July 4th. It is the celebratory holiday of our nation’s freedom. Only this year, many of us do not feel very free. Much of who we are or what we do is now hampered by a global pandemic. Even the way in which many protest the racial injustices is colored by safeguards and health concerns. Our family celebration was smaller, more tempered. Yet it was still lovely in that all of us where together, unencumbered by typical summer schedules and activity. Before the night was over, it was obvious to me that each of us has dealt with the new living conditions of social distancing in our own way, some faring better than others. The way food was prepared and served was slightly altered. The physical contact was different. The comfort level was individual. And yet, the freedom to gather was so very much in order, necessary, wanted.

This year’s events have led to me sitting more with my thought. Freedom feels and looks different for each of us. That offers a certain beauty to the dance of life and the diversity of the community that we each inhabit. There are still many in our country that do not share that same level of freedom, be it cultural, economic, educational, or one impacted by gender, race, sexual orientation, age, ability.

Freedom is really about choice. What choices are available? What do we choose to see? What can we choose to become? Who do we choose to be in a given moment? I spend my days helping clients define or uncover choices along their path. Feeling like we are out of choices is a very raw and true feeling. Sometimes, there are no choices that present better or positive outcomes. Sometimes the choice is to survive an event or experience.

What I hope for both our country and my clients is that the choices may be as diverse as the goals for each of us; that the same opportunity exists for each human; and instead of judgement I want that we may each seek awareness and understanding in them all.