Independence is like that feeling you get when you finally get home after a long day and fling your bra onto your bed... OHHH SO SATISFYING:) 

But seriously, ( still on a happy note) I recommend that you get right on it. I've discussed the topic of independence and finding oneself in the boys section of this blog but I feel like it deserves its own category because it is that important. In my opinion, you can never start too early when you're trying to find yourself. Quickly, let me define what I mean when I say "find yourself". It has to do with knowing yourself inside and out.  Knowing all of the little quirks and pet peeves that you have as well as being able to recognize all of your strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, it entails becoming familiar with your morals and beliefs that motivate you to be such a STAR in the world ad that help you shine on on a daily basis. 

And let me be honest with you for a second, it's a lot easier than it sounds. And once you admit that to yourself, you are already ten steps ahead of the next girl (not that this is a race or anything ;) ). But before we begin, take a step back and look at yourself in mirror. Now tell yourself that you can do this. Tell yourself that you're gonna do this because you want to; and why do you want to do this? Because you're gonna find your independence. 

Good, now that you got that out of the way, it's story time. I used to think that I was independent. That I could do everything and anything on my own and that I would never need anyone's help. It wasn't until my boyfriend dumped me a week before Valentine's  Day that I realized that I wasn't as tough as I had thought I was ( and that my heart was more fragile than I had anticipated). But it was at that moment that I realized I was gonna change and learn everything about myself to prevent this feeling of defeat from looming over me ever again. For some reason I was so disappointed in myself for the way that I had handled the breakup. It just wasn't like me to react the way I did, and yet there was nothing I could do about it. Instead of giving myself a pep talk and getting back up on my feet again, I wandered hopelessly for months trying to figure out what kind of a person I really was. To be honest ( and I don't want to sound conceded) it wasn't until I realized that "I wasn't the problem" that I was able to come full circle and find my inner "kick ass" attitude that had always helped me through life. 

A major step for me was learning how to enjoy things on my own again( and this is my first piece of advice for you). In life there are going to some things that you really want to do, but others around you won't. And what you need to do in a moment like that is to tell yourself that it's ok. If you want to go, than go. Do it. Be done with it. Get it out of your system. 

I don't know if this is a "me" thing or a teenage girl thing but sometimes it's really hard to do things on your own, even when it comes to walking to the bathroom. And yes, if you're not used to it, then it will be hard at first. Not gonna Lie. But it gets easier, it gets much easier to go to the movies alone after like the fifth time; I promise:)

Now I like to this of it like an art. You have to master mindfulness exercises in order to keep your inner self happy. It's ok to take a hour of each day and devote it to only you.

That doesn't make you a self-centered person, but it does make you a well rounded person... Trust me when I say that you're inner self is just as important as your physical self.

On a funny but true note, just pretend like you're dating yourself. Get to know yourself all over again. If you have to, play 20 questions with yourself.... Trust me, it's not as weird as it sounds:)

I know that I briefly mentioned this earlier in the post but HAVE A FLIPPING' DANCE PARTY. Get up on the table if you have to and blast your "Boss Babe Kickass" playlist on repeat for as long as it takes to get you pumped for life. I've found that a good way to relax is to play music that you love, turn your "nervous shield" down and break out into the most horrifying dance moves. Actually, as I am writing this, I have my fave playlist blasting in the living room... Haha but I would truly feel bad for anyone who got caught in the middle of one one my loving life sessions. Nevertheless, go for it and pretend the whole world is watching (but not judging :) )

You got this beautiful, you know you better than anyone on the planet (despite what your mom tells you ;)

Try these few tips out and hopefully I was able offer some good insight as to how to be independent. Remember to always be confident in your choices, whether you make a mistake or not, stick with your decisions. Take the leap of faith and trust yourself. You Got This...

xoxo, Hannah 

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