"When liberty returns, I will return "

The essence of this quote is about longing for the return of freedom. It's a sentiment that speaks to the heart's deep desire for liberty and the promise to reclaim it when it reappears. Imagine someone feeling trapped, unable to live freely, waiting for the day when they can once again experience the joy of unrestrained living.

Historically, this could be tied to times of political oppression. Picture the Berlin Wall before it fell in 1989. Families were separated, and many East Berliners dreamt of the day they could reunite with loved ones in the West. They were waiting for their liberty to return, and with it, their ability to return to a life they once knew. When the wall finally came down, that return to liberty symbolized the return of people to themselves and their freedom.

Take Nelson Mandela as a real-life example. He spent 27 years imprisoned for his fight against apartheid in South Africa. During those long years, he never lost hope. He knew that one day, liberty would return to his land, and with it, he would also return to his people—stronger and more determined than ever. When he was finally released in 1990, it wasn’t just his own return but the beginning of a new chapter for South Africa—a chapter of freedom and equality.

If you're looking to apply this wisdom, think about the areas in your own life where you feel stuck or oppressed. Maybe it's a job that feels like a dead end, a relationship that's holding you back, or even your own self-doubts. It’s about holding onto hope and preparing yourself for the moment when you can break free. You've got to believe that liberty will return, and when it does, you'll be ready to seize it.

Imagine you're talking to a friend over coffee. Your friend, let's call her Anna, feels trapped in her corporate job. She dreams of starting a freelance business but feels shackled by financial fears and comfort zone. You tell her about this quote. You explain that just as Mandela waited and prepared himself for the return of liberty, she can do small things now—save a bit of money, build her portfolio, network on weekends. When the right moment comes, she can break free and return to her passion.

It’s like planting a seed. You water it, give it sunlight, and patiently wait. You don’t see the growth right away, but you trust that one day, it'll break through the soil. When it does, it’s ready to grow because of all the care you’ve put into it. That’s what returning to liberty is like—it’s about trust, preparation, and the patience to wait for the right moment.

So, next time you feel caged in, remember this: liberty will return. And when it does, you’ll be ready to embrace it fully, just like Mandela did—coming back stronger, more determined, and ready to reclaim the life you were meant to live.