Independence

There is a popular saying- in order to achieve something, we must be independent. We must be aware of the losses and gains of our actions. That only happens when we understand the gravity of the situation and start taking responsibility for our deeds.

Now, what exactly is independence? Not being dependent and attaining liberation from something or someone. It is not a compulsion as such to be able to stand on your own feet and take a steadfast stance, but it is important to at least prepare oneself to be so when the need arises.

Independence is not something that is related to age. It is a quality that evokes from within depending on the circumstances and our understanding of ground reality. In other words, it depends on a person's maturity levels and how capable they are to grasp both the sides of the coin.

In this journey of becoming self-reliant, it is very important to respect our choices and not lament about them. Thinking a lot about the past will make us sink in the quicksand of regret and despair. There is nothing we can do to change what has happened. So it is important to always keep moving forward and ensure that each day takes us an inch closer to the penultimate goal. 

Not all days are going to be bright and not all circumstances will favour us. We mustn't stop working despite knowing beforehand that situations are not going to play out our way. It is important to be optimistic and look for a smarter approach that will bring us out. Believe that there is always a happy ending waiting and we can reach it only if we go the extra mile.

Being independent doesn't mean that when you are overcome by self-doubt and anxiety due to certain outcomes, you have to face it all by yourself. You must always acknowledge the people who are always by your side as a friend and as a guide. It is fine if you sometimes are not able to fit into the conventional model of a self-sufficient person. It is fine if sometimes you fall short of something. But it is important to comeback stronger after every setback.

Sometimes, being independent might make people arrogant and they start judging others for still living in someone's shadow and taking a second opinion. This is wrong. Everyone has their own understanding and way of doing things. We have no right to poke our nose and give unnecessary advice.

Independence- to an extent- would also mean to follow your daily routine meticulously and play an active role in the household work. It might look comparatively lesser to few, but knowing such things would surely be beneficial for us in the long run. We must learn to never look down at anything as insignificant.

Independence has its own cost. It is something that comes to some with choice and to some without a choice. Irrespective of that, we have to accept whatever comes to us. When we know some things can't be changed, instead of cribbing about it, we must either take it up as a challenge and aim to change certain aspects or must start enjoying the process and change the situation we are in. Either way, our sole aim must be to improve the condition we are in.

Nobody is fully independent. At some point or the other we need someone's assistance to cope up with situations. So one must always raise the bar high with each attempt. Must come up with novel ideas to sustain the competition. Must be aware of what is going on around. Must be conscious of the way we project ourselves and MUST understand that EVERYTHING has a price. Every breakthrough, everything achieved always comes with a price.

                                      - Anusha Sridhar