For the past two weeks, I have been thinking about freedom. It's the time of year in Jamaica when we pause to celebrate our emancipation and independence. It's just a fantastic reflection on how far we've come as a people breaking free from the shackles of slavery and walking boldly into the new possibilities that freedom brings. It's a national celebration, but I've been wondering what it means for our people on the individual level. How does independence show up in our day-to-day lives? You see, often, we aspire to be independent, but our behaviours don't always add up to meet that goal. Independence is essential for self-determination. It gives us the autonomy to take the actions that will lead us to our goals and potential.