For a long time, I thought independence was just about standing on my own two feet—paying my bills, making decisions, and not needing to lean on anyone else. And while those things matter, I’ve come to realize that true independence goes much deeper. It’s not just about standing strong in the good times—it’s about having the courage to rebuild when everything falls apart.

Life hasn’t always gone the way I planned. I’ve faced setbacks that felt insurmountable at the time. I’ve had to start over when I thought I was too tired, too old, or too broken to try again. There were days when I didn’t feel strong, when the weight of what I had lost—whether it was a job, a relationship, or a sense of who I was—left me questioning everything.

But here’s the truth I’ve discovered: independence is knowing that no matter what happens, I have the power to rebuild. It’s the faith in myself to restart when life demands it, to reclaim the pieces of my identity that I might have lost along the way, and to reshape my world on my own terms.

It’s not easy, but every time I’ve been knocked down, I’ve found a way to rise. I’ve learned that starting over doesn’t mean failure—it means strength. It’s a declaration that I refuse to settle, that I believe in the life I’m capable of creating.

And now, when life challenges me, I don’t fear it the way I once did. I know I have everything I need within me to rebuild, restart, and reclaim—not just once, but as many times as it takes. That’s the kind of independence I carry, and it’s the kind that no one can ever take away.