The first time I tried on the little silver Fossil necklace adorned with 3-dimensional dove, the chain broke in my hand.
I wanted it so badly. I had been given a $25 gift card to Macy’s and was browsing the inexpensive jewelry, looking for something to symbolize the wanderlust I was feeling (cause, you know, a cheap piece of jewelry can so do that).
And there it was, attached to the flimsy plastic/cardboard holder with one word written all pretty on it:
“freedom”
Marketed by the marketing gods so perfectly to me.
But, when it broke, I thought it was an omen. Somehow, the necklace was telling me my dreams of traveling would not happen. I let the person at the counter know the chain simply fell apart in my hand, placed it back on the counter, and returned to my job following the hour I took for lunch.
Weeks later, after being blessed by my parents to live my dream of traveling, I ended up going back to Macy’s and buying a not-broken version of the dove necklace, securing it proudly around me neck.
For weeks, it was my security blanket. I had booked my trip to Europe, but had not told anyone at work. When work got tough or I grew frustrated (and there were many, many times) and I just wanted to shout out I was leaving right then and there, my fingers to the dove and I would move them over the tiny bird and its grooved eye, swishing it up and down the chain. And, when I needed a reminder of what I was doing, the dreams I had, the goal that was justrighttherebutnotyet, I would hold the dove and close my eyes.
The necklace came to stand for everything I looked forward to. It symbolized the person I was, the person I was becoming, the dreams I had. When people at work said they liked it, I would smile and thank them, thinking to myself, if you only knew what it means.
Since I left my job, this freedom has truly become realized. It is an indescribable feeling to wake up and do whatever it is I want to do. To hope on the tube and head to Westminster. To decide to go to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. To book a flight to Madrid.
And, with this new feeling comes a new attitude. I can do anything I set my mind to because I am FREE. It’s a beautiful thing.
30 Comments on "Baby, I'm a free bird"
Freeeedom!
One small correction, if I may. “It is an indescribable feeling to wake up and do whatever it is I want to do.” … so long as it costs less than $19 because omg I’m on a budget ya know.
I’m just messing with ya, it is indeed a great feeling. We become different people when we’re thinking and acting for ourselves. It’s similar to that happiness people get when they start their own business instead of working for the man.
Hahaha. VERY true!
Freeeedom!
One small correction, if I may. “It is an indescribable feeling to wake up and do whatever it is I want to do.” … so long as it costs less than $19 because omg I’m on a budget ya know.
I’m just messing with ya, it is indeed a great feeling. We become different people when we’re thinking and acting for ourselves. It’s similar to that happiness people get when they start their own business instead of working for the man.
Hahaha. VERY true!
Wow. Love this post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Wow. Love this post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Diana,
Your blog posts are like reading installments in a novel. I’m hooked.
Much Love,
Tania
Thank you so much, Tania! I am glad you enjoy them! Hope to make this into a book one day! XOXOXO
Diana,
Your blog posts are like reading installments in a novel. I’m hooked.
Much Love,
Tania
Thank you so much, Tania! I am glad you enjoy them! Hope to make this into a book one day! XOXOXO
Great story. My reminder is literally the site I started, and the many, many amazing folks like yourself who push me forward.
I started my site in October and it was a huge and wonderful way for me to get outside of work and focus on me. The people I have met through this site, Twitter and beyond have played such a wonderful role in this entire trip. Thank YOU for always pushing ME forward.
Great story. My reminder is literally the site I started, and the many, many amazing folks like yourself who push me forward.
I started my site in October and it was a huge and wonderful way for me to get outside of work and focus on me. The people I have met through this site, Twitter and beyond have played such a wonderful role in this entire trip. Thank YOU for always pushing ME forward.
Oh D. You just made me so dreamy. What a lovely post, I’m so happy for you.
Thank you so much!!
Oh D. You just made me so dreamy. What a lovely post, I’m so happy for you.
Thank you so much!!
A truly inspirational post, my love!!
Thank you! I am still wearing it.
A truly inspirational post, my love!!
Thank you! I am still wearing it.
Yeah, i recently came across your blog and have been reading along.. Thanks
Yeah, i recently came across your blog and have been reading along.. Thanks
Hey D!!
…..u wont believe I cud relate to ‘every’ thing u mentioned abt the feeling … m exactly in the same situation like u were…bound to some damn job, unable to find wht i want frm Life but also knw tht wht i’ve got isnt wht i want…. 
….shud I too quit it n go travelling???
Came across ur blog abt FREEDOM !! …. and its simply amazing
I am so glad you commented!! YES. Quit your job. Go travel. See the world. It puts everything in perspective. I am so fortunate I was able to go and do this. There is nothing more frustrating than going through the motions of life without any feeling. Way better to LIVE and be happy then just live.
Let me know what happens … and if you need any advice, feel free to e-mail me — dtravelsround@gmail.com.
apart from tht, u write so well !!
Thank you!!! Enjoy the posts!!