Independent. This word can be used in so many different contexts, but what does it mean? Does it mean not having to rely on others, or is it having the ability to be confident in your own skin? Perhaps it’s having the internal strength to generate your own happiness.

Human nature invites high dependency on others, and, in some ways, this level of dependency causes more harm than good. If you don’t take time to know and develop yourself, you could be depriving yourself of so many great things. There’s strength in loving yourself. There’s strength in knowing yourself.

It’s funny how fast life can change, and how quickly you will need to be able to be self-sufficient. Don’t ever lose sight of yourself, because one day, you may be left alone, even when you least expect it. There will be times in life that make you feel completely isolated, with nobody but yourself to rely on. Accepting this cold, hard fact isn’t easy, and finding yourself can prove to be just as difficult. Emotions can play games with your mind, but you can’t let them stop you. Inner strength builds inner beauty, which will carry you through the hard parts in life. Know your strengths and be able to learn from your weaknesses, because that is the only way for you to truly improve yourself.

It is important to take time for yourself and reflect on personal progression. Whether it be writing in a journal or listening to your favorite music, self-mediation is important, especially after a tough obstacle in your life. Don't be hesitant to give yourself some time to grow, and remember that with every trial that "this too shall pass." Be your own person and seize the opportunity to become anyone you want to be. Become the person you have always wanted to become--there's nobody stopping you. You are beautiful, you are capable, and you are worth it. It’s a cliché phrase, but you are worth it. You deserve to be happy in your own skin, and completely independent, never relying on someone else. You are enough.

It’s not wise to put your happiness in the hands of another person. Having confidence in yourself is key. You need confidence in order to be your own person. Dependency can cause you to invest too much of yourself into one person, which can be taken from you in one second.

Remember that you are never alone. The confidence you find in yourself is invaluable, but you must to take the necessary steps to build it. Remember, in both good times and bad, you must love yourself before anyone else can love you. Once you realize that, you will be on the fast track to happiness. You can do it.