Some people believe that freedom means doing whatever one pleases. Nothing could be further from the truth. Freedom is about making choices. And one's choices defines whom one becomes. People seem to forget that freedom actually means taking responsibility for oneself and others. Freedom is about choosing which burdens to bear. Freedom is about choosing one's passions and obsessions.
As creative leaders, we are free to choose how we express our ideas, beliefs and opinions including what paints or metaphors to use. Our freedom is in the choices we make. But freedom is not just about our expression, it is also about our obsessions. What are we focused on? Where do we spend our time? What are our passions? What drives us to share?
Freedom is also about choosing to accept our burdens. None of us live without pain or challenge. We all face the darkness that haunts our dreams. We must choose to accept that which weighs us down, to shoulder our responsibilities, to bear the brunt of our pain.
About Hephzibah Menuhin
Hephizibah Menuhin was born in San Francisco on May 20, 1920 and was descended from a distinguished rabbinical dynasty. She became a pianist, writer and human rights activist. She died January 1, 1981.