We Are Part of the Animal Kingdom

Mankind likes to think of itself so smart. Stemming from this reasoning, he believes that he is somehow exempt from the natural laws of the world. Being part of the Animal Kingdom means that there are certain principles which equally apply to man. Largest among these is the idea of 'survival of the fittest'. Those who believe in something different are engaging in fantasy thinking.

Take Care of Your Own

The American economic system created a situation whereby slavery is commonplace. Even though legally outlawed 150 years ago, the truth is the international bankers and power brokers brought it back in a big way. However, instead of affecting the black culture, this has penetrated every race other than those 'chosen' to be elite. These people are the controlling forces of the world's financial trade. Unless the average person wakes up, the masses are doomed. Get ready for the biggest collapse ever witnessed.

It is no secret we were living in a bubble. My estimation is that the American economy was overextended by at least 25%. The average household has thousands of dollars worth of credit card debt. That means that the GDP was erred on the high side because of all that money. The same is true for housing. Inflation propped up the prices to the point where they burst like a carnival balloon. Again, we have numbers factored in which didn't belong in the national GDP.

Now we are faced with the hard times. Many say the economy is recovering....I say horsecrap. Like the old adage goes, 'you ain't seen nothing yet'. We are going to encounter economic chaos in the next few years. Many of the doomsdayers are being proven correct. It is high time that the average man starts to take care of his own. We will meet a point where all the charity and welfare is going to dry up. Those who believe in the eternal gravy train will be burdened even more than the rest of us. Economic collapse is a tremendous opportunity for those who are prepared.

Study What The Laws Are Telling You

Does the lion ever stop and help the injured fawn? Do you see the turtles helping a suffering fish? Of course not. Nature instilled within every species the internal need to survive. This is both on an individual and species basis. Taking care of one's own is mandated by nature. Mankind forgot this little tidbit.

We send billions of dollars to suffering countries to support people of different races and faiths that go counter to our ideals. America has become of the saps of the world assisting ever bleeding heart. On an individual level, we give more money to charity than any other nation on the planet. Yet, we also have the largest amount of freeloaders. This should come as no surprise since nature tells us what happens when we do this.

The fact is that some need to be cleansed. This is true from an individual standpoint and an economic one. Some businesses need to fail so others can thrive. There are only a certain amount of resources and when those resources are directed towards failing enterprises, they cannot be given to people who will create success. The strong must allow the weak to fail so that the strong can become stronger. The weak are a drain on valuable resources.

Of course, some will say this is a class warfare argument. No it isn't. Just because someone is presently on the lower level in terms of income, that does not make them weak. By the same token, riches do not necessarily equate to strength. Many times we do not know our own internal ability until we are faced with catastrophic situations. This is where strength is realized. Those who are left to sink or swim on their own often find the ability to remain above the surface. No assistance is needed. However, our mindset is help everyone who is in trouble.

That being said, we do have a responsibility to those closest to us. Unless we are will to care for those who are dependent upon us, we will suffer the fate of all weak people...extinction. Notice how in nature, a mother tends to her cubs. This is her responsibility. She protects, nurtures, and teaches her own. Of course, she does not offer this service to ever creature who comes along. It is only her family that receives this benefit.

Until we start accepting that we are animals and acting in accordance, we will be swallowed up but those who live according to these principles. If you doubt this, consider what concepts the international bankers are living by and see how they are faring. Trust me when I tell you the ideals differ greatly. They are the lions and you are the sheep.
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Battle For Survival

Have you noticed what is going on in the world? Those who study economics and the current environment realize that the United States is on an unsustainable path. Many economic minds agree with this sentiment. Consider this fact: we owe roughly $14 trillion while running a deficit of about $1.5 trillion. At this pace, since we are falling further behind, we will pay this debt off in.....never!!!!

Therefore, we are insolvent. For those who do not know what that word means there is something that is more with the mainstream terminology: BROKE. The United States has no money. We are borrowing almost half of our annual spending. This is a situation that cannot transpire forever.

We See Our Future

You want to see our future, just look at Europe. Or for something closer to home, check out the situation in California. Each of these examples exemplifies what happens when spending gets out of control. Bailouts are occurring all over the place. Simply, there is not enough money to sustain this outrageous spending.

Sadly, many people cannot see this. They proceed with the same outlook as they always have. Spending remains at a normal high with the United States still living as a consumer society. They are completely blind to what is going on. Unfortunately, many of these people are in our own government. Our leaders are completely oblivious (or dont care) about what is happening. They are still operating like they always did. Our future is not bright.

Why all the doom and gloom? Because the slave drivers are gaining more and more power. The international bankers are well known to be the manipulators of the world economies. Through the different central banks, the power brokers establish boom and bust cycles. They ride the bubble up, get out close to the peak, and hop back in after the wreckage is complete. Look at the present housing situation to see this in action. The banks made record profits during the run up, off-loaded much off their debt obligations, got government bailouts, and now are make huge profits again even with the economy still in a recession. In short, the masses are being screwed by the financial community.

Fighting For Your Life

I am writing now to tell you that it is time to fight for your life. Everything is riding on the next couple of years. It is time for each individual to take a different approach to their own financial affairs. To start, stop spending. Cut your expenses to make yourself leaner and meaner. Stop being a slave to instant gratification and resist getting things just because you want them. Focus on your needs while putting off your wants. Start to make the proper financial decisions that will help you in the coming years.

Financially most are indebted. That is how the jailers are amassing more control. If you want to see mastery in action, look at how the Jewish banking community has enslaved many of the worlds economies. They run the financial networks, therefore, have the resources to sustain people for a while. Of course, once the present bubble pops, all bets are off. Suddenly, our banker is at the door looking for repayment. Again, look at the housing situation to see this in action. Many people got in over their heads only to learn that the bank is now foreclosing on them. Their indebtedness has made them a slave.

If you think this is a situation to take lightly, look at the current situation in the United States. And, I am not referring to the garbage numbers that the governments puts out. The true unemployment rate is closer to 20% which means that 1 in 5 is out of work. At the same time, people have no savings whatsoever. The entire net worth of the average American was tied up in their homes. Now, that vanished into thin air with 1 in 4 mortgages underwater. In other words, people have a negative net worth.

One final thing to ponder. At one point, 40% of the U.S. economy was related to real estate. Guess what? That bird is not flying any time soon. Unemployment will remain high because there is no industry to replace those jobs that were lost. We better get accustomed to a higher unemployment rate because it is now a fact of life.

It is time to wake up. If you want to remain someone who is free, you best do something different than the average person. Life is going to get a lot tougher for most.
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Debt: The Path To Slavery

People are taught to spend. This is the mindset of the American public, in fact, of the entire Western World. Our entire economy is based upon what is produced and bought. The idea of saving is something that is overlooked in the mantras of our leaders. Instead, whenever there is a major catastrophe, we are told to act normal and spend money. This conditioning comes at a great cost.

Debt: The Prison Most of Us Are In

It is one thing to spend everything that you make. There are many people who have their outgoing matching their incoming. Of course, this creates a terrible situation if one loses his or her job, but, while employed, it is sustainable. People in this situation are broke yet they have a lot of stuff.

