independence:  1-the quality or state of being independent : FREEDOM 1-archaic : COMPETENCE independent: 1-not dependant as a (1) not subject to control by others : SELF-GOVERNING  (2) not affiliated with a larger controlling unit b (1) not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent (2) not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct (3) not bound by or commited to a political party c (1) not requiring on others (as for care or livelihood) (2) being enough to free one from the necessity ofworking for a living d (1) refusing to accept help from or to be under obligation to others (2) showing a desire for

So some people may be wondering why I took these words from the dictionary and started off the page with this.  Well to make the long story short, I was asked to write on how I had struggled to gain independence, or what being independent means to me.  The definition for the word independent is extensive and I pretty much stopped short at this particular place for a few reasons.  These definitions sum up my perspective on the word or how they apply to me.  However they are only guidelines of what I feel independence really means to me.  Growing up both of my parents have always encouraged us to be independent and taught us that fighting for independence is definately worth it.  I came to realize that all 3 of us kids have always been very independent and have always thought for ourselves.  I used to struggle with the idea that I was too dependent on my folks while I was still living at home.  At the time it felt as if I was the only 27 year old who was still living under my parents roof because I could not financially be on my own.   I think that what I forgot was there was no way I could have lived on my own.  I was a full time student and I worked part-time at a minimum wage job.  The end results of being a full-time student has paid off quite considerably.  Looking back I would not trade any of my experiences for the world.  According to the definitions above I have been and always will be a very independent woman.  I have always maintained my own political views, spiritual beliefs, set my own morals and even when asking others for their opinions (or asking for feedback ), ultimately I am the one who decides whether to accept or not accept how these opinions apply to me or my decision making.  Of course my environment has a strong influence on my perspectives, but they are not the deciding factors for me.  I have also come to the realization that while I was so worried about being too dependent while living at home I was in reality becoming more and more independent every day.

Cheers!

 Isabella