On a recent visit to the Henry Ford Museum, I enjoyed perusing the Liberty and Justice for All exhibit; comprised of everything related to the history of American freedoms, including our Nation’s Independence, the Abolition of Slavery, Women’s Suffrage, and the Civil Right’s Movement. As one who is intrigued by mindsets that make a culture tick, I was attracted to a wall full of attendees’ interactive responses to the question, “What does freedom mean to you?”

Although the question was posed in the context of our nation’s freedoms, the majority of answers were related to personal freedoms. By far, the most popular answer went something like this, “Being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever your want, with whoever you want.” Basically, a life without boundaries meant freedom to most.

As I looked around the vast museum and observed the saddened faces of many obese individuals that day, chained to malaise and poor health, I couldn’t help but ask myself if eating whatever one wants truly leads to freedom.

In stark contrast, I've heard the following from the mouth of a wise sage, “In discipline there is freedom.” In other words, by living within the safety of boundaries, there is genuine freedom to do whatever one wants.

For example, eating only when hungry and choosing nutrient-dense foods brings: 

• Freedom from joint pain and immobility
• Freedom from bloating, brain fog and drowsiness 
• Freedom from multiple doctors, expensive meds and surgeries
• Freedom from invasive and potentially harmful medical interventions
• Freedom to thoroughly enjoy the pleasure of eating great tasting, whole foods                  
• Freedom to live at an ideal weight and feel good 
• Freedom to ride a bike and play ball with the kids and/or grandkids 
• Freedom to shovel snow without fear of a heart attack
• Freedom to enjoy life to its fullest

What we believe shapes who we are today, and who we become tomorrow.

As we think, so we become. 

What does freedom mean to you? 

image credits:  American flag, Flickr: by uhuru1701; bike ride, Flickr: by pcopros