According to Google, independent is defined as "not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence." Don't we all strive to one day be completely independent? That's what I thought. At least until I realized being completely independent cloaks you in loneliness.

For me, standing on my own two feet was one of my biggest goals in life. Once I got to a place where I could consider myself independent, I thought that was it. I was now grown and I no longer needed anyone. I was so wrong.

I'm to a point where I consider myself too independent. What's too independent you ask? Being too independent is refusing help when you really need it, pushing people away that you should be holding close, and sitting alone with your thoughts when you could be spending time with wonderful people.

First, let me just say, being independent is a wonderful thing. It makes you an individual. But, there's a line that you may find yourself on the other side of and you realize that you're too independent.

One of biggest weaknesses is knowing when to ask for help. I do things and I usually do them alone. I guess you could say I "don't work well with others." But I'm working on it. When someone offers me help instead of turning them down as fast as possible, I'll take a second and actually assess the situation and decide if I could benefit from the help this person is offering me. Now, asking for help is a little different and harder to get used to. What can I say? People don't change over night.

Another thing I struggle with is pushing people away. I am not by any means an affectionate person and it's probably really hard for the people I care about to know I care about them. I feel bad for having built so many walls, because tearing them down is one of the hardest things I'll ever do. I'm working on taking these walls down brick by brick, but I'm not sure how long it'll take.

One of my favorite things to do is be alone and that's a problem. Happiness is spread through people. Yes, so is all the bad things in the world, too. But without interaction and the energy from the people around you, your world would be so lonely. Now, I'm not saying always be around others, because let's face it, that's exhausting. But make sure you're getting that interaction, because we thrive off of one another.

Lean on one another. Be patient with one another. Love one another.

Being independent is great. Being too independent is a mistake.