Freedom to Choose

I’ve been taking a writing class with a friend. I’m taking it for two reasons: learn how to be a better writer and learn how to be a writing coach. The class I’m teaching for our homeschool group requires a lot of writing, and I want to help the scholars with their writing skills. The writing class was pretty basic–watch a few videos and write a paper on the prompt given at the end of each. Then give feedback on another paper. We ended up writing 3 papers. The mentor teaching the class also gave feedback on one of the papers. Below is the final paper I wrote and that she gave feedback on.

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I am blessed to live in a land and time where I have many freedoms. I have the freedom to homeschool and teach my children how and what I deem best. I have the freedom of religion, meaning I can worship “how, where, and what I may.” I have the freedom to marry who I want, live where I want, and do the kind of work I want. But what if all that was taken away? Would I still be free? Victor Frankl, WWII concentration camp survivor and psychologist, said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” No matter the circumstance or situation, you still have freedom. You always have the freedom to choose your attitude. You have the freedom to choose how you will think about the circumstance. You have the freedom to choose how you will respond to it. He also said, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” When we have a purpose, choosing happiness is easier. 

There are countless examples of people who have been in horrible circumstances yet have still chosen to cultivate positive attitudes. Below are 3 examples of people in different situations who have done just that–a woman who had her life drastically altered by a plane crash, Mormon pioneers in extreme weather, and a survivor of a shark attack.    

In 2008, Stephanie Nielsen was in a plane crash resulting in burns on 80% of her body. She was in a coma for 3 months, endured many surgeries and skin grafts, dealt with painful physical therapy, and still has ongoing issues relating to the accident. One day after the accident, Stephanie was doing laundry and felt a wave of sadness. She mourned the woman she was before the accident. But she said that feeling was quickly followed by a spiritual confirmation that this was her new life. “It is good, oh so good!” she exclaimed. She felt gratitude for her life and the gift of motherhood. She started to see her role as more divine. Her purpose was to enrich. Knowing her purpose helped her choose a different, better attitude. 

Almost 200 years ago, a group of 80 Mormon pioneers also chose joy even though their circumstances were less than perfect. These pioneers were forced to flee their homes in the middle of winter. Fortunately, they found shelter in a small, run-down cabin that was missing much of the chinking between the logs, which left large holes in the walls. It was bitter cold. Their food was frozen solid. The room was crowded. Most stayed awake all night trying to stay warm. A group of men stood around a fire outside, singing and roasting frozen potatoes. One woman recorded, “Not a complaint was heard—all were cheerful, and judging from appearances, strangers would have taken us to be pleasure excursionists rather than a band of gubernatorial exiles.” This group of hearty pioneers had a focus. Because they focused their lives on God, they found joy even though they were having a bad time. 

At the age of 13, surfer Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack in which her arm was tragically bitten off at the shoulder. For a short time she thought her dream of being a professional surfer was lost with her arm. But through the support of friends and family, and because of her faith in Jesus Christ, she was back on her surfboard a month later. Bethany believed that through her story she could share God’s light and love. She didn’t let her situation determine her attitude. She chose to find a way to live her purpose. 

Stephanie, the pioneers, and Bethany are only a small sampling of people who used their freedom to choose a positive attitude. The thing that helped all of them was knowing that they had a purpose. Each suffered in ways that seem unimaginable, each found purpose in their suffering. Even if we don’t experience such extreme tribulation, what can we learn from the way they chose to act? Russel M. Nelson recently said, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Where is your focus? Does it help you choose your attitude? 

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This is some of the feedback I got on the paper. It made me happy to read.

Ashlee,

This is a very good paper. You’ve done a great job in making your point that there is freedom in choosing your own focus and finding purpose in suffering. I love it! Three really great examples to support it. Nice work 🙂

All of my suggestions are just that…suggestions. You have written a solid paper and I’m just showing you ways that you could improve it.

Kathy

She also gave me an assignment regarding the first paragraph. She encouraged me to rewrite it using less I’s. The first example is my attempt to write it from a different point of view and the second example is hers. Which of the 3 do you like best?

1. The United States is a land blessed with many freedoms. There is the freedom of religion, the freedom to take a job or spouse of your choice, the freedom to obtain an education in whatever way you deem best, and so many more. But what if all that was taken away? Would Americans still be free?
2. I am blessed to live in a land and in a time where freedoms abound. Not only can I homeschool and teach my children how what they need in their lives, but I enjoy other vital freedoms. Freedom of religion allows me to worship “how, where, and what I may.” I am free to marry a spouse of my choosing, live in any neighborhood, and do the kind of work which best suits my talents and temperament. But what if all that was taken away? Would I still be free?[that decreases the “I” population from 12 to 5]

The class was stressful and hard, but I learned a lot. I hope it carries over to my own writing and to my coaching.