During a tumultuous period in my life, I surrounded myself with friends who mirrored my messy behaviors—from enabling to dishonesty. Yet, as I embarked on a journey of personal growth, the dynamics of these friendships began to change. I gravitated toward those who inspired and supported my quest for a better self, and gradually, my circle evolved. This transition was about finding new friends, transforming existing relationships, and discovering communities that fostered my development, like my Sister Circle and Al-Anon.

Independence Day sparked some thoughts about the broader implications of independence in our society. While autonomy is celebrated, especially in empowering women, it's crucial to understand the stages of maturation—dependency, independence, and interdependence. Actual growth involves moving beyond self-sufficiency to embrace interdependence, where collective strengths foster personal and community success. This post explores why interdependence, not independence, should be our ultimate goal, challenging the notion that needing nothing from anyone is a sign of strength.