Freedom

I have always loved to write, even if encouragement was scarce. I don’t blame anyone; I know now that to achieve anything, one must first conquer the fear of failure. And so, this is where I begin.

I don’t claim my thoughts are wiser than yours, but I believe you might find them interesting, perhaps even encouraging. They are my own, and the beauty of this journey is that you are free to draw your own conclusions. Isn’t that wonderful? Having the liberty to think what you like, believe what you wish, and, most importantly, act as you choose.

To some, this freedom feels obvious, almost a given. But not long ago, in my country, it was a dream. There was a time when people couldn't travel freely or even buy basic necessities. I remember when bananas were considered precious luxuries, we would queue for hours just for a single bunch. Today, seeing a long line in Prague has become a bit of a typical Czech joke, but it remains a reminder of a much narrower life.

With so many possibilities at our fingertips today, it is easy to take them for granted. We often forget the immense power found in the simple ability to make our own decisions. As Alice Walker once said: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

The truth is, we all hold power, and it is our responsibility to use it. We must never forget that the generations before us fought and suffered to hand this power to us. We can use it to do good every day, whether by helping someone or simply sharing a moment of joy. But we must also be good to ourselves. I believe in a simple truth: you must prioritize your own happiness first. Only when you are truly fulfilled can you have the energy to make others happy, too.

Freedom has granted us the incredible opportunity to connect, to learn from one another, and to decide for ourselves what we wear, what we write, and with whom we spend our lives. Sometimes, our mere presence is enough to cheer someone up; sometimes, a few kind words are the most powerful tool we possess.

We have choices. We are free. And no one has the right to decide our path for us. So, what is the link between freedom and power? There is no link. Freedom is power. Use it. Enjoy it. It is entirely yours.