Following JB’s post of yesterday about world reaction to the United States Supreme Court’s most recent decision, I had a mind to follow up on that topic, but realized there are a lot of folk who need to express feelings, thoughts and anguish, and I would stand down for now.
And so my mind took me in a different direction.
I forgot my ear buds when I went walking this morning (early, as it is now 31C), and it gave me a chance to do some free thinking. Bounce my thoughts here and there.
Freedom came to the fore, of course. Well, at least the thought of it. And what it meant. Different folk, different slant. Different hope. Different anguish.
But, for this moment I am thinking about the losses of freedom we put on ourselves. Think, breaking self-imposed chains. Things that affect our everyday life. Things that have a good initially, and then we become dependent.

For instance;
I had to smile when I thought about conspiracists who said the government put tracking chips in the vaccine. (and were believed by too many of the P.T. Barnum ilk), and yet wear tracking bracelets and carry cell phones and other devices.) Chips not required.
When people – read ME here – sign up for self improvement programs that include weight loss, exercise, meditation – you name it. And carry on with them for years. **Note: I am not dissing these programs for even a minute. They are the reason I am healthy and active at 75.
No, my thoughts are that they have a purpose and I suddenly realized when I was preparing my food plan for the week and setting activity goals that I didn’t have to do this anymore.
I realized that the purpose of the programs had a training function. And there comes a time when one must ditch the training wheels of life. I know how to eat healthy. I know how much activity I require for good health and well-being. I also don’t need to know how much sleep and deep sleep I had.
So I have freed myself from such things as of today and it feels good. Of course that now leaves a lot of free space in my brain. Hmmm
So from here at North of 43, I shall ponder, and wish you all some kind of peace of mind.

I am so glad you have cast off those shackles – me too. Recently I was asked by my surgery to go for a health checkup . Everything is fine but I am overweight. I know that – everyone knows that. I don’t need to step onto scales to know that. The nurse very politely asked me to step on them, nevertheless. I agreed provided she did not tell me the number. She agreed. We smiled conspiratorially. (She is even more rounded than I am) She did not tell me to lose weight. She knows I know I should.
So I went home quite elated – and for the first time really determined to lose weight. But I am not going to do it by weighing myself or my food. I am just going to eat less. A lot less. Have you read Muriel Sparks’ book: A far Cry from Kensington? The best weight loss manual ever!
(A neighbour came round today and very flatteringly said I had already lost weight. I was thrilled. but then I admitted I don’t weigh myself. You should have seen her face!)
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I love it. Your point of view does make my life more enjoyable.
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I haven’t read that book but I will look for it. And I love your outlook.
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Thank you. It helps!
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I didn’t weigh myself for years and then suddenly I decided that I needed to loose weight. A small amount . I wasn’t in any way overweight but I got onto the treadmill of way of myself and worrying about weight . Like you I have decided that this is one thing I can move away from . Freedom in whatever way you get it is great Enjoy.
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We are simpatico. And off to a new adventure.
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Great minds think a like JB
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Reblogged this on I choose how I will spend the rest of my life and commented:
Cutting those shackles.
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“So I have freed myself from such things as of today and it feels good. Of course that now leaves a lot of free space in my brain. Hmmm”
I like it that you can now ditch the training wheels!
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Thanks. I just can’t believe it took so long for me to realize they were training wheels.
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Freedom is such a nice word and a fun word. And I love how you have freed yourself.
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Peace of mind is certainly hard to come by now in the states, it’s hard to believe how horrible it is here! And only getting worse, don’t you agree? We can sign petitions and protest and vote but it doesn’t seem like anything is going to change for the better. At least I live in a good place and I think its a s sanctuary state, so we are doing what we can. But it’s so depressing!
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I thought I replied to this but can’t see it so I just have to say I agree and I guess we just have to be grateful for what we have while we have it. hope your weekend is wonderful.
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It’s lovely weather here, washed all the windows and screens, so yes, wonderful weekend. Hope yours is too!
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We have a long weekend coming up as July 1 is a holiday. It will be a quiet one. I am going to the movie with a few people to see the Elvis movie. And then dinner out. Enjoy your approaching weekend too
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It’s nice to see that going to the movies and dinner is something we can do again. Have fun!
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Thanks. My horoscope today said to avoid crowds I could get sick ha ha we’ll see I will mask
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Definitely! I still mask up at stores, on the plane, etc, and have always avoided crowds, so nothing new there!
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You planned your meals for a week?
I am so impressed.
I battle to plan just for today.
Never get on a scale.
If my clothes fit, I am ok.
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Granny, my criteria for losing weight used to be how easy it was or was not to bend over and put on winter boots. It is much easier now ha ha.
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I did it partly because I enjoyed it. And it really helped with my grocery list. But now it’s not fun anymore.
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Our menu depends on how many dishes I am going to use.
M does the dishes.
Tomorrow we will have leftovers.
Maybe we will stretch it for two more nights.
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I also have a dishwasher, but it’s me. Actually I don’t mind it.
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THIS: “the losses of freedom we put on ourselves”. I had an epiphany years ago where I had waited my entire life for permission. It was such a gobsmacker of a moment when I realized this and it still takes effort to not fall into that same pattern.
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Too true Colleen. I’m amazed at how long it is taking me to realize these things.
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Me too Colleen. I cannot believe how long it has taken me to realize some things.
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I know what you mean. So we take our gratitude in the things around us and hope.
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