclined to spend the time and energy to keep it alive. I find no end to learning opportunities from personal experiences during those life-flipping times. I plan to continue this journey of inspiration for as long as possible, sharing genuine insights from what has crossed my path.

Lest we forget!

Suddenly, appearing out of nowhere, another moment of the dull, dark side can and will occur, holding back and second-guessing any life-altering or forward-moving decisions. After all, such an ordinary life, and honestly, how could I even imagine the truth of what I realize as personal wisdom? Is it even worth sharing? Will anyone even be interested in what I have to say?

The truth of it all at this age and stage of life is that my potential is somewhere in the middle, recognizing that time is fast approaching when I need to let go of all debilitating beliefs of self-worth. It is also time to polish up that dull side of the coin that identifies with disruptive thoughts of failure. It is time to let go of focusing on life’s disappointments. It is time to replace this negative thinking with a new understanding that with age, no matter the passing years, comes learned wisdom…something of great value.

Determined to continue this forward motion, I have concluded that living free is a choice. I have chosen to break free from all that holds me back. I choose to be free from a past belief of not measuring up. To the best of my ability, I will live from my shiny, vibrant side, and when that coin flips, it will reveal a constant glow beneath the surface, demonstrating interest, value, and worth.

Based on this coin theory, experiencing a forward-moving side of life creates an opening to put in writing my journey, setting the stage for new adventures while sharing stories with all my readers.

Quite the thought-provoking question, wouldn’t you agree?