Wednesday, November 23, 2011

a free spirit



Who doesn't love Maria's outspoken joy and vitality in The Sound of Music?
Or when she twirls around at the foot of the Alps:



To me, Maria was the epitome of a joyful, free spirit.


My friends and family have always told me I was born with a free spirit.

Growing up, I didn't even try to meet others' expectations -- I was truly an unhindered, free spirit -- sometimes to an unhealthy degree, where I wasn't responsible in the everyday things of life. I brought a lot of heartache to myself and others. But also great joy and fullness. I lived deeply and passionately, experiencing things that some people only dream of.

Over the years, my free spirit was slowly smothered.
Maybe it was due to the subtle decline into
meeting others' expectations for approval and acceptance,
also to an unhealthy degree at times.
Especially in the past two decades or so; in my 30's and 40's.

Some was due to trying to achieve "Christian reserve,"
as the Anabaptists call it --
a very valuable character trait in their eyes.
The thinking is that it's prideful to express yourself
so we have to strive to be "sober" in personality (i.e., somber).
It's looked down upon to laugh loudly
or to express too much emotion.
Sometimes it would even be preached from the pulpit.
Very repressive.
It seems so absurd now, looking back.

But, over the years, through our many different life experiences,
I've learned that it comes down to balance,
as my loving Uncle Butch has reminded me in the past.
I'm learning the meaning of TRUE freedom.

I'm getting my free spirit back
and becoming joyful and passionate about life once again.
I made the mistake of throwing out the "good" while throwing out the "bad."


Another free spirit:




When I read the Psalms, and come across the word "delight,"
this is what I've always pictured --
Snoopy dancing with his head up and his arms out.
Pure delight and freedom.
A free spirit.



Linking up with Imperfect Prose today!






Be-Bop-A Blog Hop Wednesday!


43 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh how I know those swings...throwing out the baby...I think age helps be a balancer...for me hitting my 50's I feel I am walking in more freedom and more who I am...because I know How Loved I am...
Blessings to you as walk in new freedoms...

Brian Miller said...

it is easy to over correct....and i am glad you are coming back to a nice balance...smiles at snoopy....true that...happy thanksgiving...

The Orange Tree said...

This is beautiful.

Reaching a balance in life while cherishing freedom is cool.

Bless you.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Myrna R. said...

Congratulations. It's wonderful to find your own spirit, your own music.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Mommy Emily said...

oh i long for this freedom of spirit friend... xo

Zuzana said...

Hello Jimi Ann and what a wonderful post, I so recognize the sentiments. Sometimes I too miss my youth and the way I was, before life hit me hard on the head.;) But i am slowly finding joy again too, after decades of struggle and search.
I really like the description in your profile page, I think I would enjoy a day like that with you, sipping cappuccino, talking about life and things beyond it as well.
Thank you so much for your visit and a kind comment, very please to meet you.;))
xoxo

Hannah said...

So glad you are finding your balance in life again. This is something I am working on myself, I too am a free spirit but through some bad experiences I seemed to have lost a bit of myself. Working on bring back my old self again too. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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