7 Reasons Why You Should Recognize And Appreciate The Free Spirit

A free spirit is defined as "one who is not restrained, as by convention or obligation; a nonconformist."

I’ve always considered myself a free spirit and gravitated toward fellow bohemians. There’s just something magnetic about this eclectic and enigmatic group. The feeling you get around these special people, and the profound effect they have on your attitude and your life, is incredible.

A free-spirited person can be many different things. One example that immediately comes to mind is Penny Lane (modeled after real-life rock and roll groupie Pamela Des Barres) in "Almost Famous." She was the road-tripping, fancy-free, hippie mistress of many lead guitarists. She's also my fellow spirit animal.

I always imagined dressing up in lace, wearing flowers in my hair, packing my bags and hitting the road. While I did do many of those things before I had kids, I learned quickly being a free spirit is not only for wandering, childless 20-somethings.

I know librarians who are free spirits. I know professors who are free spirits. I know moms and dads who are free spirits.

I know many types of people who are free spirits, and they should all be recognized, celebrated and cherished.

1. A free-spirited person knows the real meaning of being free.

They have released themselves from the shackles of societal norms. They are the dreamers, the bohemians and my fellow wanderers. Free spirits are not only limited to those qualities, though.

Free spirits are free-thinkers. They think for themselves, and they make their own choices and decisions based on their own beliefs.

They do not follow what is expected of them from friends, family or society.

A free spirit also seeks out those who are loving, kind, accepting and empathetic in return. For a free-thinker, there is no right or wrong. There are only opinions.

Free spirits are some of the most inviting, open and accepting people on earth.

2. A free spirit welcomes adversity.

Free spirits pursue their own passions.

Whether it’s spending a year in Bali, studying sea turtles off the coast of Florida or simply becoming parents, they live their lives in ways that will make them the happiest.

Free spirits do not let obstacles overshadow their missions. It doesn't matter if it's money, timing or circumstance; a free spirit will find a way to do whatever he or she wants to do.

3. Free-spirited people are more concerned with just "being."

Free-spirited people will always be proud of their accomplishments, but they will rarely brag.

They love to do well in life, but impressing other people isn't a priority. Material things are nice, but the free spirit tends to lean toward sentimental objects and memories.

To a free spirit, making a living is obviously important, but it isn't the most important aspect of living.

A free spirit recognizes the saying, "Don't be too busy making a living and forget to make a life."

They will enjoy all that life has to offer.

4. Free spirits will let go of whatever is holding them back in life.

They will strip away all the layers — a dead-end job, a toxic friend or a negative mindset — and get down to their real selves.

They will discover themselves anew, and they will reflect on the things that make them “them.”

While free spirits will try to fix their flaws and insecurities, they will also celebrate the fact nobody is perfect.

5. A true free spirit will rebel for a higher purpose.

A free spirit will not rebel simply because of a certain “system or class.” Free spirits rebel because they truly believe in something.

They will advocate for an idea, pursue a journey and not stop until they have arrived at their desired destination.

Free spirits join causes and fight for them They advocate for the things most important to them.

6. A free spirit is spontaneous.

We prefer the crack of a vinyl, a good drink, simple pleasures and being a tiny speckle on the face of the earth.

Free spirits believe in limitless possibilities and endless good vibes and energy.

We are those good vibes and energy.

7. A free spirit makes the most of any type of situation.

Instead of being downcast or negative, free spirits will always manage to see their glasses as half-full, and they will turn any bad day into a good one.

They always make sure — no matter the weather — to adjust their sails. If it’s raining, they’ll bring the biggest umbrella.

That’s why free spirits have the most fun in this life. They realize you only get one shot to make it count, and so they do whatever the hell they want.

When you’re old and gone, you can never get it back.

There’s more to being a free spirit than breaking hearts, having wanderlust or dancing on a bar table at the local haunt.

It’s a lifestyle. It’s a belief.

Being a free spirit is rare and exhilarating, and I would encourage everyone in life to experience this style of living.