The phrase “free spirit” often conjures ideas of hippies and new-agey stereotypes.
But a free spirit is something else entirely. It’s someone who doesn’t play by the rules just because someone else says so.
They think and act for themselves in a way that is remarkably rare. Not bound to any particular doctrine or group, they live life on their terms.
However, it doesn’t mean free spirits are inconsiderate. A true free spirit is someone who connects deeply with the world and is pulled in the direction of their heart, a force that never leads them astray.
I like to be a free spirit. Some don't like that, but that's the way I am.– Princess Diana
Think you’re a true free spirit? Here are five big signs you just might be:
1. You’re aggressively independent
Perhaps the most commonly known sign, a true free spirit walks to the beat of her own drum.
You’re independent to the point of being rebellious, and don’t stop doing something or being someone just because others express distaste for it or even downright disagree with your choices.
For most people, this is easily one of the most difficult things to do in life. Outside forces are constantly bearing down upon us and we feel the pressure to conform to ideas of what someone in our position is supposed to do or be like.
However, as a true free spirit, you’re almost allergic to such ideas. The mere thought of conforming because of social pressure makes your skin crawl.
2. You live despite fear
One of the most defining characteristics of a free spirit is that they have learned to tango with fear. If fear doesn’t hold you back from doing what you love, that’s a sign you’re a free spirit.
When we use the word “tame,” we often refer to fear holding us back. The fear of what others will think and the fears of both failure and success cripple the lives and aspirations of millions of people all around the world.
To be a free spirit is to refuse to be tamed by fear of any kind. You feel it, as we all do, but you stand tall despite it and keep moving forward. Nothing– no person nor outer or inner force– will keep you from expressing your authentic self.
3. You know what you stand for
A free spirit has strong values and opinions about life.
It isn’t someone who wanders for the sake of wandering -- a true free spirit lives with intention. They appreciate their free-spiritedness and have chosen to live in a way that's aligned with their values.
If you know what you stand for and won’t let anyone tell you otherwise, you may be a free spirit.
4. You don’t easily become attached
Another one of the most prominent features of a free spirit is their unwillingness to be chained down by any one thing in life.
Sure, you might have a passion that you devote yourself to. However, you find yourself regularly changing things within your life such as your physical appearance, hobbies, quirky obsessions, and might find yourself moving frequently.
As a free spirit, you like all people, but you’re wary of being tied down in a relationship and approach such situations with caution, never allowing your wings to be clipped just for the sake of romantic attachment.
5. You have a deep appreciation for certain things in life
To be a free spirit means you’re pulled in certain directions in a very deep and meaningful way. This is a sign that you have a deep understanding, and, therefore, appreciation for those things you have a connection to.
This is a rarely understood quality of free spirits that sits just beneath the surface, however, it’s part of what gives their life such energy and vigor. They tend to be a bit more philosophical because their grasp of the world around them is keener than the average person.
It’s this combination of a relentless vitality with a deeper understanding of the world that really makes free spirits so special.
