The little freedoms in life

A few years ago, I began to realize that I view freedom mostly at the macro level: democratic elections, a more open education system, equal opportunities, and the ability to criticize the government without risking my life.

This understanding partially comes from the fact that I was born in Iran, and we lack even basic democracy there. Many things that a regular person enjoys in the West are nonexistent in Iran. Able to oppose and protest? Publish something against the government? Critize Islam? You will be in trouble.

However, I noticed there is a micro level to freedom, too. I call them little freedoms because they are less noticeable in day-to-day life. They are also 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, not reliant on external forces. You can blame your government for the non-democratic election. You can't blame anyone when you're the one avoiding judgment at all costs.

This group of freedoms comes with a higher personal cost. And they are harder to preserve when faced with challenges.

These days, I'm less worried about the government reducing my ability to act. Rather, more careful to catch myself when I deprive myself of such permissions.