Sadly, this is not the place that many stop. If the average person spent only 100% if what he or she took in, then this would be an improvement. The reason is that we simply spend more than we earn. Through the use of debt, we are able to leverage our buying power up many times over. This is something that was done repeatedly over the last 30 years. And, it is something that happened at every level.

Debt becomes an albatross around people's neck. While initially it can be a freeing experience to get something new without having to pay for it, we all know that eventually the creditors come a knocking. There is a time when the payments needs to be made. This is where we cross the line from freedom into slavery.

If you look at the average household, you will realize they are saddled with debt they cannot afford. People have house payments that exceed the value of the home. Sitting in the driveway are two vehicles with a high monthly payment. The credit cards are maxed with payments equally 18%+. Overall, we are a nation of people who work to pay interest on the goodies we all received. This puts us in a financial prison which few ever can break free of.

The Path To Freedom

If debt leads to slavery, what is the path to freedom? Quite simply, it is cash. Paying for everything that you need at the time you purchase it eliminates the need for debt. This is a methodology which ensures that you live within your means. Those who like to move fast tend to 'charge it'. These are the people most interested in 'instant gratification'. They want it in that moment and they will have it. How to pay for it is something that will be considered at a later date.

Society is not geared towards this idea. Instead, the average individual buys into the mindset that he or she must spend to be worthy. Few practice financial responsibility. What is more common is the entitlement mentality that 'I deserve this'. The idea of driving an older car is not palatable. Cable television and Xbox are a necessity in life. Whatever anyone else has, we deserve it also regardless of the difference in economic level.

Sadly, the powers that are promote this idea. Madison Avenue is terrific at making people believe they are entitled to things. Politicians and business leaders also spew this same idea. We are Americans after all with the highest standard of living. Therefore, everyone deserves to own his or her own home. This was the mantra of the last 15 years and look where that got us. Basically, many people were not responsible enough to be owning their own home. Yet that didnt stop them from getting involved in that game with horrific results.

The point is the path of the masses ultimately leads to enslavement. At the core of everything is the banking system which makes money each time someone buys into the entitlement idea. The amount of interest we pay collectively is astounding. Bankers have always rigged the game in their favor. Today, we see the Federal Reserve charging interest off the dollar bills it creates which it conveniently parks in the vaults of the major banks. This practice dates back many years and serves as a means of taking from the masses. I will let you research this idea on your own since there are thousands of articles and videos depicting this same point.

At the end of the day, you have to be willing to forgo debt if you are to be free. This will require a shift in your mindset because we are conditioned to buy, buy, buy. The idea of living within one's means is foreign to all of us. We feel it is our right to take a trip without having to save up for it. This thinking only serves to put us in financial servitude. The amount of debt we are swimming in will sink us. Break free by using cash only for purchases. It is one major act on your path to freedom.
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Freedom: Personal Responsibility

This Friday, Atlas Shrugged The Movie, opens up in theaters across the country. Here is one of those films that was self financed by an individual in an effort to get the message out there. The total cost, of which is only the first installment in what is presumed to be a 3 installment series is $20 million. This is a not a tidy sum compared to the common Hollywood film. However, since this message is one that the Hollywood elite deems useless, this cannot be considered one of their films. In essence, it was made by outsiders.

Personal Responsibility

Ayn Rand is one of the 20th centuries greatest minds. Her writings still are studied to this day. She has influenced the beliefs of millions over the last 60 years. Atlas Shrugged is perhaps her most famous work. While it was a fictional novel, we see much of what she wrote about playing out today in the Western world.

Rand was a proponent of personal responsibility. She detested dogma much in the same way I do. Her belief system moved her to the Atheist end of the spectrum. Religion held little value whatsoever in her opinion. Of course, the handouts of the government ranks up there with the Crusades in terms of abominations. She felt that only a true society could flourish where individuals made it based upon their own accord. Sadly, this is not the America we see today.

Since I am a proponent of freedom, I feel that the writings of Ayn Rand are worthwhile. She hits upon some fundamental issues which we collectively failed to ensure. Personal liberty was one of her highest values. This is something that we have tossed aside in favor of the Kool-Aid the politicians feed us. Many will point to Barack Obama as evidence of this. However, George W. Bush was no better. He forced the Patriot Act down people's throats in the name of "The War On Terror". Different part, same result.

Freedom Isn't Free

There is a price for freedom. It does not come free. The lives that were sacrificed (and still are) to preserve our values in armed conflicts over the years show how high the price truly is. Of course, not all of us need to go to this extreme. But, we do need to stand up and contribute.

America is a nation of lazy, stupid, immature, and excessive people. While many will think this characterization harsh, look around. You will see I am correct. We are a culture of mindless boobs who watch American Idol on our big screen t.v.s which were financed along with everything else we have. We are the 'give me' generation who wants everything served up to us on a silver platter. Our obesity rate is approaching 60% because people are too lazy to get off their butts and exercise. It is far easier to be a slave to the couch then to implement free will. This is the status of the average American.

Of course, we see this in people's voting patterns. They cast their ballots for the person who is going to give him or her the most. We are a nation of handout with recent reports stating that 1/3 the country receives a check from the government. This is hardly the world that Rand saw in her visions. Her belief system laid in the opposite direction. She felt that people had a responsibility to take care of themselves. Productive achievement was man's noblest causes. This idea excludes the couch potato crowd.

Slavery Is Upon Us

150 years ago the first shots of the Civil War were fired. This was the costliest war in terms of American lives ever fought (it makes sense since every casualty, no matter which side, was an American). Many believe this war was fought over slavery. It was not. Instead, the Civil War was a battle of power. The South simply did not want the North dictating how it was operating. The issue of slavery was a rallying cry. Power (and money) was at the core.

Today, we are losing the war of slavery as a nation. The country is in hoc to foreign countries to the tune of trillions. At the same time, we are dependent upon foreign dictatorships for our energy while siphoning off trillions more from our pocketbooks. I already mentioned how we stand on the individual level with our excessive habits. Overall, America is fat but about to be put on a very low calorie diet.

I suggest everyone take the initiative to get his or her house in order. Start with your financial situation. Stop being a slave to your creditors by spending like a teenager at the mall with mommy's credit card. Only purchase those items which are absolutely needed. Of course, this entails learning the difference between a need and a want. Those who believe that an IPhone is a need are way off the reservation.

Ayn Rand spoke as a prophet. Naturally, I will emphatically state that she is not some God to be revered. Her insights were based upon observations of governmental systems that operated for centuries. However, her vision of the state of America is eerily true. Today, we are at the crossroads. We must decide who was are and what we stand for. Most people will not do this. Instead, they will follow blindly right off the edge of a cliff. The powers that are will ensure this. Remember this idea the next time you believe that it is too difficult to step out on your own and question your life. That decision might be costly.

I encourage everyone to hit up this movie this weekend. If you want more information, check out the official website.

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Divide Not Unify

The title of this post is an odd one. However, it comes after a great deal of thought to the way people approach the world. Stemming from the basis of man's nature, I would like to see the world populated with more dividers and the elimination of those who unify.

Man's Nature: Conflict

Throughout the ages, we are wrought with a history littered with conflict. It is that simple. No matter how much one tries to gloss over it, we are a population that is violent. Just look at the 20th century as an example. Our most notable time periods are denoted by war. WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam all allude to time periods. War is in our nature.

