Freedom is the prompt for Terri’s Sunday Stills this week and it was this song that first came to mind. I wondered what I had to say about freedom, many seem to be feeling locked in due to the pandemic, we’re unable to travel overseas or even to cross state borders in some parts of Australia. It’s a funny time (not ha-ha funny) because of isolation, lockdowns, riots, shielding, social distancing, global politics….many don’t feel free.
Don’t dream it’s over – Crowded House
There is freedom within, there is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There’s a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you’ll never see the end of the road
While you’re traveling with me
Hey now, hey now
Don’t dream it’s over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won’t win
Finding freedom
As with most people, there’s a lot going on in my life that I don’t necessarily share on my blog, so you may not get what I am saying but believe me, I haven’t been feeling my best self lately.
Then I went to the beach and for a bike ride with my husband.
I discovered I was free. I was outside. I was riding my bike. I was at the beach. I was free to feel the wind in my hair, speak my mind, exercise my body. I live in a great country (Australia) and I am lucky to be in the position I am in. I know that!
My head was free of all the current worries for the time I was riding, I was in a happy place.
As we normally live in the mountains, hours away from the beach, any trip to the sea is special, so combining a ride to the beach was pure freedom.
I have shared some of my photos to show you my piece of freedom over the weekend. It always help to get some perspective and this has certainly made a difference.
In case you’re wondering we were at Callala Beach and Myola just across the water from Huskisson on Jervis Bay, in NSW, a particularly beautiful part of the world!
If you’re interested in the song I opened this post with, you can watch it below.
It’s interesting to read these thoughts from bass guitarist, Nick Seymour, at the time of release:
“You think the song is gloomy? The record’s about not giving up hope and succumbing to the effects of the mass media and consumerism, but there’s an over-riding positive view in all our songs.” Source
I think you’ll agree, these words still ring true, despite having been written back in 1986!
What does freedom mean to you?
As always, thank you for your visit. Wishing you a great week ahead.
Deb xx
All my Sunday Stills posts can be found here
Linking up with Denyse for #Lifethisweek 26/51
Bio: Debbie is an award winning blogger and lives in the small town of Tumbarumba in NSW Australia. Married for 40 years, with three grown up daughters, Debbie and her husband are avid travellers, cyclists and adventurers. Described by others as a ‘hummingbird on speed’ this active mother and grandmother has also received a bravery award from the Queen.
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Wonderful post and I love the song which is so apt for our times. Like you, I don’t share a lot of what’s going on in my life Deb (not the bad stuff anyway) but what I do share is what I’m grateful for, those moments in nature when we feel free and uninhibited. Despite everything we really are very blessed. Take care my friend. Here’s to having freedom of thoughts. xx
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Riding by the beach sounds lovely. Actually riding in the mountains would be lovely too, and quiet. I’m a long way from the beach and the mountains, stuck right in the middle of suburbia but I can always find somewhere nice to go walking.
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I started singing the words as soon as I read them. My daughter is/was a huge crowded house fan. I like the areas where you can get out and about. Doing something outside is my key to getting out of my head and into the wider world too.
Thank you so much for linking up. We are more half way through the year now. Next week it’s time for: 27/51 Taking Stock #3 6.7.2020 so I look forward to seeing you then, on or off prompt. Denyse.
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Isn’t it amazing how a trip to the beach, or anywhere outside in nature, can spark a sense of freedom and peace? Thanks for the song reminder. Now I will have that playing in my head all day! 🙂
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Yes indeed Laurie, peace and freedom, what more do we need?? Great song to have in your head 🙂
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I began singing the song even just reading the blog title! 😀 Oh I’m with you about the beach/sea/ocean being freeing and restorative. Love it. And Jervis Bay is one of my favourite places! I hope your worries ease soon Deb x
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It really was the first thing that came into my head when I read the word ‘freedom’ Sanch! The beach/sea/ocean can be so reassuring and just what I needed. Thanks for your lovely comment.
