Independence, Part 9

Up to this point in the month, we’ve been talking about independence as a list of things we get to do or not do.  But that’s only part of the story.

When we are independent, we take on a good chunk of responsibility.

 

There is a security inherent in being dependent.  We know what to do.  We know what the consequences are when we don’t do what we’re supposed to do.  We understand the rules.

 

When we are independent, we have to make our own order.  We have to figure out how to live healthy and happy lives without infringing on other folks’ ability to live their healthy and happy lives.

 

We have to find the balance between taking care of ourselves and taking care of our duties to our family and friends and larger society.  Sometimes a workout gets top priority.  Sometimes we miss one because we have a sick kid or a work deadline.  We need to stay tuned in to all the shifting priorities.

 

Because, truth is, we are both independent and interdependent at the same time.  We don’t get healthy and happy alone.

 

I’ll be exploring that over the next while.