"Peace on Earth'

This is a myth that costs more in terms of resources than anything else. Guess what? Peace is a pipedream. When in man's long history was this achieved? The answer is never. Of course, the purveyors of this lie will point to the fact that we are now entering into the age of Enlightenment. Well, that is also horse dung. The truth is that we are no more enlightened than before. Man's nature is conflict because that is the basis of nature. Man resides in the Animal Kingdom and cannot refute the laws that exist there.

Progress Out Of Conflict

I saw an interview with one of my favorite writers, Christopher Hitchens. He stated that his idea of being a divider is because that is where progress is made. I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment. Those who are 'unifyers' are the ones who ultimately tear things apart. It is only the dividers (and sometimes those who conquer) who end up moving things forward.

Take the situation in Libya at the moment. Those who are rebelling against a tyrant are the ones who might have an impact on that society. Fortunately, we are blessed to have the 'Great Unifyer' in the White House. Of course, he stood by for three weeks while people were being slaughtered on the ground. His unifying is causing thousands to be killed. So much for that concept.

Appeasement

Those who want to unify engage in the act of appeasement. This is a path that the weak take. While it will get politicians a round of applause, appeasing those who mean harm is never a good thing. Everywhere you turn you can point out situations that require strength. Instead, you find a host of people who want to appease them. Whether they are politicians, marketers, or do gooders, the truth is these people are simply weakening that group. Only those who can step back and see this have the power to overcome this.

Take the weight epidemic in our country. It seems that people today consider obesity to be a civil right. Thus, picking on a fat person is the equivalent of violating their civil rights. How absurd. Only a pure simpleton would try to equate being 150 overweight with being blacks while suffering discrimination because of it. That is asinine. But the unifyers want to make everyone happy.

Freedom is not about making everyone happy. And it certainly isnt allowing others to establish a system where you are held captive. 95% of obese people will claim they have a illness. They like to point to emotional issues they are dealing with. Past abuses are referred to as the cause why one is fat. Hogwash. Deal with them and move on. The fact that one is using food to cope shows an immaturity on that individuals part. It is that simple. Get the help you need to correct the action. That is what freedom is about.

The world needs a new way of thinking. Those who like to promote the same old recycled ideas never move society forward. Instead, they just spew the same concepts which enslave everyone who is foolish enough to follow. Those who want to unify are guilty of this. Stop doing that if you presently are. Divide instead. It is the only way to make a difference.

Debt Is Not Freedom

There is a great debate going on at the federal and state levels about the amount of debt our governments are racking up. There are many who feel that we can continue to spend without any penalties. However, there is also a growing band of individuals who feel that perhaps it is time to stop running up debts that our children will have to pay for.

So what is the answer? Personally, as a lover of freedom, I feel that debt is an albatross around the neck of anyone who bears it. Look at what is happening around the country and you will see how bad things are. At the personal level, people are entering bankruptcy because of their spending. And, at the governmental level, now that revenues are decreasing, the over spending of the past is coming home to roost.

Debt is a jailer. The other day I put up a video about the Federal Reserve and the banking system. This is simply the originator of all debt. From here, it grows until it is around your neck. Debt is the noose that someone else can close at anytime.

People work their entire lives to pay their bills. Look at the average savings rate and you will see this. People simply have nothing to show for their years of effort. They are slaves in the highest sense. Their entire working existence benefited someone else. To me, this is the epitome of slavery.

Everyone seems to think there is an income problem. This is the American way of thinking. Sadly, for most, it is absolutely inaccurate. The truth is that there is plenty of money coming in. What causes the problem is spending. We see this in both individuals, companies, and governments. The truth is excessive spending amounts to volunteering to live as a slave. It is that simple.

Consider the plight of the American people the last decade or so. We felt we were entitled to live the 'high life' regardless of whether one could afford it or not. The idea started that we were to live in the nicest house money could buy. The term McMansion" was born. Of course, this then extended to the nice automobiles (new not used) and vacations to exotic lands. Since free cash was not available for these ventures, the refinancing of the homes because our ATM. At the same time, we were racking up credit card debts to the tune of tens of thousands per household. Nobody believed there would be negative consequences of all this spending.

Of course, we all know what happened. The housing market collapse bringing with it the entire global economy. Suddenly, people found themselves either unemployed or underemployed. And guess what came knocking at the door? The debt collectors. Overnight, millions of people could not pay their mortgages, car payments, credit card balances, and home equity lines. The negative side of debt reared it's head. Why was anyone surprised? The idea that one could get away without 'paying the piper' was insane. The day of reckoning always comes.

Basically, if you are to be free, then you must realize the importance of eliminating all debt from your life. Those who continue to carry this around are guaranteeing they will remain enslaved for the rest of their lives. The lessons are clear but few seem to want to learn them. Debt = Slavery. It is that simple.

I believe the American people, and most Western societies, need to acclimate themselves to living about 25% lower than they were. As a culture, we spent at least 125% of what we brought in. It is time for families to deleverage. Sadly, I feel that few will. Most are going to carry their ignorance back into the same hole again. We are terrible students of history. For whatever reason, we believe that 'this time will be different'. It never is.

I suggest you start the process of eliminating any debt you have immediately. Take any extra money and pay off your credit cards now. Remove that burden from your life. Start to exist on a cash basis. If you can afford it in the moment fine. But, if you lack the funds, then you are to pass on the item. 'Charge it' is removed from your vocabulary.

The mindset needs to change. Get rid of the idea that you are entitled to anything. The truth is you are not. You are entitled to what you can pay for. That is a motto you need to adopt. Again, it is freedom we are after and that comes with a price. Many had to lay their lives down for that. Your contribution to that cause is to be in control of you desires. Instant gratification needs to be replaced with discipline. This is the path to freedom.

How Quickly It Can Change

I spent a bit of time reading about the events over in Japan. For those who were on another planet the last 48 hours, Japan with hit with the 5 strongest earthquake of the last 100 years. This natural devastation send a powerful tsunami through the county. Many thousands are dead with more fear with the perilous situation regarding a few nuclear reactors. If these have a meltdown, the death toll is sure to climb proportionately.

What does this all have to do with a blog about freedom. My point is to emphasize how quickly things can change. Life, as we know, is precious. It can be lost in an instant. I am certain that many of those killed had plans for the future. They held dreams of things they wanted to experience before their time here ended. Sadly, Friday morning saw that come to pass. Everything left on the 'to do' list is left unfulfilled. In other words, it no longer matter. These people are gone.

Statistical analysis leads me to believe that most of the ones who are dying in this tragedy existed as slaves. Since most of the world lives according to the mandates of others, it is no surprise. Freedom is given away by all people on a daily basis. I only hope these people were happy when the end ultimately came.

My point is that you have no time to waste. None of us know when the death will knock on our door. It is one of the mysteries of life. Perhaps it would be better to have an end date in mind so that we could experience what we wanted. However, we are not afforded that luxury. Therefore, it is imperative that we all make the most of every moment we have left. And, for me, it starts with reaching out for as much freedom as humanly possible. Live free or die. A motto worthy of serious consideration.

I wonder what the viewpoint would be of those who passed away in the last 48 hours. Do you think they would do things differently? I believe they would.

The Opinion of Others

This is a lesson I keep learning over and over. I am one who takes things to heart, like most people. There are times when I allow the opinions of others to influence me more than they should. Of course, this defect is something that I continue to work on in an effort to overcome it. Behaving like this is poison in my life.

