Thursday Thoughts... The Freedom to Choose Less

Tomorrow is Independence Day! A time to celebrate freedom, the opportunities we enjoy, and the sacrifices that were made and continue to make it possible.

But I’ve been thinking about a different kind of freedom this week. Not just freedom from something. But freedom to choose something better… even when it means saying no.

The world will tell you that freedom means doing whatever you want, whenever you want. But I don’t think it’s a complete picture without the freedom of restraint.

Take food for example. I have the freedom to eat a dozen donuts and a family-size bag of Doritos every day. Nobody’s stopping me. I’m a grown man.

But I also know how I’d feel after day two: heartburn, brain fog, zero energy. That “freedom” would quickly turn into a burden. Instead, choosing discipline - eating cleaner (though certainly not perfectly), drinking more water, moving my body, gives me more freedom. More energy. More confidence. More life.

Another example is faith. I choose to follow biblical principles not because I have to, but because I believe in Jesus and believe those principles lead to a better life. They create boundaries that free me up to enjoy the things that actually matter. Less regret. More peace. Less chaos. More clarity.

In a world that’s constantly trying to sell you more… more convenience, more indulgence, more noise, sometimes the most radical thing you can do is say:

No thanks. I’m good.

Because freedom isn’t always about doing everything you're allowed to do. It’s about choosing what brings real joy, real connection, and real purpose, even if it comes with limits.

That Leads Me to This Week’s Challenge...

Where in your life could less actually lead to more?

Maybe it’s your schedule. Your screen time. Your spending. Your food. Maybe it’s what you allow to take up space in your heart and mind.

This week, try saying no to something you’re technically free to do. And see if it unlocks something even better.

I’m thankful you took the time to read this, for choosing to work, and for being part of what makes this world better.

One more thing... Michelle and I have the joy of hitting the 20th anniversary milestone soon and will be taking a long planned and awaited trip to celebrate with our family.  While I’m out, I’ll be sharing a couple of my favorite Thursday Thoughts from the past.

If this week’s Thursday Thoughts hit home, or reminded you of your own definition of freedom, I’d love it if you liked, shared, or dropped a comment.