What does freedom mean to me?

I was pondering what Independence meant to me as we celebrated our nation’s 75th anniversary.

The first thing that came to my mind is whether I had personal space to lead a joyful, meaningful, and thoughtful life. With confidence, satisfaction, and a smile on my face, I was able to say that I have been enjoying that sort of freedom for decades.

Beyond all biases of race, religion, caste, creed, etc., freedom to enjoy life should exist. The best freedom a person can hope for in their life is having a joyful mind and leading a healthy lifestyle. My independence has not been restricted by letting someone else’s agenda determine how my life is lived.

Long ago, I understood bonding need not stem from being submissive—whether to the family or influential people in the workforce. Because I prioritized my own freedom over other advantages, such as financial ones, life has presented me with challenges and possibilities. There are still a ways to go…