In a world that often dictates who we should be, embracing personal freedom becomes an act of defiance, a reclaiming of our authenticity. As a self-leadership coach, certified EQ practitioner, facilitator, author, logotherapist, and speaker, I've journeyed with countless women on their paths to self-discovery and personal empowerment. And one thing remains clear: personal freedom is not free; it requires us to let go of certain selves or others to truly be free.
April holds a special significance in South Africa, as it marks Freedom Month, culminating in Freedom Day on the 27th. It's a time to reflect on what freedom truly means, not just on a national level but on a deeply personal one.
For me, personal freedom is about owning and respecting my identity. It's about recognising that my daily choices shape who I am. Without a solid grasp of my identity, whose freedom am I truly pursuing?
Let's delve deeper into this notion of letting go to find true freedom. Take, for example, self-acceptance. It means letting go of the need to be liked by others. So often, we contort ourselves to fit the expectations of society or those around us. We mould our personalities, dimming our true selves in the process. But in doing so, are we really free? No, we're trapped in a cycle of seeking validation from external sources.
Personal freedom demands that we release ourselves from this need for approval. It's about embracing our flaws, our quirks, and our unique qualities. It's about standing tall in our authenticity, regardless of whether it pleases everyone around us. When we let go of the cost of being liked by others, we open ourselves up to a profound sense of liberation.
Letting go isn't always easy. It requires courage and a willingness to confront our deepest fears and insecurities. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Yet, it's in this discomfort that true growth occurs.
So, who are we releasing ourselves to, and to what end? It's a question worth pondering.
Are we releasing ourselves to societal norms that stifle our individuality? Are we releasing ourselves to the expectations of others, at the expense of our own happiness? Or are we releasing ourselves to the higher calling of our true selves, towards a responsibility that inspires meaningful existence?
Navigating the journey to self-discovery
As a self-leadership coach, I encourage women to embark on this journey of self-discovery. I guide them as they shed the layers of societal conditioning and unearth their authentic selves. It's a process of letting go and reclaiming their power, one step at a time.
This Freedom Month, let's celebrate not just the freedom won by our nation but also the freedom we each have within ourselves. Let's embrace our personal identities, unapologetically and wholeheartedly. And let's remember that true freedom lies not in conforming to the expectations of others but in honouring the unique essence of who we are.
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My name is Nokubonga Mbanga and I am committed to making an impact.
I work with talented, driven & productive individuals and organisations that want to make a difference in the world while honouring their values & inner wisdom.
