Everyday Canvas

Independent Things

Prompt: What is the most independent thing you have ever done?

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Independence is a powerful concept that resonates deeply with many of us, but since I don't like to rank anything I have done in terms of 'most' or 'least', I couldn't in all honesty answer this question fully.

Yet, I have done a lot of independent things. This may be because I was an only child and I was used to doing things alone and innovating stuff, not just going along. If anything, although I am said to be a mild-mannered person in real life, I am not a go-alonger with everything.

For example, choosing my fields of study, hobbies, or even my husband I have done against others' urgings or wishes and I have never looked back. Things fell in place more or less, over time.

One thing where I wasn't independent of others was raising my children. Even with that, though it was mostly with their father, I did it alone sometimes, or I took the advice of their father, pediatrician, and other professionals. This is because, while independence can be fulfilling and empowering, it's important to strike a balance between independence and interdependence. Independence should not be seen as isolation or a complete detachment from others but rather as an avenue for personal exploration and growth.

Moreover, doing independent things means a sense of responsibility and self-reliance, especially when I rely on myself to achieve a goal. Then, I also have myself to blame if things go wrong. Truthfully, I'd rather not blame anyone for anything, for that would make me a bitter person. This is another positive that results from doing independent things, in addition to gaining a sense of responsibility and adaptation skills to new situations.


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