echo For the month of August, our theme is Independence. Hence, we asked our writers two questions: –
What type of independence affects you the most?; and
When did you feel the most independent?
Here’s their take on it:
- What type of independence affects you the most?
Financial independence – if I had the money, I’ll be living out the life I had always wanted. I’d get a dog, a nice home, maybe a car, fund my writing career, buy more books, support my own family, donate to charities and fight against societal issues. I’d even travel the world to immerse myself in foreign cultures, and even do anything that makes me happy. People say that money doesn’t buy you happiness but it does. I mean why do you think the rich are living their lives?
– Natasha
Individual independence affects me the most. Being able to live by myself and being financially independent is one of my goals in life.
– Anonymous
Personal independence.
– Anonymous
Self-sufficiency. This is because, as a 19 year old, I feel a great sense of pride in paying for my own living expenses.
– Anonymous
I guess for me, the type of independence that affects me the most is my own self fulfilment. Since day one, accomplishing my own personal goals and ambitions has been very important to me – irrespective of what other people want or expect me to do – as I’ve learned that they only want me to fulfil their perception of who they think I am. I know that the only way I’m ever going to be truly happy and content, is if I follow my intuitions.
– Nabilah Hassan
Emotional independence. I admit that I am an insecure person by nature. Emotionally, I get easily affected when something concerns a certain aspect of my life. It was so bad to the extent that I would shut myself in my room and overthink, pondering about where it all went wrong. Over the years, I’ve learned that not much can be done about others’ perception about my life. Hence, I turned a deaf ear whilst constantly reminding myself that this life is mine to live and not theirs.
– Joey Yap
- When did you feel the most independent?
I can’t remember but I guess it was when I stayed at home alone for a few weeks while the rest of my family was overseas.
– Natasha
I generally feel the most independent when I’m out in public by myself, or taking public transportation alone.
– Anonymous
When my mom first let me walk across the mall to buy ice cream on my own.
– Anonymous
I felt the most independent when I took a flight alone to KL and started my college life without financial support from my family.
– Anonymous
This is a tricky question to answer, because let’s face it, I am not independent – at least in the general sense. I still heavily rely on my parents for my finances, education and security. I’m only 18, and I have such a long way more to go. But in these past 18 years, I felt the most independent when I travelled alone to India for the first time. I had to figure things out on my own when I couldn’t find my gate, when I almost missed my flight. But in hindsight, those experiences really restored my confidence and faith in myself. I thought, “If I can handle this, and be okay, then I can eventually figure everything else out.”
– Nabilah Hassan
When I was finally able to drive on my own.
Well, I started off as a scaredy cat behind the wheel, and I’m not even kidding. Failed my driving test twice and only managed to get through on the third attempt. I was excited just as much as I was afraid. In the year that followed, my mom would usually be in the passenger seat, navigating and guiding me. It’s been 4 years now and I’m glad that I’m able to drive on my own without the need for extra ‘surveillance’.
– Joey Yap