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I love that song – as soon as I read the title, I was singing it in my head! What a beautiful spot. Fun fact, you’re the 3rd person I know to have been at Callala Beach in the past couple of weeks. I think a little bit of Vitamin Sea is very restorative and hope your break was a breath of fresh air in every sense.
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It’s such a popular place Sammie but still relatively quiet compared to others which is a good thing. Yes it’s been a breath of fresh air in many ways!
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Amazing how being out in the beauty of nature can change our perspective and make us feel free. The beaches near Huskisson are stunning, we go there for a family camping trip each year!
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I love the area Bella, it’s always been our family’s go-to place for calmness.
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Excellent song, never fails to uplift me when I hear it too. The freedom of being outdoors in nature and good music can’t help but make us feel grateful.
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That’s so true Glenys, we are so fortunate.
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Wow, a perfect song and so right for today’s times, the words still ring true, Debbie. I’m glad you are enjoying some down time and sincerely hope everything OK! Lovely pics of the beach…a bike ride to the beach is pure freedom!
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Thanks Terri, I thought the song was very relevant!
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Hi Deb – being outside on a beautiful day is fantastic for clearing our heads and being in the moment for a while. The problems in our lives don’t disappear, but they aren’t our primary focus for a brief time – and I think that gives us the boost we need to cope with them when we come back to “real” life again – lovely pics x
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Thanks Leanne, life is always there to return to but for a brief moment things are clear as you say.
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I love that song by Crowded House. It’s so beautiful. You are right, we are free here in Australia, and very lucky to live in this country. It’s easy to forget that when there’s so much negativity in the media.
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Yes Christina, so much to be thankful for living here!
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Each week I read people’s posts about their adventuring or I see their outings on Facebook etc and think “I should do that,” and yet I never do.
I love that song but I’m gonna have it stuck in my head all day today you realise! 😉
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Yes I think it was playing on a loop in a few people’s heads after reading my post 🙂 There could be worse ones!
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It was good of you to post the song, because I could hear it in my head as I read the words earlier in this post. So happy that you got to get out and away. Beautiful pictures. Glad that you were able to get near the beautiful water.
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Thanks Michele, water is always a calming influence I find and especially on a sunny winter’s day. Just what I needed.
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I adore this song – the lyrics are fabulous and yes, I always see it as a hopeful song – perhaps it’s a perspective thing. Love your snippets of blue. For me, it’s standing on the edge of the rock wall looking out to sea and feeling the wind in my hair and the breeze on my face. We are so lucky.
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Yes Jo, we are very lucky indeed. Glad that song resonated with you too and I love the lyrics even more now.
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Hi, Debbie – I am so glad that you were able to get outdoors, catch your breath and give yourself a small break. You greatly deserve this. Sending warm hugs your way. ‘See’ you Wednesday!
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Yes it was a lovely way to look at freedom for Terri’s prompt this week Donna. I’m getting there 🙂
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Isn’t it amazing how uplifting it is to get out in the fresh air, and away from the confines of home, even if just for a little while? There is much to be gained by stepping away from the news reports and/or social media for 24 hours.
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I totally agree with you Deb!
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Great post, love the song, I’m using it in my next post coming out on Wednesday. I too am feeling the weight of all the pain and chaos in the world. It’s makes me feel claustrophobic. Hopping on a bike was a great solution! Thanks for sharing! C
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Thanks for understanding Cheryl, I know I’m not alone in feeling the weight and pain and chaos. Hope you can feel lighter soon.
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Debbie, you have found the “magic door” that leads to freedom. Getting away from what the world wants us to believe to step into the Natural World, makes us realize there truly is freedom. We just have to know it to find it. The more you stay in the Natural World that more you will realize how free you are. Fyi … You are not alone regarding not feeling your best. The longer you keep company with Mother, the better you will feel. Please turn the news off if you haven’t already. Make your own world based on what YOU dream. xo
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Thank you so much Amy!
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