Good morning, world! As I sit here, its the perfect time to sit down and get caught up on writing and reflect on the past few weeks. This adventure has seen me immerse myself in Morocco’s mesmerizing landscapes and its rich, vibrant culture, exploring the bustling streets of Casablanca, the enchanting alleys of Fes, the dreamy blue hues of Chefchaouen, the awe-inspiring dunes of Merzouga, and the irresistible charm of Marrakesh, finally arriving at this idyllic seaside retreat in Essaouria.

With an entire week ahead of me dedicated to writing and tying up a few loose ends, I eagerly anticipate my upcoming journey further south to Dakhla and eventually crossing the border into Mauritania.

Stay tuned for an upcoming, comprehensive guide on traversing the land border between Morocco and Mauritania via the Guerguerat crossing. As information on this route remains scarce, I’ll be navigating this untrodden path using a combination of buses and hitchhiking. To quell any concerns, let me assure you that hitchhiking is both common and safe in Africa. As proof of this, I fondly recall my 2019 hitchhiking adventure covering around 1000 miles through Mozambique’s stunning landscapes and into the warm embrace of Malawi in East Africa.

As I bask in the vibrant essence of Morocco and the tranquil atmosphere of Essaouira, I feel compelled to share a thought-provoking question that often sparks deep and meaningful conversations. This question, much like the diverse definitions of love, invites a wealth of unique and personal responses. For instance, I have always defined love as an unbreakable bond, a connection so potent that “any moment you’re thinking about them, you know they’re thinking about you,” transcending the limitations of time, distance, and life’s many barriers.

So, how do you define freedom? Is this a question that ignites your curiosity, inspiring you to delve into the depths of your own mind and the minds of others?

In my opinion, one’s answer to this specific question serves as a unique fingerprint, unveiling a wealth of information about an individual. It is an incredibly effective way to uncover a person’s core beliefs, thought processes, and overall life philosophy.

Responses to this question often center around the concept of travel. I firmly believe that humans are innately nomadic, and our evolutionary history supports this. Our nomadic tendencies allowed us to inhabit diverse environments and establish homes worldwide, ultimately giving rise to the vast array of cultures, traditions, and ideas that make up this world.

We find ourselves at a remarkable crossroads in human history, a time when we can fully embrace our wanderlust. Just last night, I met a man named Dakota from East Tennessee. His thick southern accent and laid-back demeanor reminded me of some of my friends back in Texas, which was refreshing. Dakota, having recently quit his job, plans to travel the world for two to three years despite having little prior experience with extended journeys. Our conversation naturally gravitated towards the idea of exploring the world for an extended period and immersing ourselves in diverse cultures.

We marveled at the fact that we are part of a vast, interconnected world, one inhabited by billions of people living on a floating rock. It is easy to lose sight of the reality that we can travel anywhere, meet anyone, and forge connections at any moment. While there may be limitations and obstacles, the opportunities are limitless. A mere 150 years ago, true explorers would have reveled in today’s world, astounded by our ability to pull out a technological device, like a smartphone, to book a ticket halfway across the globe, check the weather, stay in a shared hostel, and connect with individuals from vastly different backgrounds on a profound level.

To many, my perspective on freedom may seem paradoxical: I believe that freedom is inherently tied to vulnerability. The concept of vulnerability is often shrouded with negative connotations, but when embraced, it allows us to relinquish control, let go of unnecessary burdens, and concentrate on what truly matters. This surrendering to vulnerability, akin to leaving our fate to the natural course of life, fosters an environment where things generally fall into place. It is the idea of being comfortable with navigating times of uncertainties. By striving to reach our peak potential, taking pride in our endeavors, and working diligently, we are ensuring we’ve done our part. In my view, cultivating this mindset fosters a natural resilience where everything tends to fall into place, regardless of the uncertainties

Interestingly, the most effective way to cultivate this vulnerability, in my opinion, is to immerse ourselves in an unfamiliar environment for an extended period. Visualize the process of researching and choosing a dream destination, a country teeming with rich history, captivating landscapes, or an intriguing culture. Imagine the thrill that builds up as you’re about to board a plane, journeying solo to this unknown land, opening up a world of endless possibilities.

The feeling of liberation that comes from this experience is incomparable. As you embark on this journey, you’re freed from the mundane constraints of everyday life and routine. Your limitations are merely the duration of your trip and your budget, and within these confines, you have the potential to craft a transformative experience. The world becomes your oyster, with the freedom to explore the unknown, wander through historic cities, ascend towering mountains, or immerse yourself in bustling markets.

