The Freedom To Be Disliked

What does freedom mean to you?

I remember viscerally when one person who I called a friend at the time told me how I had to think about his religion and belief system.

I told him in no uncertain terms that I have the ability to make my own judgements about ideas, and while I respect them as agents, I don’t have to respect their specific ideas.

This sparked a conflict in my heart, and I had to choose whether to embrace my expressive freedom or lose a group of friends. I politely apologized, but cut social ties with the entire group when I learned that others in the group would exclude me if I hadn’t relented.

I felt a lot of uncertainty at the time, about whether sticking to my values of open-mindedness, curiosity, and honesty were more important than going along to get along.

Perhaps I could have handled the situation with more tact, though I believe entirely that I made the right decision. The people you surround yourself with are the people you become, and taking steps to safeguard my intellectual integrity leave me with the capability to continue to soar higher.

The courage, dare I say, the freedom to be disliked was intoxicating. Because I chose a path that validated my mind, I’m much more successful and well-adjusted than if I accepted arbitrary authority and resented it.

Making decisions that others don’t like, respect, or understand is key to being your own person and loving who you see in the mirror.