Warning: Australia Day Celebrations may be a cover up

The year is 1970. I am in Grade 6, standing by my wooden desk at Rathdowne Street Primary School (now Carlton Gardens) reciting the poem penned by Dorothea Mackellar ‘My Country’. I have never forgotten the words, so burnt into my memory by constant repetition:

Her words capture the wildness, beauty and unpredictability of the Australian landscape. As Australians we stand proudly on the world stage, envied by many for the rich resource of land, space and freedom that we so often  take for granted.

For people living under tyranny and corruption, Australians are a ‘lucky people’. Time after time, people risk their lives and the lives of their children, to cross dangerous seas in unseaworthy vessels for the sake of freedom,  safety and asylum.  It is for this same reason that generations of  courageous Aussies have left her shores to fight for and protect the freedom Australians enjoy.

January 26 marks Australia’s day of independence as a nation and we will celebrate both on a national and individual level. Of all people’s on the earth, Australians ought to be among the happiest. We look happy as we celebrate and enjoy our freedom however my experience of people suggests that looks can be deceiving. Do you wear happiness like a mask , covering up the misery that imprisons you?

You may live in a free country but do you have inner freedom or are you living under the tyranny of some self-imposed prison? Your prison is as unique you are: a job, a relationship, an addiction, a bad habit, an attitude, an outdated belief, unrealistic expectation,…………………….(you can fill in the dots). You feel confined, restricted, suffocating and unhappy.

So often I hear people tell me why they can’t escape from their prison. You will blame, accuse and even justify why you live in this prison but will you take responsibility for your freedom? People will take enormous risks and draw upon a deep courage to attain the freedom that Australia offers. The choice to overcome your inner confinement is yours and yours alone to make. If you have the courage to make the choice for freedom, there are resources to help you.

Alcoholics Anonymous have a prayer that every member repeats every day to support  their journey towards freedom. Called The Serenity Prayer, the words are:

If you want to change and enjoy  inner freedom, I encourage you to seek out a professional counsellor who is skilled to help facilitate and support your transition to freedom. I wish you growth and wellness on your journey of change and inner freedom.

Do you feel trapped? Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245 or Duncan on 0434 331 243 for a FREE 10 minute consultation on how we can best help you or book online now.