Today is Independence Day, or as I like to call it “in your face England” day! But I’d like to talk about what it means to feel independent.

When I was 16 years old I was terrified of becoming an adult. To me, being an adult meant that you were completely “independent.” You didn’t rely on anyone for anything and you were responsible for yourself in every single way. When I thought about becoming a grownup in this black and white way, I started to panic.

How can I do that? How will I take care of myself. I’ll be all alone. I’m not strong enough to take care of me.

At this thought my heart began to race and I was terrified to get any older than 18. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to freeze time, so I had no choice but to grow up, even though I dreaded it.

Now that I’m 34 years old (and no longer a scared teenager) I have a different view of what being independent means.

It doesn’t mean you’re all alone. In fact, to be truly independent, you accept the help of others, because you know who you are and what you are capable of.

Being independent means my feet are on the ground.

Being independent means that I know who I am.

Being an independent person means that I can ask for help from my friends when I need it.

Being independent means that I am responsible for the care of my two beautiful children.

Being independent means that I am responsible for my own decisions.

Being independent means that I have the ability to stick up for myself.

Being independent means that I can care for myself.

Being independent means that I honor my feelings.

Being independent means that I am a human being and I make mistakes and that’s okay!

Being independent means something unique to every person.

Happy Independence Day to everyone! What does being independent mean to you?