Member-only story
Nobody can truly take away your freedom
Unless you allow them to
Do you ever feel trapped? Like you’re being backed into a corner, forced to consent to something you never agreed to?
I think we’ve all been there. I certainly have.
Part of this comes from childhood, when we truly don’t have much choice in how we conduct our lives. We must consent to what our parents decide for us, as they are the ones providing food, clothing, and shelter (well, hopefully, anyway).
As a kid, I often felt that way. We only had one TV (the horrors, I know), which was in the main living area and dominated by my dad, so what he watched, we watched—basically, sports and Walker, Texas Ranger.
When I did have the opportunity to watch what I wanted (typically MTV — “mindless garbage,” as my parents would say), anticipating their reactions was so uncomfortable that it was easier not to bother (except on the rare occasions when I had the house to myself for an extended period of time).
I grew up in a small town, which further increased this feeling of being stuck in a tiny box. I longed for the big city, which to me felt expansive—like freedom. I think that’s why I’m still drawn to cities today.
Of course, in retrospect I realize I was very lucky to grow up precisely where I…