INDEPENDENCE

Being your own man does not mean taking advantage of anyone else.

—Flip Wilson

We cannot acquire maturity and responsibility if we are constantly relying on parents, a spouse, or friends. The young woman with no plans for the future who has her mother raise her child and the man who always borrows money from friends without focusing on how to repay them are both dependent until they take control of their lives. We must guard against opting for the easy way out. Then we can stand tall.

Call to Action: On this day, I will take five minutes to wonder if there has been any person I have leaned on too much. If so, I will resolve to think of a way to become more independent. If I cannot think of someone, I will congratulate myself.