Freedom Power

Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide. — Napoleon Bonaparte

I was recently asked to come up with one word which I felt best described how I felt about "power". The word I chose was "choice". I believe power is about service. Power is meant to be used in the service of others. That is a positive use of power, power put to "good use". Unfortunately, in recent history what we witness most, what we are most aware of is power being put to use for selfish ends, power put to "bad" use. This is generally the power of coercion, not what can I do FOR you, but what I can do TO you. Many people I talk to about power will talk about it's coercive aspects. About getting others to do what they don't really want to do themselves (what nobody really wants to do, and what usually benefits only a few people the most). They think that by having great power they will no longer have to clean their own toilets. Answer their own phone. For some people having power means being able to do and have whatever they want.

choice - the right, power, or opportunity to choose; option:



The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves. — William Hazlitt

power - ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.

True power is the ability to make my own decisions, to be able to choose my own actions, for my own reasons. For my own benefit. And not for the sake of avoiding what I fear, but out of the hope of achieving what I need to reach my true and highest potential. Power used at the highest levels is enabling others to do make their own decisions. Teaching and empowering others to see what is truly the best and healthiest actions to take for themselves. Helping them to acquire this ability in such an manner that they are able to keep it. To achieve their own freedom. To reach their true potential, to discover their true Destiny. True Freedom is the ultimate in clean power sources. Freedom of Choice is True Power, True Freedom.

freedom - exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc; the power to determine action without restraint.

determine - to decide upon, choose.

The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance. — John Philpot Curran

In the first Spider-Man movie, there is a great quote which says that "with great power comes great responsibility". I think they are different sides of the same coin, and that coin is Freedom. Freedom is a heavy burden for certain. With freedom we are not free to do what we want, but what we must, or we quickly lose our freedom. I must maintain constant vigilance and guard my Freedom, or all I have worked so hard for will be lost. As an addict I really spent a lot of time and energy researching this truth. I knew what I had to do, I just refused to, and everything would get a lot worse, real quick.

We feel free when we escape - even if it be but from the frying pan into the fire. — Eric Hoffer

Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose. — Kris Kristofferson

I always thought that the word addict was primarily a noun, but when I think about it, I realize it is also a verb. However I didn't realize it was originally a word with religious connotations.

addict - verb, to apply or devote (as oneself or one's mind habitually; give (oneself) up or surrender oneself as a constant practice.
noun, one showing zealous interest; an enthusiastic devotee; one who habitually uses and has an uncontrollable craving for an addicting drug

The original meaning of "addict" was to surrender your will to a power greater than yourself, to God. When I work step 3, I am addicting myself. Today, instead of submitting my will to the destructive power of drugs and other means of avoiding my "freedom", I am addicted to Freedom itself. On a daily basis. Instead of being enslaved and powerless, I CHOOSE to be Powerful and Free! It's all one and the same.

“Man is free at the moment he wishes to be.” — Voltaire

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” — Stephen R. Covey