Freedom is a treasure we humans have sought throughout our history. Freedom has many levels, nuances, dimensions, and pathways. Through restriction comes freedom. It is a paradox since freedom implies being unrestricted. 

Oxford Languages defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. That’s a lofty ideal that doesn’t consider the consequences or the impacts that exercising those freedoms will have on those around us. Most live within communities and cultures with ethics, laws, and order. An old American concept says your freedom ends where another’s nose begins. And how about the impact your words and behaviors generate? We must consider the ripples we create with our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Restricting ourselves may feel counter-intuitive to living freely. Yet, self-imposed restriction, in ideal measure, leads to personal freedom. When you know your parameters, you can live with a sense of liberation. 

Living within the boundaries of your dreams helps you create those dreams. 

Freedom and restriction

In creating all you want to create

If you want to be a painter, you must paint. If you want to be great at anything, you must devote yourself to that thing. You need to give it time, attention, passion, and the intention of developing mastery. You must learn all you can about it with curiosity and integrity. It’s necessary to create boundaries around it. Carve out the space for yourself and the thing to merge as one. To be able to pour yourself into becoming who and what you dream of, you must restrict other activities that don’t contribute to this purpose. 

In relationships

Not all relationships need to be exclusive. You can have many relations and feel satisfied with them. They require time, energy, and devotion. Wisely choosing friends is a sense of restriction. You cannot befriend the entire population with any depth. So, you decide who you will devote yourself to. Reciprocal, rich friendships enhance the quality of life. You can also enjoy satisfying connections with beloved family members. Many choose not to be in a serious relationship and still have significant friendships and deep loving bonds. All healthy relationships build your heart, spirit, and sense of joy. Love and connection bring song and dance to the world.

Within committed, long-term relationships, there are many restrictions healthy unions require. Defining these is up to you and your partner. Some partnerships have fluid boundaries, while others are more fixed. The best rules for you are the ones that fulfill all you and your partner seek. Many relationships have restrictions such as fidelity, honesty, integrity, communication, sharing, and cooperation. In return for honoring these commitments, you are free to love your partner in a safe container. Within the restrictions, you can elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. The sweet beauty of love will give you the safety, stability, support, and security to become all you can be. Knowing this, you can expand into the most exquisite version of yourself. Many find their ideal structure in marriage where you are both restricted and free.

Love holds a beautiful paradox within its tender arms–freedom and restriction. 

In health

Temperance or restraint with diet can improve your health. What you eat will be limited if you have dietary restrictions based on preferences, beliefs, or health concerns. Those limitations give you a tighter menu to choose from. Designing healthy food parameters will save you time, headspace, and energy. Buying and eating only what is good for you will save money and the planet by creating less food waste. It will also benefit your health. 

Determining what forms of movement are best for you and sticking to them will build your desired physical structure. Doing so will also usher in presence and the joy of embodiment. 

For optimum wellness, stay within the lines of what your body needs–activity, rest, food, hydration, and sleep. These are self-generated restrictions that lead to the freedom a well body affords you. 

In resources

Restrict your time, money, focus, and energy to what truly matters. Doing so will allow you to spend these precious finite resources with greater consciousness. Use your treasured freedoms wisely, and they will serve you well. 

Restriction as a pathway to freedom

There are many pathways to personal freedom. The path of self-imposed restriction is one of the many. It requires dedication and discipline. The more in charge of your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors, the freer you are to become all you choose to be. Aristotle said, “Through discipline comes freedom.”  Yes, and through restriction comes freedom. Combine discipline and restriction for maximum impact. Forge the path of your heart or follow those who have navigated the route you want to take. Think of restriction as expansion and not as constriction. You will find great freedom when you manage your impulses, dedicate yourself to your dreams, and mindfully do what those dreams require.

Think about what you want to create. Consider who and how you choose to become. Imagine your ideal life–living each day exactly as you wish. What self-imposed disciplines and restrictions will help you achieve the freedoms you desire?