My independence isn’t a choice; it’s the result of lessons learned and a refusal to settle for less than I deserve. There was a time when I believed dependence was a form of love. I thought leaning on someone else—financially, emotionally, even for my own happiness—was the foundation of a strong relationship. But life has a way of teaching us lessons we didn’t think we needed.

For me, those lessons came in the form of heartbreak and disappointment. I gave too much of myself in relationships where my needs were ignored, and my boundaries were crossed. I stayed in situations longer than I should have, convincing myself that being loved—even poorly—was better than being alone. But with every broken promise and every moment of neglect, I began to realize I was losing more than just time. I was losing me.

Walking away wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It wasn’t about pride or stubbornness—it was about survival. I couldn’t keep settling for scraps of love when I knew I deserved the whole feast. I knew I had to stand on my own, even if it meant facing the fears I had spent years avoiding.

Independence didn’t come overnight. It was built piece by piece, through hard work and moments of doubt. It came from learning how to support myself emotionally and financially, from creating a life that felt fulfilling and meaningful, and from finding peace in my own company.

Now, my independence isn’t just about being alone. It’s about knowing my worth and refusing to compromise it for anyone. It’s about understanding that I don’t need someone else to validate my existence. My independence is my strength, forged from the lessons I’ve learned, and it’s a reminder every day that I am capable, worthy, and enough.