Life presents us with many challenges. Not matter our age, sex, ethnicity, religion and profession we all have an innate desire to be free. Free of worries, fear and anxiety. Free of pain, sorrow and sadness. Free of judgement, ridicule and loneliness. Free to fly, free to swim, free to run, free to smile and love without regret.
I've been on this ride to freedom for 46 years and I am still holding a tired outstretched thumb hoping, just maybe, I'll reach it.
My journey began in a tiny village back in Punjab, India and at three I was beamed into a hustling, vibrant city of Toronto, dead of winter, where white folks were everywhere. Imagine the culture shock for all my siblings and my mom.
Life was challenging back then. Dad was the sole provider working the factory lines while mom took care of us. There were six of us and one year later seven. I still have one vivid memory of my childhood where all six of us were sleeping on the carpeted floor, in a 12 x 12 feet bedroom, with our feet towards the heat vent, as my parents slept in the room next door with my Canadian born baby sister. The upstairs of this semi was rented out and the basement was unfinished. We probably had like 500 square feet to us. This was a time when mom would wash our laundry by hand in the basement tub and bathe us all, as we lined up on the concrete floor near the drainage hole.
Mom's journey ended this past March but her sacrifices remain etched in my heart. She was my iron lady. Her courage and will to press ahead under very tough times, and incredible physical pain, has been my inspiration.
Dad, has always been my spiritual guide. His words of wisdom have helped me realize that freedom is within my heart and mind. There is no destination to go in the world where we can obtain it. No amount of money that can buy it and friends or partners that can provide it or children that can blossom it forth. Freedom has never been a destination but is a journey of the soul- of self realization.
I'm looking forward to contributing to this steemit community with my experiences and adding value. Though we are uniquely different, our base desires are to be free and soar like an eagle, swim like a dolphin, smile like a child are universal. I hope my thoughts can inspire and cause you to reflect and pause. I'm hoping you'll feel my words within your hearts.
May your journey be blessed and mind be free.
Jas Jagpal
