The little freedoms in life

I used to think of freedom as a single big thing that I would have at some point. I was born and raised in Iran, so things are not as democratic as you imagine. I used to think of it in more binary terms–I either have it, or I don't.

Later, when I left Iran for Malaysia, I started to understand it's more of a spectrum. I can have certain pieces of it, but not all of it. When I left Malaysia for the Netherlands and started my life here, I got many elements of a free society that one knows these days. The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, is one of the most liberal cities I've ever been to, and I can hardly think of anything that I can't do here.

After a few years, I started to realize I think of freedom mostly at the macro level–democratic election, a better education system, equal opportunities, and being able to criticize the gov without risking my life.

However, I noticed there is a micro level to freedom. I call them little freedoms because they are less noticeable in day-to-day and harder to spot.

Little freedoms are small acts of permission we give ourselves. Freedom to make mistakes. Freedom to be wrong sometimes. Freedom to look ridiculous. Freedom to be candid regardless of consequences. Freedom to walk away. Freedom to start something. Freedom to end something.

These freedoms are also harder to achieve. Because we are personally responsible. The change is within us rather than relying on the outside system. You can blame your government for inflation. You can't blame anyone when you're the one avoiding judgment at all costs.

When we ignore little freedoms, we can be legally free and still live in a self-made prison.