Independence

Independence is something we should all aspire to. Several wars have been fought in the past with the ultimate goal of independence.

You can be independent in some areas of your life and dependent in others. You can live with your parents in your 30s and at the same time be launching your own business. You can date someone and share special moments together, while still keeping your personal space to cultivate passions and hobbies.

Being dependent should be a transitory stage towards independence.

“Dependence” comes from the Latin verb dēpendēre, meaning “to hang from.” Over time, it evolved into the figurative notion of “relying on” or “needing.”

Being in a state of need or relying on someone else in very important areas of your life can expose you to significant risks. Having your job as an employee as your only source of income puts your boss in a position to decide the fate of your finances. Having an emotional dependence on someone can cause you great pain if that person decides to disappear from your life.

In nature, animals start by depending on parents for food, protection, and warmth. Once they’re ready, they leave and live on their own.

Get a job, save money, learn skills — use that time to prepare for independence. When the risk of staying put is scarier than the leap into the unknown, it’s time to jump.

And that applies to everything in life.