Our ancestors lived as slaves for 400 years, but we, their descendants, are free people. We have the freedom of speech, the freedom to traverse the world, and, most importantly, the freedom of choice.
Our ancestors were confined to plantations, forced to tend the fields—what a life? Today, we have the freedom to leave our homes, travel anywhere in the world, and do as we please, as long as we respect the laws of the land. We walk with our heads held high, able to access education, opportunities, and rights that were once unimaginable.
Yet, despite this physical freedom, many of us remain enslaved in a different way. The shackles and chains may be gone, but we are still bound—mentally.
The Invisible Shackles
Though the physical chains of bondage have been broken, we now face invisible chains that hold our minds captive. These shackles are not made of iron but of fear, self-doubt, and societal expectations.
We have the freedom to move, but how often do we hesitate—frozen by the pressure to conform? We fear the judgment of others, worry about failure, or fall into the trap of seeking approval. We find ourselves scrolling endlessly through social media, measuring our worth by likes and comments, while our true potential lies dormant. Even with access to information and knowledge, many of us are still shackled by the belief that we are not enough or that we don’t belong in certain spaces.
We may not be working under a whip, but many of us are still imprisoned by the silent demands of a system that dictates what success looks like. The pressure to have a perfect career, a perfect family, or the “right” lifestyle weighs us down, even when we have the freedom to choose a different path. These forces—though unseen—are powerful, shaping our choices, actions, and even our dreams.
Who Are ‘They’?
At this point, you might be asking, who are they?
They are the ones who are unseen, but see all.
They are the ones who are unheard, but hear everything.
If they say it is so, then it is so.
They are not just people or institutions, but the ideas and systems that have been planted in our minds over centuries. They exist in the media that subtly tells us how to live, in the ads that convince us to buy things we don’t need to feel fulfilled. They are the invisible forces behind the social norms that dictate what is considered success, beauty, or happiness.
Think of the way we are influenced by what we see on social media or how the news shapes our perception of the world. We act based on these influences without even realizing it—fearing to speak out, to take risks, or to live authentically because they are watching, judging, and controlling the narrative. These forces manifest when we choose careers based on what is “safe” or “prestigious” rather than what we truly desire, or when we silence our voices to fit in with the crowd.
The Mental Fight for Freedom
While our ancestors fought for physical freedom, it is now our duty to fight for mental liberation. True freedom begins in the mind—when we choose to break free from the limitations placed on us by society and ourselves. This is the harder battle, for it requires us to recognize and challenge the invisible forces that bind us.
The mental chains often show up in subtle ways. You might hesitate to pursue your passion because you’re afraid of failing or what others might say. You might follow a traditional path because it’s “what’s expected” rather than what sets your soul on fire. These are the mental shackles that keep us from living fully.
We must recognize that the media, societal norms, and even our own insecurities often shape our actions. They convince us to stay in our comfort zones, to doubt ourselves, or to believe that we are not worthy of more. But we are. Just as our ancestors fought for the right to live freely, we must now fight to think freely and reclaim control over our thoughts and choices.
Break the Chains
It’s time to start breaking the mental bonds that hold us back. The first step is recognizing them—acknowledging that the limits we place on ourselves often come from outside sources. Whether it’s societal pressure, fear of failure, or the comfort of conformity, we have the power to challenge these forces. Decide today to reclaim control of your thoughts, your choices, and your destiny. The freedom we seek begins in the mind, and once we break free mentally, the possibilities are limitless.
Embodied Testament
I know the weight of these invisible shackles all too well. Even though my peers at university called me mad, I was willing to live in my “madness.” Deep down, I knew that something about abandoning my true passion for security or the expectations of others was mental slavery at its finest. I refused to stay bound, and I encourage you to do the same. The journey to true freedom requires courage, but it is a path worth taking. Let us break every chain.