Sunday Jack: What it is...is Freedom

The Black Pearl

A couple of Sunday's ago, I wrote a post on Freedom for the 4th of July.  I split the topic into two parts and was going to write about the other last Sunday.  But my computer and I had a fight and I couldn't write it.  We have since been to counseling and are now, at least, on speaking terms.  So I'll write on it this week.

As a quick review of the scene, Jack and Elizabeth are stranded on an island and enjoying a little rum by a bonfire.  The conversation turns to the Black Pearl and Jack's efforts to reacquire it.  He is passionate about his quest and delivers my favorite line in all of the pirate movies...my inspiration for writing the blog actually:
Captain Jack answers a statement by Elizabeth about being the most fearsome pirate in the Spanish Main,

"Not just the Spanish Main Love,..the entire ocean,..the entire world,..where ever we want to go.  That's what a ship is you know.  It's not a keel, and a hull, and a deck and sails...that's what a ship needs.  But what a ship is, what the Black Pearl really is..is Freedom."

That line literally makes my spirit sing and my imagination fly.  It's not because I want what he wants (although I'm totally up for a cruise on the Black Pearl), it's because I feel what he feels.  There is magic only we can do for ourselves that sets us free like that.  And mine is not the same as yours.  You have one don't you?  Something that let's you feel passion, drive and joy?  Maybe it let's you dream or escape for a moment?  I'm not talking about the world around you like family, friends and loved ones, they most certainly can bring bliss.  I'm talking about what you do just for you. 

What is it that you really enjoy, that you know you can do at anytime and feel freedom in your soul.  I'll tell you mine and see if that sparks any thoughts.  I love to scuba dive.  I love everything about it.  I like to watch marine life, examine reefs, look for the big guys, and enjoy watching the wide eyed wonder of new divers, especially if it's my kids.  What I look forward to the most is the experience.  The feeling of being surrounded by water, weightless and unencumbered...the quiet, except for breathing and maybe dolphins or whales, that is what I truly love.  It's not fins, and a mask, and a tank and regulator...that's what diving needs.  But what diving really is, is freedom.  It's the one thing I truly do for myself.

Is there something in your life like that?  I have friends who have chosen golf, reading, sewing, scrapbooking, cooking, exercise and on and on.  It doesn't need to be expensive or extravagant at all.  The sky is the limit and there is no right or wrong answer.  It's whatever sets you free. 

If you can't think of anything, my advice is to find it.  Life becomes so much more bearable when you know there is a safe net you can fall into for yourself.  It's not selfish unless you let it become an obsession to the point of pushing out the important duties in life.  But after all the "musts" are done, take time for yourself.  I can promise you will be a much better person for it.

Even a thought of what you love can keep you going...Pursue the freedom and do it...just remember that like Jack... the chase can be half the fun.  Later Mates!