Our Evolving Freedoms
As these long hot hot days of summer unfold here in Tulsa, and celebrations like Juneteenth still resonate, my mind has been on the idea of freedom. But beyond those significant markers, what about our everyday, evolving freedom? What does it look like, feel like, to be truly free in this powerful season of our lives.
For Black women navigating this beautiful, powerful season of our lives, freedom isn't a static concept. It’s a continuous unfolding, a journey of liberation that takes on new meanings as we gain wisdom and clarity. It's about shedding layers that no longer serve us, claiming space that was always ours, and defining what it truly means to be free, right here, right now.
Think about the freedoms we've earned, often through hard-won experience. The freedom to say "no" without guilt, to prioritize our peace, to walk away from dynamics that drain us. It's the freedom to speak our minds, even when our voices shake, knowing that our perspectives are invaluable. It's the freedom to choose joy, to nurture our passions, and to rest without apology. These are not small things; they are monumental acts of self-liberation.
This evolving freedom also means embracing the liberty to define beauty, success, and even love on our own terms. We're past the age of seeking external validation for our worth. Our worth is inherent, divinely given. This stage of life allows us to truly embody that truth, to live authentically, and to pursue what genuinely brings us fulfillment, regardless of societal expectations.
Sometimes, embracing this freedom requires letting go of old narratives – stories about who we "should" be, what we "must" do, or how we "ought to" show up. It demands courage to step into the fullness of who we are becoming (thanks Michelle), even if it feels unfamiliar or challenges the comfort zones of others.
What freedoms are you claiming this summer? What liberation are you stepping into today? What old chains are you shedding? And how can you lean more fully into the beautiful, unfolding freedom that is uniquely yours, right now? This journey of self-liberation isn't just about big, historical moments; it's about the quiet, powerful choices we make every single day to live more fully, more authentically, and more freely.
