Independence.
What does to be independent mean to you? It seems like for me my definition of
independence has changed every single year. First it was when my mom finally
let me ride my bike around the block without anyone else, that led to me
falling multiple times but slowly learned to ride without always falling, soon
I was a pro in my mind. Next it was when my mom finally let me go to the mall
without any parents, that to led to some mistakes maybe even a bit mischievous
acts, well as mischievous as I can get. I slowly learned who were the right
people to spend my independent time with and who would lead me to the right
choices rather than the wrong. Then I became 16 and became THE coolest girl
around and could drive. Oh how I was independent. My parents could have no idea
where I was I was truly free. Yet that’s funny because I soon learned my mom
absolutely knows everything is, there is no way to try to fool her. As my
decisions were very much guided by if I would get in trouble with my mom or
not. Not so independent yet it was a step towards it. Finally college came and
I would be the most independent girl around, again giggles and chuckles are
allowed here. At this point I was making the right choices not because of my
moms ever lurking wagging finger but because at this point I do know what good
and bad choices look like. But now independence came in a different form it was
still a physical independence but slowly I was feeling a mental independence as
well. I was beginning to make choices based off what I truly wanted rather than
the people around me and because a completely unfamiliar physical location I
was able to form independent thoughts without the constant nagging of an
outsider.
But
independence here is so different. I have learned while being here in Cape Town
that independence comes in so many more forms than just two. This trip has been
a roller coaster, one day I may feel completely dependent and another day very
independent. I have allowed my brain to be free from others beliefs and others
implantations which has given me mental freedom. For the first time in my life
I have been in an area that not one person I know has been ultimately causing
for me to form my own opinions and life styles without the implications of
others, this to me has been my most truest physical freedom. And then there is
financial independence and that just should have a big laugh. I am nowhere near
close to this and I am lucky I have such amazing parents who still fully
support me throughout this adventures in my life.
As
my life has continued my independence has grown more and more so with time I
believe, actually I hope, pray, anticipate, full financial independence. Yet I
am happy where I am, I feel free from others opinions and allowed to form and
think my own thoughts.
~
To find yourself, think for yourself. ~ Socrates
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