Where true freedom begins and ends

Last week we read about how a husband had been molesting his wife and eventually set her ablaze because he suspected her to be having an affair with someone else. He locked her up in the house and would remain there until he returns from work not minding that she is a human being who has her own right even if she is his wife. Our freedom is one of the most precious resources of our lives and most of us channel most of our energy to defend it in many cases.

“I was brought up and taught to do whatever my husband tells me to do even if it means hurting myself, but as time passed by I learnt that there was the need for me to exercise my right to freedom in certain aspects, being married does not mean that I have to totally give up my freedom. There are some freedom that can never be traded off no matter the circumstances. They say another man’s meet is another man’s poison so is it with freedom. The freedom I desire for myself is what is also desired by another person. Being with someone does not mean that you have to give up your total freedom, it does not pay at all, ask me I have been in that lane and it is not worth it, not for anyone not for your progress,” says Omowunmmi Dele, a caterer.

Many stumble at their own understanding of freedom. Facts are, in many cases within so many different lives, each story can be very different, but only they can get themselves out of whatever situation they are facing and see the broader spectrum of freedom. It does not change whatever might have happened, where they have been, or whatever they had to say of their lives. But freedom begins within each and everyone. In knowing where it belongs in one’s life, is what frees one to carry on; even in the face of opposition. This is where our true freedom begins, but we must accept that there are some important limits to it because our freedom stops where others begin.

Freedom as easy as the word might be never comes easy. No one said it would be easy, but we can overcome any obstacle when we carry within us that inner peace which gives us this freedom in the face of any adversity. We all have it within us, as freedom is a birth right given to all, called free will. Being true to one’s self is a freedom which really does leave us free, regardless of what anyone else thinks. No one can change that. Our freedom depends solely on us and how we treat others.

“In a society like ours it is not a common thing for a man to try to dominate the life of a woman leaving her with little or no freedom, making her answer to his whims and calling. It is in-built in some of these men to try to override their women practically turning them into beggars or animals in their own homes, which is not right; these women are also human beings.

A woman being under your control does not mean she has totally become an animal that has no rights in your home. To me a smart woman is one who can fight for her right and at the same time be respectful to her husband, at least we are all equal before our creator, so why all the injustice to them?” asks Timothy Agwu, an advert executive.

Once freedom is taken away from you, it becomes a very heavy burden that you will always carry. Your freedom is one thing that you can never trade for all the goodies of this world.  Acknowledging your freedom is one way others will also respect your freedom. Just as you have freedom so does every other person, so always bear in mind that where your freedom stops is where some else’s begins. Our freedom should not be used to the detriment of others. Freedom is not gender biased so claim and protect your freedom.