Family

The worst offender of this is often family. There is an old saying, "you can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family". Old sayings are old for a reason; they contain an element of truth to them. No matter how you break it down, we are all stuck with the families we have.

One thing I will mention that is important is that, for most, our family members love us. In their hearts, they want what is best for us. However, too often, they seem to think they know what that is. The truth is that our family members, statistically speaking, are just as messed up as the rest of society. While they have their wonderful attributes, they are also prisoners of their own creations. Take a look at their lives and you will see what I mean.

Many will tell you they only 'want you to be happy'. Nevertheless, when it comes to those who are closest to us, this is not exactly true. A more accurate statement is 'I only want you to be happy as long as you do as I think you should'. This is the true meaning behind what they say.

If you doubt this, try and do something that would set your family on their ears. Do something that goes directly in opposition to their core values. For example, if Orthodox Christians, bring home a Muslim; date a Republican (or Democrat); cheer for the Red Sox against the Yankees; quit your job and go to work for a charity. Whatever the belief, attack it with your choices and see what response you get. In most instances, you will find the additional caveat 'as long as you do as I think you should' is attached.

Enslavers

I chose family because that is a scenario that most people can identify with. Parents do not stop being parents and many refuse to allow their children to live their own lives. Using the guise of love, family members actually become enslavers. They pull out the whip to beat one for opposing the family belief system. Well, the truth is that if you are a lover of freedom, you will seek your own life. Dogma is dogma regardless of the source.

Family are not the only ones who behave in this manner. We see it from friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The mindset of 'keeping up with the Jonses' is nothing more than an acting on the concern of what others think. Again, there is no reason to engage in this behavior.

The truth is that captivity comes in many forms. Allowing the opinions of others to dictate our lives is a self-imposed prison. Fortunately, like any detainment we volunteer for, we have the ability to parole ourselves at any time. Freedom can be grabbed at any moment. The key is to be willing to test our old patterns of behavior.

A Life You Want

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what life you want. Personally, I am a believer that people have the freedom to choose whatever they want. The sad truth is that few people are willing to exercise this option in their lives. How many people out there are working in careers that were actually chosen by someone else? We see it all the time. Someone became a doctor (or whatever) because his/her parents expected it. At the same time, we see people dating/marrying someone who is 'from the right part of town'. This is another example of how our choices are manipulated by others.

I always suggest that someone sit down and decide exactly what he or she wants. Over the years, I realized that few people ever do this. Instead, they wake up one day and they are middle aged. In looking around, it is realized there are 2.2 kids, a career that is despised, and debt is so abundant you could wallpaper the house with the invoices. I venture to say this was not the plan for many 20 years previous. People end up wherever the current of life takes them without any idea what happened.

To be free, you need to take charge. One thing you can do is to stop considering what others will think. In the grand scheme that is your life, it is not important (the opinion of others). What is important is that you start exercising your freedom by taking control of what you want. It is your life to live as you see fit. There is nothing that says you are obligated to travel this journey in a manner that someone else dictates for you. However, failure to do this means that you will live the rest of your days accountable to those who you are trying to please. Sadly, when those people are dead and gone, you will still be left with the regret that is your life. Be mindful of this the next time you allow yourself to have your choices dictated by others.

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They Are Fighting 'Round The World

Have you noticed what is going on in foreign lands the last few weeks? If you have not, you missed an opportunity to see people fighting for the very thing that most of us take for granted. Freedom is a precious commodity that too many throw away without nary a thought. Look at the lengths others are willing to go when faced with oppression. This ought to tell us something.

Egypt kicked off the festivities with the populous rebelling against an oppressive dictator. This event caused a chain reaction throughout the area with other individuals standing up to their oppressive regimes. Ultimately, even though many will lose their lives, the overall effect is that people are screaming for freedom.

Now we see a similar situation arising in China. While I would surmise the efforts of these individuals will be defeated, their quest is noble. Freedom is something that is inherent within each of us. The Chinese people are no different than Americans in this regard: they want the opportunity to live life as they see fit. Sadly, this option is not readily available in a communist country.

Give It Away

The interesting aspect of all of this is that these individuals are rebelling against having their freedoms taken. I believe it is human nature to fight when oppressed to this degree. However, the situation is entirely different when we opt to give away the freedom. In this instance we see people slowly bled to death by their own choices.

Our Founding Fathers committed treason against the Mother Country. They got together and staged a revolution which made them criminals in the King's eyes. Of course, because of the victory, these same men became the heroes that we honor.

Now, this brings me to the question of the day: do you think George Washington and the other revolutionaries suffered through a winter at Valley Forge so that you could waste away as an ingrate? Do you think they risked their lives so that later generations could whine about how they are 'entitled'? I do not believe this is what was in the minds of those early heroes.

Nevertheless, today we see people throw away their freedoms without a whimper. Take away their flatscreen television and you will hear a howl. Instill an act that tramples on the individual rights of the citizens and not a word is uttered. This is how our culture operates.

It Can Happen Here

The ironic thing is that what is occurring in these foreign lands can happen in this country. I remember watching the news last year when there were uprising in the streets by the unions in Greece because budgetary shortfalls necessitated cutting expenses. This caused upheaval amongst the union workers who were guaranteed lavish paychecks and benefits. Suddenly, their wings were being clipped and they didn't like it.

Of course, over the last week we saw the same thing happen in Wisconsin. The unions are in an uproar because the Governor is trying to close a budget shortfall of epic proportions. People are protesting on the streets in an effort to save what they deem is theirs. This is entitlement mentality at its finest.

If we give our freedom away we will end up as oppressed people. Actually, I believe that nationally we are at the point. Our individual choices are so bad that we literally have enslaved ourselves. Creditors own everyone and everything. The United States Government is broke. We borrow money from China to pay a large portion of our annual budget. Our country is owned by those in the Far East.

At the same time, the average household has tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt. People buying crap they cannot afford without thinking about the consequences. Of course, we need to remember they are 'entitled' to have it. Where the money comes from to pay for it is of no importance. 'Charge it' is the American motto.

The slaves are all around us. If you cannot see that then I will guess you are one of them. Many like to point to the unfairness of it all. Horsecrap. People are treated exactly how they teach people to treat them. The simple fact is that the average person is too weak to fight for freedom. Instead, he or she is more concerned with what the neighbors think, thus buying (or leasing) an expensive automobile they cannot afford. Or they decide they need a vacation and book an expensive trip to 'spoil themselves'. Ultimately, debt is the chain that brings people to their knees.

How long until people are feeling the oppression that is being put upon them? I will say that Americans are a resilient lot. They can take a lot of pain. Nevertheless, the housing crisis is starting to put things at critical mass. People are now feeling the pinch. Naturally, they are turning to the government to bail them out. Good luck on that one. Remember, this is the entity that decided the solution to 'too big to fail' was to make the banks bigger. Ultimately, the enslaved will learn the perils of their choices. Then we will see how everyone reacts.

They are fighting 'round the world. It is only a matter of time until they end up here.

Societal Slavery

Have you ever considered all the different ways that society enslaves people? If you spend some time thinking about the average person's week (or you own), you will see exactly how people are controlled by others. Freedom is something that most people give away without nary a thought. To them, the decision about what is in front of them is much more important that the long-term affects. Sadly, this is what leads to lifelong imprisonment.

