The freedom to commit

So a lot of folks say they don't want to commit to something because they want to enjoy the freedom. I won't deny that I was of a similar opinion. But off late I have come to realise that freedom is not the absence of commitment but rather the decision to commit something of your choice. 

My freedom lies in the act of signing up for a two year part-time applied art course, knowing that my weekends and travel plans for two years get affected by it. It is a deliberate choice. I had the freedom to decide. I was not forced into it. I was not asked to commit. I did it completely understanding what it takes. So no weekend treks, no weekend goa trips, no saturday night late partying. But I do what I love doing every weekend and I really look forward to weekends. So I have the week to myself, to learn, practice, work, travel, meet people and I do that over weekends too. Just that I don't go out of town. That's it. Fair trade off. No pain, no gain. And it is way better than feeling like a bum when the weekends done :P 

My freedom lies in the leap of faith to start a company. Knowing well that life decisions and personal interests will get affected by it. I can't be erratic and run away, out of town for three months at a stretch. (May be I can later, once I set up a good base and hire some kickass folks).

My freedom lies in the responsibility I feel towards my parents. They never ask me to take care of them or pay their bills. I do so willingly and because I really want to!

And I think eventually, my freedom will lie in committing to one person; to honour, love and respect him for the rest of my life; in sickness, health, pain, sorrow (you know the jazz). I’m aware, I then can't lust after other men or fancy a one night stand. Or consider a romantic escapade during one of my travels. And in there lies my freedom to stand by the commitment I make.

Of pure love and romantic love

Oh I believe in love and the power of positive thinking and that love triumphs over other motivations. I also believe that love makes you stronger and supports you and helps you grow; that it can change people; that compassion can come only though love. I believe in the power of self love, maternal, paternal, fraternal, community love. I understand there's love for art and aesthetics and love for vocation and places and activities. 

But I have my doubts on romantic love - it some how makes you do stupid things, weakens you and then after all that drama, in most cases, fades.