Liberation

IntrospectiveSunday 

Liberation: Posing Nude, Shaving Your Head, and Skinny Dipping

What makes a woman feel free?  Is it dancing to her favorite tunes while no one is looking or driving down a country road at 75 MPH (that one might be more of a man thing)?  Regardless of “what” makes us feel free, we need to at least try to break out of stale routines and inhibitions occasionally. You know how good it feels when you finally take off your bra, heels, and hose at the end of the day?  That physical release can be equally rewarding when we apply it to our minds and emotions.

My Example

Several years back I asked my oldest daughter to paint a portrait of me to give to my husband for Valentines Day.  She is a fine artist and was quite eager to get started.  I wanted the painting to be a partial nude as it was meant to be an intimate gift.  Even though the artist was my daughter, I still felt a little self-conscious.  But what I found as I lay there with the girls hanging out, I felt surprisingly liberated.  It was a moment of pure joy and release.  The picture was lovely and still hangs in my master bathroom today.

The Buzz

Another example of an emotional liberation is my friend, Deanna.  She is a creative soul who loves to be different but found herself needing a dramatic change and cleansing.  Her freedom came when she spontaneously shaved her head.  Drastic, yes, but she said the feeling was incredible – well worth the stares she likely got. As a hair stylist, she took a risk but it paid off with an emotional reward.

If It Wasn’t Hard, It Wouldn’t Be Liberating

Come on, Ladies, you have to challenge yourselves with this one.  What have you always wanted to to but couldn’t find the guts to go through with it?  It doesn’t have to be dangerous or illegal; just try a new hair color, jump into the fountain at the park (well, that might be illegal), go take a flying lesson, or go talk to a complete stranger.  If you feel especially adventurous and want a HUGE thrill, you might try what this woman, Tammy, did…skydiving!  Check out her life-changing experience below in this inspiring video.

I guess my point to this day of introspection is just seek a balanced life that has the occasional “cut-loose” event.  Give yourself a break!  Have at the “forbidden” and “controversial” adventures.  Liberation comes when you decide to let it happen.  By the way, there’s nothing like skinny dipping if you haven’t tried it.  I’m planning on getting a tattoo as my next full-blown release of “stuck-in-a-rut” syndrome.  Please tell us about a liberating event in your life.  Be well-be beautiful!

Photo by Black Balloon