12 Signs Of A Free Spirit

1. Loving some alone-time

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Some people find spending time alone very difficult. Of course, we all need human connection and we're all prone to get lonely without it. But for some, even an evening in spent in their own company or a solo lunch can be very daunting- leading them to desire constant companionship.

Free spirits enjoy their own company

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But for a free spirit, the prospect of some quiet time alone is a joy! Whether it's cracking open a good book, taking a relaxing bath, or going for a reflective walk in nature- they'll always find something to enjoy solo. They just don't get down about the societal pressure to be social all the time.

2. Wanderlust

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No, we're not talking about the 2012 comedy film starring Jennifer Anniston and Paul Rudd (the Friends cast combo you didn't know you needed). Now we mention it though, we might give it a re-watch! But right now we're talking about the deep seated desire held by some to see the world.

Free spirits get itchy feet easily

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What do free spirits have in common with sufferers of Athlete's Foot? That's right- they both have itchy feet! So if you're suffering from physically itchy feet, you should pop down to the drug store, but if its more metaphorical you might just be one of those adventurous spirits!

3. Unconventional career paths

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When we're little, we often have outlandish ideas about who we want to be, and what we want to do, when we grow up: ballerinas, astronauts, or even rulers of the world. But we can't all be famous dancers, trailblazing scientists, or President of the United States can we?

They might have a wacky career

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But the truly free spirited among us never quite give up on those dreams. So, even if they don't end up where they initially imagined, they're less likely to settle for something boring or run of the mill. Maybe they start their own business- after all, being a follower doesn't come naturally to them.

4. Wearing whatever you want

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Everyone has that one item in their closet. The pink coat/flared pants/jaunty beret that they adore, but have never quite plucked up the courage to wear out of the house. The free spirit in you is screaming, GO FOR IT! Seize the day, and don't worry about what anyone thinks!

They'll be turning heads

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These free-wheeling characters don't give a monkeys about standing out- they'll wear whatever they want, not caring if it fits in with the latest trends and fashions. We could all do with embracing this more- after all, if it makes you happy, who cares if it's in this season?

5. Dancing like nobody's watching

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What's your favorite track for a good old fashioned boogie? Are you wild for country and western, manic for heavy metal, or doo-lally for disco? Whatever you like to strut your stuff to, there's no feeling like throwing yourself into the music and getting your body moving.

They know how to shake it

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Now, the free-wheeling among us are always the best dancers. Maybe not technically- they might not know their floss from their freestyle- but in spirit. They'll dance like nobody is watching, even at the coolest party in town. And once they're having fun, it's infectious- before you know it, you'll be waving your hands in the air like you just don't care too!

6. They're not sheep!

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Trying to keep up with the latest crazes can start to feel like a full time job. What's hot, what's not- who's cool, who's cancelled- it's exhausting! Every summer there's a new book that everyone simply must read, every few months a new band crops up that everyone has on repeat.

They just like what they like, period

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But for the cultural rebels, what they do is determined by how they feel- not by a need to follow the crowd. What they read, the music they like, the aesthetic they aspire to- it all comes from within, rather than being lead by what's cool. Free spirits embody the famous lyrics, "I am what I am".

7. Open mindedness

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It can be so easy to get stuck in our own point of view, but being open-minded is like having a door to new worlds! Keeping an open mind allows you to really listen, learn, and expand your horizons. It's the key to meaningful connections and endless adventures.

They long to learn more about the world

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But free spirits aren't shackled by one particular world view- they're open to new perspectives and ways of thinking. Because of their inherently curious nature, they'll jump at the chance to know more about the world and to understand it in a different way.

8. Love for nature

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Free spirits are often drawn to the wonders of the natural world. Perhaps it's something about the wide open spaces of the wild, resonating with the open nature of their minds. For someone who feels spiritually adventurous, being stuck in a city could feel quite stifling.

Catch them exploring out in the wild

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This passion for the natural world and all it has to offer can vibe really well with that Wanderlust we talked about earlier. The world is huge and full of amazing things to see in terms of flora, fauna, and scenery. And watching a documentary about them on the TV won't cut it for a true free spirit, they'll want to go and see for themselves!

9. Spontaneity

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Personally, I'm rubbish at planning. Ask me what I'm doing in a week's time? No idea! But ask me if I fancy a spur of the moment adventure, and I'm there. Even if it's just a midnight run to go get some ice cream. So, if you have that friend that is always up for anything, chances are they are a free sprit!

They're always up to carpe that diem

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Carpe diem; latin for 'seize the day'. That's just what spontaneous people do! Get out there and enjoy life, with as little worrying about the future as possible: just living in the moment. It can be hard, but it's a skill you can hone with practise.

10. Creative Expression

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There are definitely ups and downs to having creative, artistic friends. On the one hand they're colourful, interesting, and intrigued about the world around us. On the other hand, you might have to go and see their debut play in some awful theatre above a bowling alley.

Express yourself!

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Whilst some free spirits express themselves through travel, work, or activism, artistic expression is one way that some free spirits choose to express their unique perspectives and creativity. You'd likely find them penning a novel in a coffee shop, or splashing paints onto a canvas.

11. Embracing change

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Famously, nobody likes change. It's unsettling- when you've got used to things one way, and then all of a sudden, boom, it's all new! Adjusting to newness can feel like a chore, but there are some people who welcome and actively embrace this process.

Out with the old..

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...and in with the new! Time to just go with the flow! Eccentrics and bohemians like the people we're talking about are the perfect combination of chilled and curious. So when things change they think 'great'! For them it's just another chance to experience something different in life.

12. They're great conversationalists

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Free spirits give off a maverick energy that can make them pretty charismatic- you might feel drawn to them via this magnetism, but once you actually get talking with them you'll realise that they often are genuinely engaging to talk with. And there's not much better in life than a good chinwag is there?

There's no one better for a DMC

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DMC stands for Deep Meaningful Conversation, often held late at night- and sometimes after one too many glasses of vino! Free spirits are the perfect partners when it comes to one of these. They're so open and curious that you might find yourself talking through some of life's biggest questions.

13. A good work/life balance

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Trying to maintain a good work/life balance is a bit like trying to balance a full cheeseboard on your head: difficult, time consuming, and easy to get wrong! But a true free spirit will never be found chained to their desk (metaphorically speaking, of course).

They're not doing a Dolly Parton (working 9 'til 5)

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Lots of these free-wheeling dreamers have an unconventional career- either running their own biz or doing something creative. So, they're likely to have more control of the structure of their work week. Without the shackles of a 9 to 5, they stand a chance of perfecting that elusive balance.

14. Resistance to authority

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Do you know who said this iconic free spirit quote? "“They can’t chain my spirit! My spirit runs free! Walls can’t contain it! Laws can’t restrain it! Authority has no power over it!”. You might be surprised to hear that this was said by Bill Watterson- the cartoonist who penned the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip!

Fight the power!

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One way that free spirits make themselves known is through their defiance in the face of authority. If they see something wrong, you bet they're going to step in to try and make it right. Yes activism is a classic trait of the free spirited, standing up to injustice and unfairly wielded authority wherever they see it.

Authenticity

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Do you ever find yourself pondering, 'who really am I?'. The search for a sense of authenticity in your self can be the work of a lifetime. For nonconformists, authenticity is huge part of their identity- they're just out there being themselves, no matter how that looks from the outside.

You can't fake it

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That's why being free spirited is an exception to the rule of "fake it 'til you make it". Yes that mantra works for so many things in life (especially confidence) but being a free spirit is something you have to truly feel, and fully commit to. These people are rare, and special, and if you're lucky enough to count yourself one of them- we salute you!