Feeling Oppressed

Who is oppressing you? Do you really feel oppressed? What does it mean? I particularly like the Cambridge Dictionary definition.

governed in an unfair and cruel way and prevented from having opportunities and freedom

Do you feel that you don’t have opportunities or freedom? Where does that feeling originate? When I started really trying to change things in my life, it was hard. Oppression was something I had known for so long, I didn’t understand how to get out from under it.

Who Oppressed Me?

The oppressor was ruthless. He would never let up. It seemed he was always there and he knew how to add to my burdens. He was with me day and night. Because I gave him power over me, I was helpless.

Why did I let him control me like that? I was his victim and I was accustomed to it. It should have been easy to shake him off, but I didn’t have the will power to make it happen.

Do you let that oppressor control you? By now, I hope that you have concluded that the oppressor is yourself.

Taking Control

When will you fire your oppressor? It took me decades to decide that I didn’t have to be subject to him. Once I chose to fire him, I gained power. I won’t say that he was gone immediately, but once I made that decision, his power was greatly diminished. I had gained the upper hand because I chose to fight back. It was a simple choice, but it made a huge difference in how I looked at myself.

My opinion of myself is more powerful than that of others. If I choose to see myself as good, I am.

Freedom

I chose freedom, just as my forefathers chose it. My paternal forefathers and mothers were pioneers and colonists. They fled oppression and tyranny. Some brought it with them and terrorized others. They are a mixed bag, just as everyone has a mixed bag of family. I celebrate those who attempted to gain freedom. Some acted in misguided zealousness to support systems that oppressed others in the name of being free of the yoke of those who would tell them how to behave. I love them all. They walked their path and I am a product of it. However, I do not have to accept their behavior as a predictor of mine.

I chose to no longer beat myself up with negative self-talk. I grabbed the opportunity to change my mindset and my behavior. A lot of success is coming from this endeavor. I love sharing these principles with others, because I want you to be free too. I am preparing for some upcoming live presentations in the Utah County area to share some of my favorite techniques and insights. My wife and I would love to see you at one of them. I’ll be sharing them soon, so keep your eyes open for the dates and locations.

Freedom from oppression can be as easy as choosing to be free. You have the power, just as I do. Believe in yourself. I believe in you.