It’s an opportunity to savor exotic dishes, participate in local traditions, meet and converse with people from all walks of life, and challenge the limits of your comfort zone. Through these experiences, not only do you get to learn more about the world, but you also discover more about yourself. This is the essence of vulnerability – a gateway to true freedom. Embarking on this journey of exploration and self-discovery, you open yourself to the world, and that is where vulnerability meets freedom.

Throughout my life, I have embraced this concept of freedom on countless occasions, each time embarking on a new journey that has left an indelible mark on my soul. Every adventure I undertake rekindles that indescribable feeling of liberation, reigniting my passion for exploring the world and continuously enriching my life. The freedom to chart one’s course, to immerse oneself in diverse cultures and experiences, and to forge connections with like-minded souls from all corners of the globe is not only inspirational but also life-affirming. These experiences serve as a powerful reminder that we, as individuals, have the power to shape our lives and to continuously seek out new horizons, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Each journey brings us closer to understanding our place in the world, helping us uncover our true selves in the process, and nurturing a deeper appreciation for the boundless beauty and diversity that our world has to offer.

It may sound cliché, but the notion of freedom lies in the unexpected encounters and serendipitous moments of life. It’s about the conversations that will surely resonate within you from that point forward, and the original perception of reality being shattered by the unique ways people live throughout the world. New ideas emerge, such as the realization that no matter who you are or where you come from, fundamentally, humans are all the same. We are social (and nomadic) beings by nature who need love, purpose, community, shelter, and good food to find happiness.

So, with this understanding of freedom in mind, I encourage you to contemplate your own definition and consider how you might incorporate it into your life. Reflect on the endless possibilities that lie before you and the boundless potential for growth and self-discovery that each new adventure offers. Embrace the freedom to explore, learn, and evolve.

For me, freedom takes the form I’ve described above, but throughout my countless conversations on this topic, I’ve discovered that people define freedom in a myriad of ways. These varied definitions often stem from personal experiences and aspirations, shaping an individual’s perception of what it means to be truly free. Some individuals find freedom in honing their job skills, nurturing close family ties, achieving sobriety, or discovering new places through travel. Others might perceive freedom in pursuing their passions, attaining financial independence, experiencing the depths of love, being an integral part of a community, or maintaining good health and well-being.

From real life examples of friends saying freedom is defined as … or people I’ve met along my travels so far:

• Eric “Mandarin Man” (Best friend): “Freedom is the ability to say ‘yes’.. yes to the new opportunity. Yes to the long awaited thing you have desired. Because this is a form of freedom from yourself and your past limiting beliefs. Freedom is not doing what you want.. it’s doing what you don’t want, because in the long run, it’s the best thing you can hope for yourself.

• Allie (Like Minded Soul): “Freedom is oxygen for the soul – the ability to be different, to live without limitations of what society says or thinks you should do, and doing whatever brings internal peace and happiness.”

• Laurel (Old Coworker, Close Friend): “Freedom to me means the right to choose. Who I want to love. Where I want to live. How I want to live. And what I want to do while I’m on this earth.”

• Emily (Corporate Worker, NY): “Freedom means achieving work-life balance, managing time effectively, and pursuing personal interests without work constraints.”

• Youssef (Hostel Worker, Morocco): “Freedom is maintaining cultural identity while engaging with global guests, celebrating traditions, and expressing oneself artistically.”

• Giovanni (Programmer, Italy): “Freedom is the ability to work remotely, embracing location independence while choosing passion-driven projects, and collaborating with like-minded individuals for continuous growth.”

• Jack (Tradesman, Australia): “Freedom signifies achieving financial stability, enabling a lifestyle of surfing and ultimately retiring on an idyllic island, while making decisions and adapting to changes along the way.”

• Emma (Health Worker, UK): “Freedom encompasses access to resources, decision-making autonomy, collaboration, advocacy, and maintaining well-being while serving the community.”

I encourage you to delve into your own understanding of freedom and examine what it signifies to you personally. Take the time to identify the driving forces in your life and consider how you can alleviate the pressure exerted by societal expectations and traditional constraints. Contemplate the ways you can break free from these limitations, explore unfamiliar territories, and push your boundaries beyond their current limits. In this journey, ask yourself whether you will seek support from others, place trust in the process, and muster the courage to face challenges head-on, knowing that setbacks may occur but also that you have the fortitude to rise again.

As you reflect on the diverse aspects of freedom, remember that this concept is multidimensional and cannot be confined to a single definition. Each person’s interpretation of freedom is a unique spawned from their individual desires, values, and objectives. By gaining insight into and embracing your own definition of freedom, you can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and empowerment, ultimately paving the way for a future shaped by your aspirations and dreams.

So, I ask again, how do you define freedom, and what does this definition mean to you and your future?