Freedom Isn’t a Place. It’s a Choice

Thirty days into life as a nomad, I wrote this:

“So much has happened in the last 30 days. I gave notice to, and left my job. Got rid of most all possessions, packed what was left into my car, and am now on the road (homeless—by design) to Texas. Slept this past Saturday night in Knoxville, camped in my tent last night at Chickasaw State Park in western Tennessee. Tonight I will sleep in Fort Smith, Arkansas.”

People asked me how this “suddenly” happened.It didn’t. The decision to walk away from everything safe, comfortable, and known began over a year before that night in Arkansas.

In February 2018, I was alone, broke, heartbroken, and unsure of what to do next. But I knew one thing: something had to change.Since I was the common denominator in all the scenarios that ended badly, I knew I had to start with myself.

The Real Work Begins Within

Freedom isn’t found on the road. It’s not unlocked by quitting your job, getting rid of your stuff, or sleeping under the stars (though I did all of that). Freedom begins the moment you decide to stop waiting for life to hand it to you.

In those early days, I wasn’t chasing adventure. I was rebuilding my soul.

To make that leap, I had to first clear space inside of me—space that had been filled with fear, distraction, obligation, and avoidance. I had to get honest about what was no longer serving me, and who I wanted to become.

What I Did and Didn’t Do

Here’s what that first year looked like:

What I didn’t do:

• I didn’t date.

• I didn’t eat out.

• I didn’t go to shows, clubs, or concerts.

• I didn’t buy anything but absolute necessities.

What I did:

• I ate peanut butter & crackers for dinner. Every night.

• I packed every single lunch.

• I worked hard at a job I was ready to leave, saving every penny.

• I committed to my mission like my life depended on it—because in many ways, it did.

It wasn’t glamorous. But it was sacred.I wasn’t trying to be a martyr and I wasn’t miserable. I was a man on a mission. Every choice I made became a vote for the life I was creating.

The Myth of “If I Could Just…”

We tell ourselves things like:

• If I could just quit my job, I’d be free.

• If I could just travel, everything would change.

• If I could just find the right person, the right place, the right timing…

But here’s the truth: Freedom doesn’t show up when circumstances change.It shows up the moment you choose to stop betraying yourself.

You can have all the freedom in the world and still be stuck, if your mind is filled with fear, if you’re still waiting for someone else’s permission, or if you’re clinging to an identity that no longer fits.

Real Freedom Is This:

Choosing Honesty Over Hiding

Freedom begins the moment you stop lying to yourself.

What it looks like:

• Admitting you're burned out instead of pretending you're fine

• Owning that a relationship, job, or lifestyle no longer fits

• Telling the truth on the page, even if no one ever reads it

How to practice it:

• Start journaling with this prompt: “The truth I’m scared to say is…”

• Pick one area of your life where you’ve been vague, polite, or avoidant—and tell yourself (or someone you trust) the raw truth

• Notice what emotions come up—shame? relief? anger? That’s your compass, not your enemy

Why it matters:Because hiding robs you of energy.Because freedom can’t coexist with pretending.Because the truth, once spoken, has the power to move things forward.

Choosing Alignment Over Approval

Freedom means living by your values—not someone else’s expectations.

What it looks like:

• Saying no to things that drain you—even if people are disappointed

• Making decisions based on who you want to become, not who others think you are

• Trusting your gut, even when others don’t get it

How to practice it:

• Write down your core values. Then audit your calendar and commitments: where are you betraying them?

• Ask: “Would I still choose this if no one knew or clapped for me?”

• Practice small acts of “rebellion” in your daily life: wear what feels good, speak up in that meeting, take the day off even if it feels selfish

Why it matters:Because freedom is not about doing whatever you want.It’s about doing what feels right—even when no one’s watching.

Choosing Momentum Over Perfection

Freedom grows when you move—even if it’s messy.

What it looks like:

• Starting the blog even if the design’s not perfect

• Leaving the job before the “perfect timing”

• Taking action even while you're still afraid

How to practice it:

• Use the 5-Minute Rule: do five minutes of that thing you’ve been putting off

• Write badly on purpose—just to get words on the page

• Stop researching. Start doing. Set a short deadline and hit “publish,” “send,” or “go.”

Why it matters:Because perfection is a cage.Because clarity comes through action, not overthinking.Because even a wobbly step forward is still a step toward freedom.

Choosing to Stay With Yourself. Even When It’s Hard

Freedom doesn’t mean escape. It means presence.

What it looks like:

• Feeling your grief instead of numbing it

• Sitting with your doubt without turning away

• Being with your fear and still choosing to move forward

How to practice it:

• Develop a daily check-in: “What am I feeling right now, and what do I need?”

• When discomfort rises, breathe through it instead of fixing it

• Replace “I shouldn’t feel this way” with “I’m allowed to feel this and stay grounded”

Why it matters:Because you can’t outrun yourself.Because healing, clarity, and freedom all begin in the place you’d rather avoid.Because the deeper you go, the freer you become.

Freedom Is an Ongoing Choice

It’s not a one-time leap. It’s a daily decision.A hundred small choices. Over and over.

And the most powerful thing is this: You don’t need permission to begin.You just need to choose one honest, aligned, imperfect, courageous step.

What This Means for You

You don’t have to quit your job or become a nomad.But you do have to make choices that align with the life you say you want.

What I want you to hear is this: You are not trapped.Your life can change.

But it won’t come from waiting.It comes from making the next honest, uncomfortable, courageous move.