Out of School and Free

For most of us, the time where we have the most freedom is immediately after getting out of school. We spent fours years getting a diploma and suddenly we are done. Now we have 365 degrees of possibilities ahead of us. We can go in any direction. Few have anything tying them down geographically. They can live anywhere they desire. Family is not part of the equation for most people at this point, thus, free from the burden of spouses or children. Of course, this does not last.

People would be much better off if they were conditioned to maintain this state. The truth is that we are taught to go in the opposite direction. Debt is something that is commonplace within our culture. Why pay for it when you can charge it? That is the mindset of the last two generations. The entire economic collapse was a result of massive overspending at all levels. Yet few seem to learn the lessons being offered. Fortunately, for those of us who do, it is an opportunity that hasn't existed in 60 years. We are witnessing a culture change whether people realize it or not.

Job

You boss is one of the most powerful jailers in your life. When you consider what you do for a few measly dollars each week, it is truly criminal. Of course, each one of us does it willingly and without hesitation. There is not a single person who signs a 'slavery clause' in any employment contract. Instead, we make choices the necessitate showing up each day to earn that paycheck.

Why do I start with the job as the jailer? The answer is because most people hate their job. Monday is the national day of mourning each week. Few wake up on that day excited they are going to work. Studies show that it is the day that is most people call in sick.

And why is the job able to exert this much influence over the average person? Again, we see the answer in the behaviors of people. The truth is that people's spending drives them to live for their creditors. People do not profit from their work lives but, rather, the companies these people do business with are the beneficiaries.

Keeping Up With Others

I guess we can consider it human nature to want what others have. We see this in children. They often mention the desire to have something because 'Jimmy's mom bought him one'. Of course, we know the absurdity of this conduct in children.

Or do we? It is ironic to see this same behavior in adults. The truth is that most are immature when it comes to this outlook. A large percentage of our population believes that what other think is important. This causes them to take many actions which are destructive to them. It is a battle that is waged endlessly without a winner. Actually, cancel that. The winner is every company that promotes their product in this matter.

We see people assume large monthly car payments so they can drive an expensive foreign automobile. These same people were also caught in McMansions taking on mortgages they could not afford. Designer labels are purchased no because of the value in terms of quality provide as much as the name recognition. Therefore, we create an endless loop of having to work to substantiate our spending.

Beliefs

Ultimately, it all comes down to what we believe. However, this is another area where many get themselves in trouble. Few have ever considered what they believe and why. Instead, the blindly accepted the dogma that society delivers. Whatever those in power are selling, we are buying.

The idea that the opinions of others means something is a belief that most are attune to. They never get past the notion that it is up to us to judge our own lives. The thoughts other others, especially those we do not know, are meaningless. Adopting this outlook is a powerful step on the road to freedom. Remember, this entire concept starts in the mind.

Analyzing what we think and we is one of the methods of breaking free from societies chains. It is of paramount importance to consider that most of what we were taught was done with the intention of enslaving us. Sure, the people who offered these lessons were well-meaning people. However, we must hold in our minds that they were most likely slaves also.

Society teaches obedience. Those in power truly do not want people to express their individual choice. This applies at ever level of the spectrum. The 'rule makers' do all they can to get people to follow blindly along. Insane amounts of money are spent on items that offer little to no value yet the masses are caught up in the hysteria (the Cabbage Patch craze comes to mind). Each decision that is made, if not moving towards the path of freedom is enslaving one deeper. And this is exactly what society wants.

If you want to live freely, you are going to have to go counter to what the norm is. Start your journey today.

Value versus Price

There is a big difference between being frugal and cheap. Those who think they are the same miss an important distinction. In this era, with all that is transpiring, being frugal is a worthwhile goal. However being cheap is not. Ultimately being cheap is costly. However, frugality never goes out of style as a key to freedom.

The best example I heard distinguishing the two is that a person who is cheap will drive all over town looking to save a couple cents on a gallon of gas. A frugal person will make the best decision of what is available but realizes the long term impact of trying to 'save a few pennies'.

Value vs. Price

Many of you have heard this lesson taught over the years. There is a price to every item we buy and that is distinguished by the cost of it. However, all items have value to them. This is much different than the price. Cunning shoppers always seek to find items that have values which exceed their cost. This is what is termed a bargain.

Value is not dependent upon cost although there is often a correlation. The truth is that it is common for higher priced items to be a better value than lower priced ones. In essence, the more something costs the better value. This is because of a characteristic called quality. Quality costs money. People will often pay double or triple the cost of an item to gain the quality advantage.

Footwear is a prime example of where quality makes a difference. You can pick up a pair of sneakers for $9.99 from Wal Mart. This sounds like a terrific deal until you consider the fact that at this price the item will lack the quality of a decent shoe. To gain this advantage, you would need to spend at least 3 times the money. Thus, you might be better off with a $30.00 sneaker.

Why is this? To understand this concept we need to evaluate the 'usability' of the items. We will presume that we might get a year out of the cheap sneaker with just average wear. This is because we know the materials used are not designed for durability. When we look at the more expensive sneaker, we find that with average use, if it is a decent shoe, we might be able to get 4 years out of it. Thus, when we break down the cost per year, we see the more expensive shoe is a better value.

To go one step further, we might also be able to make the case for a $50 sneaker. Depending upon the quality of that product, we might get 6 or 7 years out of it. This again will come out far ahead of the $9.99 item while providing much better support on our feet (an added value).

Name Brands

We need to be mindful that this concept hits a ceiling where one ends up overpaying thus creating inferior value. Name brands are often an example of this. Many people will spend extra for a name brand item. These are priced higher than an off brand. While these products often provide the security of knowing what you are getting and will indeed have a higher standard of quality, this does not offset the increase in pricing. Much of the price of a name brand is made of up one expense: marketing. Major brands spend hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising. This cost is factored into each product sold.

Using our sneaker example, we will presume that we get a decent quality item for $39.99. This might have a name we recognize but isn't the top of the spectrum. Now, let us compare that with Nike Air Jordan's for $129.99. Are you going to tell me the Air Jordan's are 3+ times as good in terms of the quality? Will they provide a far greater degree of support to warrant this money? The answer is no. People who pay for these sneakers are making a statement. In essence, they are buying the name. Personally, I prefer to wear my sneakers instead of reading them so the name on the back matters none.

We see this across the board with names such as Izod, Nieman Marcus, and Nike. People are paying extra for the name at the expense of value. While they are terrific products offering quality, this does not compensate for the added cost. In other words, money is wasted. The price far exceeds the value.

Esteem

There is an old concept that is called 'keeping up with the Jonses". What this means is that people make decisions based upon the ideal of impressing someone else. This is a person who operates from a place of fear. Anyone who suffers from a low self esteem will fall into this trap. He or she is worried about what the others think. Thus, name brands are helpful in presenting an image that 'I am someone'. Of course, when it all comes down to it, does what is writen across one's chest really make a difference in his or her worth? And, if it does, is that a person someone you really wants to interact with?

