A recent conversation with a friend about being happy reminded me of a quote I had saved years ago, because I thought it was so profound.
“To be free to sail the seven seas, you must make yourself a slave to the compass. Every freedom has a corresponding slavery. We can be free from the toothbrush and a slave to cavities or a slave to the toothbrush and free from cavities. For everything we want, we must give up something else.” —Quiet Walk Daily e-Devotional
Just as freedom isn’t free, happiness isn’t free either. Sometimes sacrifices must be made in order to obtain both freedom and true happiness. Oftentimes we have to give up one thing in order to have what we ultimately want. Is it worth it? Sometimes it’s not a matter of having to give up one thing entirely in order to have another, but it may just be a matter of moderation and setting boundaries. Both moderation and boundaries have to be maintained, and that takes both time and energy, so it’s still a trade-off. As my friend, Scott, would ask, “How badly do you want it, and what are you prepared to do?”
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” —Thomas Jefferson
If you liked this, you might also like… Wisdom Wednesday: Freedom
Rene Yoshi
Sweet Rains 
November 23rd, 2014 at 6:01 pm
If the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, perhaps the price of happiness is eternal optimism, who knows. 🙂 Good one Rene
November 23rd, 2014 at 11:13 pm
As you know, Biblically speaking, happiness is equated to blessedness. In the Beatitudes, when Jesus said, “Blessed are those…” It can also be translated as “Happy are those…” Just food for thought.
November 24th, 2014 at 2:01 am
Agree especially in the analogy of slave to the toothbrush and free from cavities
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November 24th, 2014 at 7:56 am
Yes, I thought that was a great analogy and added a greater perspective.
November 24th, 2014 at 4:11 pm
It is a great analogy 🙂 And easy to understand.
November 24th, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Reblogged this on Tienny and commented:
This is a good article in the explanation of freedom by Rene Yoshi. I agree especially in the analogy of slave to the toothbrush and free from cavities. True freedom is meant to be a slave to something as well. This reminds me of Romans 6 where Paul speaks of true freedom in Christ.
November 25th, 2014 at 12:21 am
What a wonderful post to encounter on my first visit to your site, and the quote, while it is new to me, states very clearly a principle I have known and espoused for most of my adult life. Thank-you for this lovely reminder, and consider your follower list to be increased by one.
November 25th, 2014 at 7:59 am
Aww… Thank you so much!
November 26th, 2014 at 1:25 am
You are certainly welcome.
November 25th, 2014 at 1:55 am
Wild…I have been thinking through those exact same ideas lately, with regards to a relationship. Compromise and boundaries can be difficult to pinpoint…where should one end and the other begin? We need the Lord’s help to figure it out on the case by case basis. Good post, thanks 🙂
November 25th, 2014 at 7:59 am
I agree!
November 25th, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Reblogged this on Daylight Tune Ministries and commented:
The fact and truth to happiness according to Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans found in chapter 6.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:27 pm
Amen! Thank you for adding that, Yoshiko!
November 25th, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Welcome, Rene Yoshi 🙂 Do I call you Yoshi or Rene?
November 25th, 2014 at 2:37 pm
René 🙂 Thank you.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:38 pm
🙂 I see. Rene 🙂
November 25th, 2014 at 2:39 pm
Heard it from my friend 🙂
November 25th, 2014 at 2:40 pm
I am honored.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:41 pm
And so do I to hear reply from you 🙂
November 25th, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Very interesting thoughts to ponder! Thanks for sharing!
November 25th, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Thank YOU!
November 25th, 2014 at 4:53 pm
a.g.Excellent post!
November 26th, 2014 at 5:53 am
The relationship between freedom and slavery is definitely something to ponder! Thank you for this insight!
November 26th, 2014 at 8:13 am
Thank you, Kim, for visiting!
January 7th, 2015 at 4:59 am
I love this… How badly do you want it?
I’m thinking about where to go next with my little notes.. I want them to be free and not connected to ego and career goals.. so that they can be a pure connection to this place. I think I want that pretty deeply..
January 7th, 2015 at 7:45 am
That’s a great goal! I sometimes have to remind myself to take some time, and even write some things down, to really consider the steps I can take to reach my goals. Seeing the big picture is good and sometimes overwhelming, but remember the baby steps can help. Thank you so much for your encouraging words!