Freedom Now

As a huge Indigo Girls fan, I've adored the song Closer To Fine since the first time I heard it. It popped up on the radio for me the other day as I was driving and the familiar, "Got my paper, I was free" played and an old odd disturbance ran through me. It was true. I was not free in any way whatsoever in this society until I received a college degree some fourteen years ago.

There were a lot of spoken and unspoken requirements to the need for that silly piece of paper in my life. While I did enjoy parts of the college experience, I honestly do not feel that I learned very much in the classes that I took for my degree (in Mathematics, for those curious). I did the majority of my learning in the classes that I took BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE THERE and in the afterhour discussions and reading that I did on my own. I learned a lot during my years as a college student, but not because I was in college. I was shackled to the school, gathering up student loans, until society was ready to call me an adult. I needed that piece of paper to be free (even though no one has ever asked to see it). I did spend a lot of time learning how to cut through red tape...

My children (ages 11 and 7, today) are free NOW -- on this day and every day. They were born free and they've spent every day of their lives living fully in the here and now. Although often people attempt to discriminate against them due to their ages, they are never discriminated due to their Unschooling. Strangers are always impressed at our children. Since they don't have the pressures that schooled children have, they can pursue their dreams and passions on their own personal schedules. They are allowed to follow their interests and pursue them as far as they want. They ask, we help, they thrive. It really is as simple as that. Be present with your children and their whole selves will shine!

To paraphrase what a Star Trek episode reminded me recently: All I ask of my children is that they love what they do and they do their best at it, no matter what it is. I wish for their happiness and that they lead exciting lives (for them). Living a full life, a life full of passion, that is my fondest wish for my children. That is my fondest wish for everyone everywhere.

I love this Unschooling lifestyle!