The truth of the matter is that people who buy the name brands are often compensating for a lack within themselves. It is interesting to notice that oftentimes the people who are engaging in this behavior are not the ones who can truly afford it, but the ones who have to stretch to get there. They lack the income to comfortably shop in this arena but do so because it is a status symbol. The belief is that wearing a high priced item makes them important. Personally, if you are one who purchases something that you cannot afford because of the perceptions of others, you are a fool. Get your importance from within and stop worrying about what others think. I n the process you will save a whole lot of money.

It is always interesting to note how esteem enters into people's purchasing decisions and, often, to their own detriment. Here is a prime example. In the 1980s and 90s, Jaguar had a line of automobiles that had the reputation for being service intensive. Now, these are 'high end' automobiles that cost a lot of money to offer status. Sure they offered many other things in return for the high price tag but the trade off was the car was in the shop quite often.

Now we compare this to the high end Toyotas, Hondas, or, even Fords. I know a guy who would drive nothing but Ford Crown Victorias. Each car he brought was not retired until he put over 250,000 on it. And, I can say that he was not easy on a car. The aforementioned brands cost a lot less money then the Jaguar yet were substantially better in terms of the way they ran. Thus, the person who paid more for the Jag actually received less in terms of value.

This concept shows how having to buy something because of status is costly. Sometimes, the product that provides the status offers little else.

Freedom

What does this all have to do with freedom? Simple. Bad decisions create an environment where we are imprisoned. I often make the point on this blog that what you take in as an income is not important. The key factor is how much you send out on a regular basis. Paying too much is one surefire way to cut your cord to freedom. Most people spend their way into slavery. They volunteer for it with every purchase. It matters little how much you make...if you spend most of what you take in you will be left with nothing.

Does everyone run out and buy a Jaguar? Of course not. But I will tell you that I drive through many middle class neighborhood with new vehicles sitting in the driveway. These people all are carrying a car payment for the luxury of having a newer vehicle in the driveway. I will tell you $300-$400 a month adds up into some big money. Naturally, many compound the problem by having two new cars sitting in the driveway. In this instance, just double the chains around their necks.

Can you tell me the difference between a $6.99 hamburger for lunch and one that costs $9.99? When you get down to it, is there really any difference between the two? The answer is usually not. The dining experience might be a bit different but does that really matter when you are sitting on the toilet the next day eliminating that burger from your body. In the end, the difference was $3.

Again, freedom is given away with each financial decision that we make. I have a person very close to me who made over $100,000 each year for the past 30 years. Do you know how much he has to show for it? Not very much. He is closing in on 70 and still needs to keep working because even though he took in over $3 million, he sent out a similar figure. This man is not free. He is still operating as a slave because he lacks the financial wherewithal to spend his time as he chooses. Instead, he has to keep on working to support his lifestyle (i.e. spending).

Controlling your costs is paramount regardless of how much you take in. This is the key to being free. Those who cannot are destined to live long existences as slaves. The workplace is full of people like that. They earn decent incomes but must continue because they make poor decisions at every turn.

How much do you want freedom? This is a question that everyone much answer.

Minimalist By Choice

I recently encountered a situation which really made me realize what is going on in my life. There are many who are minimalist not because they choose to but, rather, because that is the lot in life that was chosen for them. Of course, we all know there are those who should be minimalists based upon their income yet still want to live like royalty.

Over the last few days, I had a 'friend' on mine depart from my life. He ran his course down here and chose to move to his family up north. The reason why I bring this up is because he got on a plane with only 1 suitcase and a carry on bag. That is everything he has to show for his entire 50 years on this planet. It all fit in one bag.

Of course, you will say to me 'isn't that the goal'. How often do we read about people who are reducing their things down to a number below 100? A minimalist wants the freedom to be able to leave at any moment. Heck, one of my major premises is that freedom is the most important value in life and I seek it in all that I do.

Making A Conscious Decision

The difference between the people I just mentioned and my 'friend' is that one made a conscious choice while the other found himself in that position. There is an ocean between one who chooses to live a particular way and one who is a victim of circumstance. I will tell you that the individual I am referring to has no idea the concept of minimalism exists in any manner. His lack of choice makes him yearn from more.

A true minimalist understand why he or she is 'downsizing'. This is something that also separates one from the masses. Most operate for lack. A minimalist lives abundance. The departure from the norm is that a person of this ilk doesn't necessarily consider abundance to be materials. Therefore, the conscious choice to rid oneself of the unimportant is a step forward. Most of society, my 'friend' included, feel that it is a reversal.

The BIG Reason

Every minimalist has a BIG reason why he or she chose to pursue this particular life. In other words, these people can answer the question 'why'. My 'friend' cannot. He will provide a host of reasons that were responsible for his plight in life. He is a victim of circumstances. No matter what happens, someone else is responsible. A minimalist is one who makes decisions that lead down a particular path. The 'why' is the motivator which reveals a different set of priorities.

As I mentioned, my BIG reason is freedom. Stuff costs money. The more things I have, the larger the expenses to keep it going. For example, while my television is paid for, it requires a hefty monthly cable bill to keep running. Of course, there is electricity that also is needed to operate this device. And to complete the trifecta, this device does nothing more than waste time. I found there are other ways to utilize my time that yield greater dividends.

Expenses limit freedom. The same is true for having to 'take care' of all my stuff. It needs to be polished, cleaned, ironed, filed, sorted, etc... By eliminating the excess I found that I no longer needed to take care of the items. Again, it is another path to freedom. Financial is just one aspect of it; time is another. When I gain back time to do more productive activities, I break the chains of the 'have tos'.

Therefore, the big question is 'why'. This is where the conscious choice comes in. Behind every decision to pursue this avenue is a BIG reason why someone is doing it. My 'friend' had no reason. He allowed circumstances to determine his path. He was lacking while a conscious minimalist is coming from a place of abundance. Each item I remove from my life, or better yet, resist the temptation to purchase, the more money I have for other means and the less I need to 'take care of'. This is why I chose the minimalist path....because it is laying the foundation to me living a totally free life.

Physical Freedom

Have you ever pondered how your physical shape limits your freedom? I have recently and it terrified me how enslaved I am. And, you need to consider the fact that I am in better shape physically than 90% of the people out there. Yet, I still understand how my lack of physical abundance is limiting.

Distance

How far could you walk if you had to? Actually, let me rephrase this: how far could you walk if you wanted to? For most people the answer is 'not very far'. The simple truth is the western world is out of shape. We have the largest population in terms of waistline in the history of mankind. We are seeing developed nations with obesity rates hovering around 50%. That means 1 in 2 people is at risk health wise. And, please bear in mind that someone who is obese isnt a person who needs to loose 20 or 30 pounds. We are talking about people who are carrying around an extra 100 pounds or so. This is a catastrophic situation that few are paying attention to.

Nevertheless, I am not here to solve the country's ills. I know that the majority of people live like brainless robots. They follow the crowd right into the jail. Whatever the public is promoting, that is what these fools are gobbling up. In this instance, it is literal.

Get back to my initial question, we know how our physical state affects all areas of our lives. Those who ail physically are unable to achieve things in other areas of life. The emotions are directly linked to how we feel. Thus, whenever we feel bad, we are sabotaging our chance of success.

At the same time, there is a tremendous world out there to see. However, few have the ability to see it unless it comes across the internet. Few people have the stamina to hike all day to see an out of the way monument. Nor can they make the trek 5 miles into the woods to see nature in all it's glory. Whatever the reason, the fact that people cannot walk further than their mailbox is a sacrifice of one's freedom.

