Independence

The more I think about it, I feel like ultimately we are alone in this world. We will love and interact with various people throughout our lives who teach us lessons, give us moments of happiness to store away, or moments of sadness to make us stronger. But in the end, it's up to us to care for ourselves and make the changes we want to make. We can't expect someone else to make us happy; happiness has to come from within.

That can seem sad or scary, but lately I find it liberating. Then you don't have to depend on someone else; no particular expectation leads to no disappointment and more importantly, empowerment.