FREEDOM!!! What a kind and fun word. In the American culture, we have the opportunity to experience many types of freedom, including personal, political, and social. Freedom often signifies a release from bondage or a process of letting go. It's what many of us aspire to as we grow and evolve. However, there is another side of freedom that my article will explore: the freedom of being single.
In one of my favorite parts of the movie Elizabeth, the Queen, played by Cate Blanchett, eloquently refers to the “mighty freedom” as she prays, saying, “Give me the strength to bear this mighty freedom.” Freedom was not so free for her, as she had to remain free from marriage and children to focus on her kingdom and her people's needs.
Now, let me pause—this article is not about avoiding having a spouse or children. My goal is to illustrate that being single is a great responsibility, one that should be encouraged. As a single woman without children, I have come to truly enjoy being single. It has not always been this way, nor is it my ultimate goal to stay single forever. But at this moment, I am single.
There are a plethora of rewarding advantages: I enjoy doing what I want when I want, going places by myself, not having to care for someone daily, spending my money without consulting a spouse, and more. Although, there is another side. Not being responsible for another can lead to self-absorption, and solely managing my time and resources can sometimes be a pain (though not always, lol).
The freedom that comes from being single does not mean the world revolves around you. This “mighty freedom” involves nurturing relationships outside my household, making solo decisions that can be overwhelming, facing societal pressures and relationship expectations, enduring heavy emotional periods alone, and managing the responsibilities of being the head of household, including the big “C” word - chores, to name a few.
Of course, this is not a blanket statement—everyone experiences singleness differently, so there’s room for various observations. My overall message is this, singleness is a beautiful burden to have. If you are in your season of single freedom, it's the perfect time for inner work. You can see yourself individually and begin to create the life you truly desire. Being single has allowed me time to meditate, read, heal, and renew my mind in ways I never thought imaginable. Whether you have never been married, are divorced, widowed, with or without children, your development, and the time you spend unfolding is what makes life worth living. Embrace the “mighty freedom” to become a better version of you. Cherish this moment and make it memorable because your next relationship, career, business idea, along with a host of other things, could very well depend on it.
Written by Ronke Paterson, The Blooming Late Bloomer
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About the Author
A native of Virginia, Ronke received her Bachelor's degree and Masters in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. At age 49, she began a healing journey and made the decision to "come out" about her sexuality. While Ronke admittedly does not have a lot of experience being out, she has significant experience being in. She has a passion to create spaces for other women who may be adjusting to living their truth out loud, or who have decided to live their truth inside. Ronke's comedic and personable personality affords her the opportunity to interact with all kinds of people, bringing humor, storytelling and love to the discussions.
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