When you see the word independence it conjures up so many different meanings. For the forefathers of this country it was the ideology of having a country where the government was run by the people, for the people; no taxation without representation and every voice was to be heard. That was the independence they were talking about – away from King George.
Then you think about the independence an eighteen year old thinks about – the ability to do whatever they want, whenever they want,with whomever they want. That type of independence is only available in a country like ours, where the freedoms we take for granted exist.
Then you think about the independence an abuse victim thinks about. The ability to break free from the abuser and live a life free from fear, free to do what they need to do without looking over their shoulder, or constantly hiding. The type of independence 50% of the common population cannot fathom, or does not choose to discuss.
Then you think about the independence of a parent who has not got an ‘empty nest.’ How do you start all over again when all of the children have grown up and moved away. The job you had for over twenty years is finished and you find yourself living in an empty shell – just a place holder. Now would be the perfect time to seize that independence and make a move for a brand new start. Follow the footsteps of that teenager, or those forefathers and enter the next phase. Carpe Diem!
Tags: Abuse, Independence, Parenting
