The Chains We Don’t See

teresa5315
Jan 29
3 min read

When I was this question, I am often met with one of a few responses:

🤔 I haven't really thought about what freedom means in so long.
🛤️ It means being able to do what I want, when I want.
💰 It means being free of financial worry.
🚫 It means not having to drink or use drugs to feel "normal."
🕊️ It means not caring what other people think.
💭 It means being able to say, think, or be whatever I want.

When I think of what freedom means, I believe true freedom comes when we embrace grace—allowing ourselves to be imperfect, to heal, and to release the burdens we were never meant to carry.

The Chains We Don’t See

Freedom is not just about what we can or cannot do; it’s about the invisible forces that shape our thoughts, actions, and identities. Some chains are easy to recognize, like addiction, toxic relationships, or financial struggles. Others are much harder to see.

Many of us are walking around physically free but mentally imprisoned.

We are chained by:

🔗 Fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown
⚖️ Guilt over past mistakes or the way we’ve hurt others
😞 Shame that convinces us we are unworthy of love and success
🎯 Perfectionism that keeps us stuck in a cycle of never feeling "good enough"
🤝 People-pleasing that forces us to live for others’ approval instead of our own purpose
🚫 Limiting beliefs that tell us we are not capable, deserving, or strong enough

I was a teenager when I chained myself to shame, regret, guilt, and drugs—trying to numb the pain I felt. When I got sober, I thought I was finally free… but the truth was, I was still bound.

Instead of using substances to cope with the shame, guilt, fear, and uncertainty, I turned to people-pleasing, overachievement, and working for recognition. I was still trapped by the guilt, shame, and feeling like I wasn't enough—I just coped in a different way. I had swapped one set of chains for another.

What This Can Look Like in Your Life

These invisible chains show up in different ways for different people. You may be experiencing them if:

⏳ You feel stuck in a job, relationship, or routine that no longer serves you but are afraid to make a change.
🚷 You constantly doubt your own worth and let negative self-talk dictate your decisions.
🤯 You feel overwhelmed trying to meet everyone’s expectations, afraid of disappointing others.
📉 You hesitate to take risks or pursue dreams because of a fear of failure.
🏋️ You feel weighed down by past mistakes, unable to fully forgive yourself or move forward.

It took me years (and a lot more regrets) to realize that true freedom isn’t just about what we can or can’t do—it’s about living fully, without the weight of fear, guilt, or limiting beliefs holding us back.

What’s Holding You Back?

True freedom comes when you let go of fear, guilt, shame, and temporary comforts in order to pursue fulfillment, meaning, and purpose. It’s about releasing yourself from the mental and emotional chains that keep you stuck.

Ask yourself:

❓ What is keeping me from feeling truly free?
🔍 What fears or beliefs am I holding onto that are limiting me?
🌱 Am I living according to my purpose, or am I chasing validation?

If you’ve never truly thought about what freedom means for you, I invite you to start your journey with my FREE “What Does Freedom Mean to Me?” Reflection Journal.

This guided journal will help you:

✅ Define what freedom looks like in your own life

✅ Identify what’s holding you back

✅ Take your first steps toward living fully and freely

📥 Download it now and start creating a life of true freedom.🔗