Resolving to be Free

My driving passion is to be free in my life. I examine all areas in an effort to create structures which will allow me to move towards this end. Therefore, when I realized how debilitating my physical limitations are, I realized how it needed changing immediately.

As many of you know, I love photography. It is a hobby that I picked up over the last year or so. I am also blessed that within an hour of my house there are a plethora of national and state parks which to walk. Along these trails one sees nature undisturbed. It is something that I enjoy.

However, the fact that I had approximately a three mile limit means that I am unable to pursue this endeavor as much as I would like. This places a limitation on me. Of course, in my mind, that is self imposed slavery. The fact that I cannot walk 10 miles uninterrupted is nobody's fault but my own. My laziness constructed this prison in my life. The only way out is to remove it through serious exercise. That is what I committed to do.

90 Day Commitment

Over the next three months, I committed to walking every single day no matter what. A radical shift in my activity is required to break me out of this quagmire. That is what I decided to do. I started it before the new year, almost in tandem with the start of Winter. So, basically, by Spring, I plan to have a radically different outlook.

As I was determining what I would do, I opted to forgo the traditional goal setting method and instead focus upon a plan of action. I want something that is under my realm. This stems from the personal value that my life is my responsibility. Dedicating efforts upon those things which are out of my reach is asinine. Ergo, I am opting for action and letting the results fall where they may.

My plan is simple...walk everyday for the next 90 days starting at a distance of 2.5 miles and working my way up towards the 5 mile mark. I will accomplish this by increasing the pace I do it in while lengthening it incrementally. At the same time, I also committed to snacking on celery, broccoli, and carrots as opposed to other nutrition free snacks. Finally, I am going to stretch each day to increase my flexibility since that is another way that one can be physically limited.

I detest not being free in any area of my life and the fact that I am faced with this challenge is exciting to me. Any time I can break a chain that is holding me down, the better I feel. Freedom is something that we all have to fight for on a daily basis. Those who willing accept what society offers soon find themselves enslaved. The way out of this trap is to fight with complete vigor the second you realize something is holding you captive. For me, in this instance, it is my physical state. Now, I am doing something to alter that.

And, while we are at it, how is your physical state? Perhaps you are captive also.

One Gone

I wrote last week how I made the decision to cancel my Netflix account. While this wasnt a major expense, going to $9.95 a month, it was one that is not in the category of a necessity. Watching television is a luxury which we do not need. It is a brainless way to entertain myself what I realize there are many other more productive uses for my time.

Therefore, as of this moment, I canceled the account thus eliminating another monthly payment. As we all know, those payments can add up. Taking control of one's budget is crucial if he or she ever wants to be free. This is another link in the slavery chain that I broke shed. Damn it feels good.

Time and Money

The free and slaves look at time and money differently. In short, people at each end of the spectrum have a different priority. Understanding this difference will assist you on your path towards freedom. Part of the process is to duplicate that which free people do.

Time For Money

Welcome to the life of 95% of the people in the western (and I am sure the eastern) world. This is a fundamental concept that people were taught from a young age which leads to total slavery. Individuals who follow this dogma can never attain any type of freedom. It is a life that is filled with imprisonment.

The concept that enslaves these people is trading time for money. Society is built upon this protocol. Everyone is told from a young age to 'get a job'. Sadly, the ones offering the advice are slaves themselves but do not realize it. Thus starts the inter-generational slavery that is so prevalent in our culture. One slave passes along the bondage to his/her offspring. It is a wonderful system for those in control.

This concept is effective because of the value people have. Few realize how valuable time is. Instead, they place money higher up on the scale of things they hold dear. Consumerism feeds the belief by promoting the definition of success. The net result is that even when people make more money, they are just as poor. Remember, it is not so important how much comes in as opposed to what goes out. Yet people still value money greatly.

The Free

Does everyone follow this idea? The answer is no. There are many people who place their priorities in a different order. Most will acknowledge that money is important. However, the free opt to place time higher up the scale then money. Instead of trading time for money, these people trade money for time.

The other night we were out walking and looking at the Xmas decorations. I am certain if we had been out on a Saturday afternoon a couple of weeks before, we would see homeowners hanging their lights, wreaths, etc... This is an annual ritual all over suburbia America. Everyone knows it occurs with most participating. It is 'normal'.

My question is how long does it take to hang Xmas lights? We can safely presume a couple of hours. Therefore, millions of homeowners spend anywhere from 2-5 hours decorating their properties for Xmas and a similar amount of time taking them down after the New Year.

Do you think this is something that Brad Pitt does? Can you picture him standing outside his mansion on a ladder tacking up Xmas lights? While there is a chance this might happen, I find the odds are against it. Why? Simply because a man like Brad Pitt exchanges money for time. He is not going to sacrifice 5 hours of his life when he can pay a few hundred to have it done (or maybe thousand depending on the number of lights). The time that would be spent on this task is recouped by paying someone else to do it.

Balance

Many will believe I just told them to hire out all the chores around the house. This is not the case. If you read any of my previous posts, you know that economical living is a high priority for me. However, I needed to illustrate the concept to you so that you realize how enslaved you really are.

The free approach life in a far different way than the average person. When you really consider it, time is the most valuable resource there is. We can always make more money. You can never recoup lost time. Once it is gone, that is it. Brad Pitt knows this...do you? If you are exchanging 40 hours a week at a job you detest solely because of the check you receive at the end of the week (or every other week), then that is something to take a look at. You are living according to the time for money concept.

Therefore, if you want to break free, it is crucial that you begin to transform your mindset to the money for time. What are you wilingl to trade off to get more time? Of course, I am not suggesting you go and spend money elsewhere. Hell, if you are like the average person, you need to focus upon not spending. But, by implementing the minimalist mindset, you are adopting the money for time mentality.

Using the Xmas lights as an example, instead of hanging them yourself and spending that time, you could simply opt not to put them up. I know that thought is outlandish to some of you. But, once again we come to the point as to why are you putting them up? Is it something you enjoy or do you do it to appease others? If it is the later, then you are behaving as a slave.

The truth is elimination often takes care of both time and money, thus increasing both. If we dont have to spend it, then, theoretically, we dont need to earn it. Also, without buying it, then the time spent engage in that activity is regained. It is a win-win.

Freedom is all about spending time the way you prefer. In the above example, if you are one who loves hanging Xmas lights with the family, then by all means do it. However, do not blindly engage in a behavior without asking about it first. Freedom is something that is fought for on a daily basis. And, it is a battle that starts within your head. Understanding the time/value relation and how your value of each affects all that you do is a good beginning. Consider this concept in depth while looking at your life. I believe you will really be awakened at what you find.

Another Chain Broken

Part of my itinerary with Freedomquest is to reduce my expenses down to the bare minimum. This allows me to break free from the bondage of societal norms that much quicker. I notice how much I spend on a monthly basis without getting proper value for it. Most services are good, however, not worth the money in light of what is paid. And, I am not particularly referring to the dollar amount either.

Netflix offers a wonderful service and was instrumental in helping me break my addiction to cable. Without this, I am not sure I could have gone 'cold turkey' with cable like I did at the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, I was able to survive without having the 250 channels including HD (not that I had a HD television).

