I Travelled to England to Enjoy Freedom and Not for University Studies

May 20, 2023

An Authentic Reflection on Freedom and Personal Lifestyle

In today's world, the more civilised a country/society is, indicated how well they have embraced democracy and an unwavering empowerment of individuals' power to personal freedom, where civilisation thrives hand in hand with personal liberty – especially in the global West.

Four years ago, I bade my family and all my loved ones back home a bittersweet goodbye to travel to one of these countries, where I will immerse myself in unprecedented freedom, lifestyle and liberty.

I gave my mother that longest and warmest goodbye hug and kiss and whispered to her ears, “I am going to enjoy the liberty to do whatever I want with my life and live a carefree lifestyle.”

She gave me her usual beautiful smile, but not the standard African mother's approval one; instead, the one that cautions, 'You better be joking!'

This is because, culturally, older generations associate carefree lifestyles with negative aspects of this freedom. Generally, the pursuit of carefree living to them is to disregard responsibilities and consequences, such as excessive partying and indulgence in substances which result in health issues and addiction problems.

Or the pressure to conform to societal ideals of beauty (like aggressive body parts piercing, surgeries, and extravagant tattoos) and success, which promote a superficial and materialistic mindset, fostering anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Taken to extremes can result in a lack of direction, accountability, and a sense of purpose – where young females have multiple kids with different men out of wedlock, and those immature men are unwilling to take responsibility and are absent in the child's upbringing.

Peculiarly to men, you find the unquenchable sexual desire and obsessions over the female bodies that lead to rape – this is not a problem only experienced in the West, though, but all over the world.

Lastly, there's the issue of gang groups that are packaged and sold to young men as a free and rapid welcome into masculinity. Also, you have violent people, rapists, criminals, killers, tax avoiders, corrupt civilians, planet despoilers, sex abusers and dinner-party bores etc.,

Now that I think of these, I wonder which categories of vices my caring mother would have imagined me doing – I am curious... However, let me take you on a journey of freedom and personal liberties that one could enjoy in a Western country like the United Kingdom.

The bohemian artists living in vibrant neighbourhoods, the tech entrepreneurs blazing new trails in innovation, or the nature enthusiasts seeking solace in picturesque landscapes, the West provides a fertile ground for carefree living.

Its progressive mindset encourages exploration, creativity, and the pursuit of personal passions. Here, individuals can enjoy various leisure activities, indulge in diverse cuisines, and immerse themselves in vibrant cultures.

What I foresaw as my freedom starts from waking up on a sunny Saturday morning like today and, instead of doing chores or going to the fields to farm, I am sipping my first cup of coffee for the day and typing my thoughts on the computer for the world to read.

I will hopefully go to the park sometime today, have some me-time with books, and probably meet new people/friends.

The night before, I struggled to sleep, so I took a long walk outside the mainstreets road and was greeted with colourful streetlights and speeding cars enjoying the free road drive.

As a university student, I attended parties where my mates smoked and got drunk. In those moments, I enjoyed the liberty that they respected my wish when I said, 'No, I don't smoke. Thank you, I don't want another glass. etc.,'

Talking about fashion – I now enjoy the freedom to dress classic and look like what a young man in academia would look like in the 60s and 70s. I know where to get these clothes, and I love that I can wear them, and no one would even look at me twice.

Lastly, I love that I have the luxury of astonishing cultural/people diversity at my fingertips. This complements my hobby of trying different meals. And have made friends from all continents of the world.

I know that one day when Love and Marriage call – I also will have the liberty and freedom to marry a person, not the people...

Photo credit: Author

Many thanks for reading my perspective and giving feedback.

My fervent wish is for the personal growth of everyone and the success of all young professionals who put their hearts and souls into finding their purpose in life.

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