Don’t give
men fish to eat, teach them how to fish.
This famous
saying emphasizes on the importance of independence. This way of teaching
nurtures independence that allows one to maximize their inner potential.
Independence
is the act of not relying on others for one’s necessities.
Independence
can be achieved and obtained in various ways, personal, emotional and
financial.
It gives us
something so important; a sense of self: Self-worth, self-value, and self-fulfillment.
These ultimately initiate confidence, satisfaction and freedom. Nothing is
greater than knowing that you are in control and you yourself have the power of
choice.
This
independence should not undermine the value of interdependence, but rather drive interdependence in a positive manner. It is possible to seek assistance from
others by remaining independent. There should be a balance between the two, so
that independence does not become your enemy but remain as a forever reliable
ally.
Hence, these
are three ways to encourage and develop independence but keep in mind that
these actions should not hinder the value of interdependence as well.
3 ways to foster independence from within
Get to know yourself
The way to
start relying on yourself is to figure out your own identity. It is only when
you know yourself, then you can entrust yourself into your own hands. Start by
doing a self-reflection.
Be mindful
of your daily habits, routines and practices.
Keep Track
of your moods, feelings and thoughts
Realize
your strengths and weaknesses
Knowing yourself can also come from
advice of others. Interdependence and independence can serve as complementary
functions where more perspectives are given for you to decide who you really
are deep within.
Become Assertive
This action
allows you to respect yourself, your opinions, your judgements and logics.
Becoming Assertive gives you the chance to become more confident within your
own skin. These rewards will keep you motivated to be independent.
Say Yes
when you feel like and No when you don’t
Take the
courage to voice out your perspectives
Try not to
use “I think” or “I might”, simply use the word “I”
Beware and
take note of the possibility of hindering interdependency. If others have their
own perceptions and opinions, be sure to respect it as well. As important as it is to respect your own
independence, it is also important to respect other’s independence as well.
Enjoy being alone
Usually,
the society judges us when we are alone. However alone time is the time when we
truly can get in touch with our own being and feel that sense of self we all
need. You will realize that you can also be happy when you are alone. There is
also an extra benefit that we don’t have to accommodate to the needs of others.
Take up the challenge of going out by yourself.
Have a
movie date with yourself
Go to a
concert alone
Go to your
favorite restaurant with yourself
Remember not to make it a habit. Social gatherings are important for the self as well. Only when we can control and make responsible decisions for the GOOD of ourselves, then we are able to be called independent.
"Having the simplest independence, create Legends"