Yesterday, the decision was made to cut ties with this company. This is a decision that came about as a result of a number of factors. To start, Netflix is increasing their monthly subscription, to $9.95. The $1.00 increase isnt a big deal especially since I could have gone to a streaming only program which would have saved me a dollar. Now, I save the entire amount.

The second factor that went into this decision is the fact that I am in the process of breaking all the chains that hold me down. While the $9 a month is not a significant amount, I realize that it is still $100 a year. My conclusion that people kill themselves with the minimal purchases is at work here. Everything decision I make has to be with the idea of freedom. Television, or more specifically, movies do not lead to that end. Instead, I only receive entertainment. Now, I am going to pay myself $100 a year to learn to entertain myself.

Once I reached this conclusion, I went online and checked my account. I will state that I did not hit the cancel button as of yet for one simple reason: Netflix shuts the account down immediately and does not issue refunds for partial usage. Therefore, I figured I should utilize what I already paid for.

At this point I should mention one risk I am running. By not canceling immediately, I risk changing my mind. To someone less committed, I would say that once the decision is reached, go again and sacrifice the last couple of weeks. For the price of $4.00, it is worth not putting the forward momentum in jeopardy. I opted for this path simply because I understand my commitment to a radical life change. Anyone who is having torn feelings about it needs to break that chain at once.

This step is another one that I have taken in the last couple of weeks. At this rate, I believe I will attain my ultimate goal of being free within a reasonable period of time. My freedom goal is well within reach.

Waste Everywhere

Since I really started adopt the minimalist mindset as a foundation for my life, I notice how much waste is everywhere. This shows that I am grasping the concept completely. I am happy with the progress that is being made with my mental outlook. It is amazing to realize how the decisions people make shows how they are into living as slaves.

The other day, we went to drop off the converter box to the cable company. This was one of the steps I took over the last year to reduce my financial indebtedness to the large corporations. Getting rid of cable and the associated bill that went with it was one of the best things that I did. (If you really want to change your life, call your television provider and cancel it right now). Nevertheless, while standing in line, the lady ahead of us was going in the opposite direction. She was getting her service hooked up and she got the entire enchilada. When all was completed she got 6 HD boxes with two of them having the recording capability. Of course, this means that at her house there are already 6 HD televisions which shows a huge expenditure even on the low end. Now she will have a $220 a month bill on top of it all.

What is the waste here? How important is television really? Consider for a second that mankind survived thousands of years without this medium. Therefore, unlike food or water, it is something that we can do without. This particular lady is throwing her financial freedom away to help the profits of some faceless corporation. The sad fact is that she has no idea what it is costing her.

Here is an example of how much it costs her. $220 a month over the course of 5 years will come to $15,317.04 if invested at 5% return (my math might be off since I did it all by hand but you get the point). Now, let me ask you, do you think this person could use this money for a better purpose? Can you imagine the trip one could go on with this type of vacation fund? Instead, each month she will make a payment towards supporting someone else to entertain her family. In my opinion it is a high price to pay.

Freedom is a valuable commodity that people toss away with every decision they make. The above example show how this woman is sacrificing her future ability to do what she wants by having a service that ultimately provides little value in return. Sure there are lots of wonderful programs on television. But, I stand by my assertion that none of them are worth the price ultimately paid.

Freedomquest is the process of retaking our freedom back. To me, this all starts in the mind. Noticing where other people waste their precious resources is just one step in the process of acquiring the freedom mindset. Being a minimalist allows one to look at all the physical items that people spend money on. The ultimate question always is was value received for it? Many will claim yes based upon their consumption mentality. However, the truth is that few really understand the difference between a want and a need. This is paramount to the minimalist lifestyle. Eliminating all excess is a freeing experience. There is some pain involved because of the conditioning that we have. Nevertheless, we can see with clarity how much is wasted throughout our lives.

Start to notice the waste that is around you. Be mindful of what others are spending money on. Relate this back to your own life. I am certain you will see how your freedom is being given away with each purchase.

Minimalist Mindset: Treats

Treat: anything that affords particular pleasure or enjoyment (dictionary.reference.com)

As I make my excursion further into the minimalist lifestyle, I realize how much is wasted throughout the course of our lives. Today I make the correlation between a treat and waste. Isnt it interesting that the average mentality assumes that a treat is expensive. Why shouldn't it? Madison Avenue is paid huge sums of money to ingrain in us exactly what we need to think. When it comes to 'treats' we are taught to think of extravagance.

The above definition does a terrific job capturing the essence of what I am referring to. It is something, either an item or an action, that affords a particular pleasure. One other caveat that I would add to this is that it must be something that is different from the norm. Watching the same program on a weekly basis is not a treat since it is something that is part of the normal routine.

While I considered this subject, what first struck me is how people turn what should be a treat into a regular activity. For example, eating out should be an activity that is done as a treat. Instead, most people find themselves doing this a few times a week (or more). Therefore, the treat is lost since it is part of the normal pattern.

A second idea that came to me is that the treat does not have to hit a certain dollar amount. The definition above fails to contain the words expensive, costly, or regal. Certainly a treat could be those things but it not necessarily. That led me to conclude that one needs to alter the what he or she thinks about a treat.

Why do I mention all of this? My reasoning is simple if you understand Freedomquest. Most people live the slavery existence because they have no control over their finances. The average person earns over $1M in his or her lifetime yet have little to show for it at retirement. You would think that with this type of money earned, one could put away 10% which is $100,000 if the person earned no interest. However, most fall short of this.

What happens to all that money? One of the biggest problems is people 'treat' themselves all too often. When this occurs, income that could be invested is squandered. An example is the outlook of spas. We all saw the commercials where we are told to treat ourselves to a nice day at the spa. "Pampering" is what it is called. After all we deserve it.

My question is what does this pampering cost? $100? $200? $500? Honestly I have no idea but I know it can easily run into hundreds of dollars. And what do we get for this pampering? Obviously the person feels really good after (until he/she has to pay the credit card bill). That is the benefit. Therefore, it was all worthwhile.

Which brings me to my next question: how does this person feel 3 or 4 days later? In most instances, I presume that relaxed feeling is gone. Life has taken over. The money is spent yet the person feels the same as always. The treat was fleeting.

And that is the very point about treats...they are fleeting. The enjoyment or pleasure is only temporary. Whether it is a nice dinner, a day at the spa, or concert tickets, the net result is the same. The sensations felt in the moment dwindle as the next few days pass. Usually within a week, if it takes that long, the enjoyment of the treat is completely gone. So, why do we pay huge sums of money to give ourselves a treat. That is like a dieter giving him or herself a treat by eating an entire box of chocolates. Not very sensible is it?

Therefore, a major shift that needs to be made is to 'minimize' your treats. Rather than spend hundreds of dollars on something that is fleeting, make your purchases less costly. If you are going out to dinner, do not spend $50 a plate on something that will ultimately end up in the sewer system. I can attest that a dinner that costs a fraction of that amount ends up in the same place. Expensive treats simply do not make sense.

The minimalist mindset applies to every area of your life. Trying to cut corners only ends up costing you. If freedom is your ultimate goal, be sure you are truly committed to taking the action that will get you there. Looking at the world through minimalist eyes will assist you in taking the proper action. This is how important the mindset truly it.