The Balance Between True Freedom and Responsibility

"I want to live more freely." Sometimes that thought crosses my mind.
But that feeling probably arises because
I am feeling restricted somewhere in my current life.

When I was young, I thought
"Freedom means doing what I like."
However, since having a family, that way of thinking has gradually changed.
Just as I have freedom, my partner has freedom too.
My daughter also has the freedom to live in her own way.

When we try to value each other's freedom,
there are many things that cannot be decided by my own convenience alone.
Furthermore, there are rules in society,
and we live within them.

We are not just being bound by someone else.
We choose for ourselves, saying "Let's do this,"
and live while setting our own limits.

And freedom always comes with responsibility.
The freedom to choose what you like.
The responsibility to accept the results.
These two are always together.

Recently, I have come to think of it this way.
Perhaps the size of one's freedom is the size of the capacity to accept responsibility.

That is why I do not get involved in things I cannot take responsibility for.
Rather than pushing myself beyond my limits, I make choices within the scope I can be responsible for.
My heart is much calmer that way.

There is one more important thing.
That is not to confuse my own responsibilities with those of my family.
I tend to want to take on my family's problems too.

But what is truly necessary is to support them.
To believe in them and watch over them. To lend a hand when they are in trouble.
I think that sense of distance nurtures each other's freedom.

In my current life, there is one important rule.
"Make choices that allow the whole family to be happy."
For that, conversation is essential.
"What do you think?" "This is what I am thinking."
By exchanging words like that, we confirm each other's feelings.

Things decided by talking as a family, rather than deciding alone,
strangely feel more secure to move forward with.

"I'll support you." "Let's do it together."
Just having those words gives me courage.

Freedom is not about living as you please.
Having people you can support each other with,
and being able to live as yourself with peace of mind.
That is the true freedom I think of now.

And I believe that what is necessary to nurture that freedom is
the readiness to accept responsibility and
lighthearted dialogue with family.