Happy Independence Day! I don’t know about you, but just the word independence sends me in a lot of different directions of thought. Especially now.
But first, here’s your brief history refresher regarding Independence Day. The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
But what does it really mean for us today, in our very real, day-to-day lives? My husband and I mostly think we’re independent. We have good jobs, manage our money, and are fairly healthy. We make our own choices for how we live, what we do, with limitations that our outside of our control.
I wanted to explore a bit beyond my own small world, so asked some friends and colleagues what independence meant to them. Some responses include:
“Independence means self-determination, making your own choices or, in plain words, being independent – providing for yourself and making your own decisions.”
“Having the ability to make my own decisions, creating my own self personality, self-value and self-esteem, as well as the ways I go about situations. Learning from my mistakes, staying strong in my beliefs, striving to do the best I can do for myself, in my career, and for my family, for pursuing happiness.”
And, “my definition of independence is freedom from the control or influence of others. Now there is no way that anyone can be truly independent. We choose, sacrifice or are forced to give up some of our “independence” under the banner of the “greater good”.
“The independence we choose to give up comes in the form of things like relationships, marriages, partnerships, or collaborations. We chose to allow another person or persons to have some control or influence over us and we in turn have some influence over them – each party trying to not only do what is best for them, but what is best for the partnership. Give and take. Hopefully you have chosen the right people to trust so they look out for you as much as you look out for them.”
Common themes for most. The last part makes me think about how our independence is impossible without also being interdependent. That is not an oxymoron; it is life. While I value my independence, I treasure living in an interdependent community.
A few weeks ago, I stepped into a mole hole in my yard while watering plants and twisted my foot. It hurt, but I assumed it would get better in a few days, which turned into a month. Finally saw a doctor (should’ve gone sooner!), and now have a long-term plan to make it right. I was so glad to have my partner take me to the doctor, listen with me to what the doctor was saying, and move ahead with me on the journey to healing. Could I have done it by myself? Probably. But pressure was taken off of my shoulders by his presence, and I know he will be by my side to encourage proper healing.
That’s just one small example of interdependence. Other examples include my local farmer, my teammates at work, my children and grandchildren, doctors, water plant workers, and even the bird seed distributor. I ‘depend’ on all of them, and to an extent, they depend on me. My ability to enjoy my independence includes my dependence on those, and so many others.
I choose interdependence.
Not coincidentally, I work for the Area Agency on Aging, whose mission statement is, “Offering Choices for Independent Lives”. I surely did not know when I started there what a great fit it would be for me. I have been positively influenced by the way that mission statement is reflected in everything the Agency does. And, I’ve grown in my own ability to contribute to the mission.
I challenge you to embrace your independence, and maybe more importantly, embrace your interdependence. If you have a need, and someone extends their hand to you, take it. take it….and if you find yourself in a position to help, do it cheerfully.
We are all better when we look after one another.
Happy 4th of July.