We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Freedom Mitchell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Freedom thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My mother was a single parent to nine children, after our parents divorced. Most of us grew up fast because jobs were necessary to assist financially. I learned many good things from my mother, but one of the most important things she taught me was independence. She allowed us to make mistakes and figure things out for ourselves. I’m a better person because of it.
I would not have had the courage to leave home and move over 700 miles away without independence. I saved money working at a factory and planned my move to Atlanta. I spent $124 on a one-way train ticket to Georgia. I had $400 in my pocket to last me until I found a job. I spent $50 of my $400 on a pair of high top green converse sneakers. Don’t judge me I was 18 when I moved away(LOL). It was a two day train ride to Atlanta from Michigan. I met a woman on the train that was very kind to me. She bought me dinner and watched over me during our trip. We parted ways in DC when I switched trains. She told me I was brave and wished me well. I am forever grateful for her kindness. I would face many challenges and gain a multitude of wisdom as I aged and matured. There were times that I called home in tears because I was home sick, but moving back was never an option that I gave myself. I was determined to find my own path and create a life for myself that I could be proud of. I now live, and have been living a life that I’m proud of for over 20 years.
My life has been far from easy. I’m proud of the person that I’ve had to become to achieve my goals. My mom would always remind me to be kind, always arrive early for work, be accountable and remain humble. My journey is forever impacted by the independence instilled in me. I embrace it today and everyday.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
There is value in your struggle. I was depressed, my self- esteem was diminishing, I was struggling financially and my marriage was failing. My life felt like I was sinking into quicksand. I was paying a good licensed therapist and not following her professional advice. I had allowed my ego to convince me that I did not need anyone’s help, and that I alone could see myself out of the darkness (note to self: never allow your ego to lead).
It was during this time that the universe placed a small yoga studio, owned by a licensed therapist, in my path. My first class was freedom…I belonged in that space, at that time, practicing yoga and meditation. Practicing yoga and meditation that day, in that space, for 45 minutes provided me with something I’ve always wanted: “A tranquil mind.” After experiencing that spiritual awareness, I decided to embrace my personal power and live my truth.
I’m five of nine children. Being placed right in the middle, I spent most of my formative years hiding myself. I had convinced myself that if I stayed hidden, my personal insecurities would not be revealed to others. The more people noticed me, the more I learned to switch tactics and retreat within.
My new retreat tactic caused me to hold everything in, resulting in me being very angry with any and everything around me. This vicious cycle continued for years until I finally had the courage to move away from home at 18 to reinvent myself. There is value in your struggle. Had I not been angry, insecure and trying to hide, I may never have left home and started to discover who I truly am.
Stepping outside of the comfort zone of my home state of Michigan and moving to Georgia gave me some needed space for personal growth. I began to see a therapist in my early twenties, and for a while, this helped tremendously. I got married, and then “real” life began to take shape. I loved my husband and he loved me, but love was not enough to save our marriage.
My depression and anxiety began to seep in long before my marriage ended, and it lasted for years. I felt useless to myself, so I decided to began taking an antidepressant. I also began to see a therapist again to get to the root of my depression. Both were helping, but I still felt like something was missing inside me. I did not feel whole. The value I found in my continued struggle gave me the ability to look deeper inside myself.
I continued to practice yoga and meditation at Indigo Gypsy Yoga Studio. I have attended many yoga classes over the years at different studios, but at Indigo Gypsy the energy was different. My spirit was different. When the universe placed this small studio in my path, it felt like I was practicing yoga and meditation for the first time. I began to find my peace and clarity, and it became priceless.
My yoga mentor convinced me to study for my teacher certification in yoga and meditation. Yoga, meditation, and therapy literally saved me from destroying myself mentally. The value in my struggle gave me the courage to begin a new career after 20 years.
The value of my struggle led me to places that feed my soul and caress my spirit. It led me to pursue yoga, meditation, and certification as a Health and Life Coach. It taught me that I can achieve anything, if I clear my own way mentally.
It taught me that freedom is truly obtainable if I continue to look inside myself and honor my truth. It also taught me that making the decision to become a Certified Life Coach was the final piece of my puzzle.
In summary, we are a collection of our choices. Today, I help others listen to their intuition, embrace their personal power and honor their truths. We are all capable of rediscovering who we are truly meant to be. We have the Freedom To Change.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The primary human fear is that we are not enough. So, I’ve had to unlearn to relearn that I was born worthy of love. My family loves me unconditionally, but past trauma and dramas left me scarred, I realized that I had been living my life in victim mode. I’ve learned to turn my past into wisdom. I’ve also learned that things happen for me and not to me…Every opportunity is an opportunity for growth. We are all capable of magnificent things, we just have to believe that we are worthy of greatness and success.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I think in any field you have to be willing to risk everything to achieve success. Truly believing in your desire to succeed. Never giving up no matter how many times someone tells “No.” Always remembering that what we may consider a failure is actually a blessing in disguise. Life is about growth and contribution, and who we have to become to reach our goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: freedom@freedomtochange2.com
- Instagram: yogameditationfreedom
- Facebook: Freedom To Change
- Linkedin: Freedom Mitchell
Image Credits
Freedom Mitchell