Independence vs. Dependence

On this day I have been thinking a lot about how independent I am in some ways, yet at the same time I am so dependent on others in other ways.

I feel like there is such a thin line between the two. A person can only do so much on their own without the help of others. When is it healthy to let someone else in and let them help you achieve your best without using them or becoming too dependent on their helping hands?

When I think of my dependence I think of my mother. Throughout my life I have been very dependent on her...of course as a child I was, but also as an adult...when I have struggled financially or in relationships that have gone bad I have always looked to her for support. She always had her hands open to help, yet scold at the same time for the mistakes I have made. Mistakes that have led me back to seek her help. Help in the form of money and a roof over my head.

When I think of my independence I think of my role as a mother to my daughter. I gave birth to her a week before my 18th birthday and have pretty much raised her on my own. When others have tried to step in for moral support or to become a fatherly figure that she so desperately needed I have quickly cast their helping hands away. I have always done it on my own and know nothing else and couldn't stand the thought of someone not being able to follow through for her.

How can I be an independent woman, yet know when it is time to depend on others to be there for me when I need them? This is a constant struggle for me...maybe one day I will figure it out.

For now I figure me continuing my education and getting my degree then career started will help with this process. I can become financially independent yet I will have to depend on others to help me along the way.