Self-coaching is freedom

I sometimes hear it said that we humans are far from free. And yet, everyone aspires to freedom — or at least, to become freer. But what is freedom?

For me, freedom and self-coaching are deeply intertwined. I believe that self-coaching is one of the surest paths to freedom — in fact, the two are almost synonymous. So let me ask the question again: what is freedom?

In searching for the answer, we begin to uncover the very essence of self-coaching.

Is freedom like a fish in water — the ability to go where you wish, to do and think as you please, without depriving others of the same?
Is freedom the right to pursue your dreams, no matter who you are?

This is freedom. That is why self-coaching means learning to believe in your own desires, wishes, and dreams.
It is learning to choose for yourself — to seek self-fulfilment, to follow what truly brings you joy.

Is freedom the key to respect for others?
Is it the door that opens the space between me and the other?
Is it a freedom without limits, except those set by respect and mutual care?

This is freedom. That is why self-coaching means learning to cultivate respect for others, and through that, for oneself.
It is the wish to follow the rule and the norm of the other — not to cause harm, to empathize, and to grow in understanding.
Self-coaching is learning not to decide against others, but to sit down with them, to be present for one another.
It is realizing that we are only free when we are free together.
Self-coaching is becoming the powerful woman, man, or queer person who draws people closer through the gentle example of one’s own life.

Is freedom the pursuit of ecstasy — the intoxication of letting yourself go completely?
The pleasure of a glass of wine or whiskey, of cheering with tens of thousands in a stadium, of marveling at the wonders of nature, of dancing, meditating in a trance, or testing your limits on a survival journey?

This is freedom. That is why self-coaching is the ultimate experience of seeking joy — alone or with others.
It is the boundless desire to discover and surrender to what brings happiness.
Self-coaching is allowing yourself to explore what gives you joy and meaning.

Is freedom finding like-minded people who live by shared rules, who balance the freedom of daily life with the freedom of belonging to something greater — such as the survival of our planet?

This is freedom. That is why self-coaching is also the freedom of community — the discovery that our lives are woven into the wider world that sustains us.
It is the freedom that comes from realizing how deeply we depend on one another.

Is freedom the absence of everything that enslaves us against our will — of what oppresses us, makes us unhappy, breeds insecurity, or weakens us in body and spirit?
Is freedom that difficult freedom — the one we must wrestle for, because we all live under suffering, injustice, and limitation?
Is freedom standing up for yourself and for others — or better yet, standing up together?

This is freedom. That is why self-coaching is the freedom you create by building resilience into your life.
It is the act of continuing — of believing in a better world for yourself and for others, even against the current of obstacles and powerlessness.

* * *

When you recognize all these dimensions of freedom, you are already practicing self-coaching. Many people do it without realizing it. Yet it is worthwhile to reflect on it consciously—because only through awareness can we truly grow in freedom.

This final level of understanding—the realization that you need self-coaching—is what I call entering the realm of visionary power, the force we all carry within us. It is the power that makes us more beautiful—as individuals, as humanity, and as a world.

Do you see it now? Do you remember how this reflection began—with the claim that freedom does not exist? Of course, I will not deny that freedom is often taken from us. But living—truly living—is itself a victory, a movement toward greater freedom for ourselves and for others.

We cannot ignore self-coaching if we wish to believe in freedom, if we want to make something meaningful of life.
So allow me to summarize:

• Freedom and self-coaching mean chasing your dreams—being able to do as much as possible and to think and act in ways that serve both yourself and others.

  Freedom and self-coaching create respect—for yourself, for others, and with one another.

  Freedom and self-coaching are the search for bliss—the kind that brings you back to your breath, restores your balance, and gives you the strength you need to move forward.

  Freedom and self-coaching mean taking responsibility—with a clear mind, both in our personal lives and within society.

  Freedom and self-coaching live within us—yet, together with others, they give us the strength to face our challenges and to push back against injustice.

— Thierry Limpens