💥 Freedom Heals: How Autonomy Fuels Your Health & Happiness
- karly40
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Before we begin, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. By allowing me to take this holiday weekend with my daughter and family, you have given me an invaluable gift: the opportunity to truly be present with them.
I believe that if I had asked to delay my July newsletter in order to create memories with Maya, your answer would have been a resounding "Yes!" I would likely hear you above the lively bagpipers at the Lake Oswego 4th of July Parade! So...thank you for granting me the "freedom" to do that!
Thus, here we are, slightly later than usual, reflecting on the energizing freedom of choice in health and wellness as the echoes of 4th of July fireworks fade.
Freedom can be therapeutic
During my medical rounds at Chinese hospitals in 2009 and 2012, I observed a remarkable practice: patients brought their own medical charts, akin to a simple notebook, to the doctor's desk. This seemingly minor detail was, in fact, a significant discovery to me.
If everyone kept their health records and stayed informed about their medical procedures and medication names, theoretically, we would be empowered in the realm of our healthcare.
The process of making choices, whether selecting a healthcare provider or a meal, has a beneficial effect on both mental and physical health, as evidenced by scientific research. Having the freedom to choose in healthcare implies having the autonomy to:
Choose your own provider
Understand your options
Ask questions without judgment
Say “no thank you” without guilt
Say “yes please” to what actually feels aligned
Numerous studies show that when individuals participate in decisions about their care, they:
Recover faster
Adhere to treatment more consistently
Feel more emotionally supported
Experience improved health outcomes
Even tiny freedoms, like picking your appointment time or switching from HIIT to dance cardio, light up the brain’s reward system (dopamine) and lower stress (cortisol) levels.
Self-Determination & Health
If you’ve ever noticed that you’re much more motivated when the idea is yours, you’ve experienced "Self-Determination Theory" in action.
This thoroughly researched theory suggests that our well-being depends on three essential components:
Autonomy: freedom to choose.
Competence: feeling capable.
Relatedness: feeling connected to others.
It’s basically saying: We don’t do well when bossed around, even if it’s by a well-meaning yoga instructor or an overly-enthusiastic doctor.
Empowerment and self-trust
Fun fact: I consider myself a closeted science and human physiology nerd. And thanks to my related career as an acupuncturist, I have been able to proactively manage my health. I love exploring the latest research on supplements, therapies, and herbs. And I have no qualms about experimenting with various approaches, such as aligning my hormonal cycle with lunar phases or testing new non-GMO whey protein powders.
But what I like best is that I can take natural medicine when I want and how I want. I have control over what I'm putting into my body and I don't always have to "outsource" my care. I get to adjust dosages and times of day for best absorption and effectiveness. And I don't have to suffer from withdrawls or side effects. An added benefit: For stress management, I take Calm or Long Dan Xie Gan Tang and within just 20 minutes, I feel like a kinder, better version of myself! And I've heard this from several patients, as well!
Health Benefits of Autonomy: Tiny Choices, Huge Wins
You don’t have to upend your life to benefit from autonomy. Here are a few easy ways it supports your overall wellness:
Micro Choice | Health Benefit |
Choosing your bedtime ritual | Better sleep, calmer nervous system |
Saying no to one social event | Reduced anxiety, more energy |
Picking your care provider | Higher trust, better outcomes |
Journaling instead of doomscrolling | Mental clarity, lower cortisol |
The real magic? These seemingly small decisions create momentum toward bigger health transformations.
🇺🇸 This Independence Day (week?), Celebrate the Freedom Within
Freedom isn’t just about rights—it’s about self-confidence and empowerment. And your body, mind, and spirit feel the difference.
Here’s how to bring that freedom into your everyday life:
Ask more questions. (Even “Why am I doing this?” counts.)
Pause before saying “yes” out of obligation.
Take 3 deep breaths and place your hand over your heart and ask, “What do I want right now?”
Honor whatever answer comes up. No guilt required.
Let this be your permission slip: You are allowed to choose joy, rest, clarity, and health—whatever that looks like for you.
In all areas of your life, you get to choose—because that’s what freedom really means.
Thank you for doing this with me!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for entertainment and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized health advice from a licensed medical provider. You can schedule a consult with me by clicking this link.
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