Why It's Time To Flip The Narrative From Independence to Interdependence

Have you considered how interdependent we are of each other? In the past, I think there has been a movement to be independent. Parents teach us to stretch our boundaries and do things by ourselves. We take that into our adulthood as a sign of strength. Many women in our Sixty and Me community are proud of the fact that they can do things by themselves, that we don't need help from others.

In this video, I ask you to look at this a little differently and why I feel it is time to switch the narrative from independence to interdependence. We need others. We are social beings. We have to work collaboratively and often don't see the dependency and connection that is woven into our day-to-day life.

From housing to money, sustenance and tools, we depend on each other at a fundamental level. If anything, the recent pandemic is a perfect example of a realization that having an interdependent mindset actually strengthens our individual independence.

Have you considered how dependent we are on each other? Do you think it’s more important to be independent or to learn to be interdependent?

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#FromIndependencetoInterdependence #SixtyAndMe

[roseyc.]

Margaret, I've tried to be as independent as possible since I lost my husband years ago. I was only 43, and the realization that I could truly depend only on myself hit hard. Well, I've tried my utmost to remain independent as much as possible. I do not want to depend on my adult children; they are busy with their own lives, as it should be. A woman can, and should, Yes, I share housing, to a degree, with one child and his little family, but, that's helpful to us both synergistically in its way. As far as working part-time, paying bills, driving my own car, etc., I do that myself. I hope to never get to a point where I'm unable to do for myself. Thank you for sharing a very relevant topic. Stay safe and well! 🙂 Rosemarie 💖

[charlenebrownlow]

PTL Margaret…definitely good food for thought; recognizing interdependence helps our appreciation of coexist.

[deniesekline-thatcher]

Yes thank you I have thought of this subject. My husband & I have spoken about it...yet unsure how it will all end. Right now we rely on one another as our grown children are busy working and caring for their children. 🙏

[mariarooney]

Thank you Margaret for this beautiful subject. Unfortunately, I was not only extremely independent, but prideful, stubborn and fearful too. This is all hindsight and as a result, I lost out on many wonderful opportunities. Thank you for helping me exercise my brain to be able to see a different person. I always believed we were all connected, but it was on a spiritual level. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents. 💕

[Sam-zsdl]

This is a wonderful reminder that we are all connected! No one is truly independent. It is all about perspective. I have a daily gratitude practice and you have given me more to ponder and be grateful for. Thank you.

[rosannalupolimorgan]

Thanks for sharing this very important topic. I totally agree with you, we are all interdependent and interconnected.

[cheesygal]

Thank you, Margaret, for this message. I became very independent due to the unfortunate upbringing and community I had. Dependency meant loss of power and worse. It wasn’t until I met my husband (in my 30s) who gently made me feel safe enough to allow him to support our children and me. Interdependence is very powerful and important! We all benefit from asking for and providing help to others.

[sandraclarke]

Very interesting topic!
As a semi - retired person I do see myself as interdependent on different people to do things with, otherwise I get this feeling of loneliness.
If I had a big enough home I'd share it . It's not just about money, but having people I like around me makes me feel complete. Recently contacted old friends I hardly see.
I have adult children who lead their own lives and we all keep in touch most weeks.
Thanks for all these interesting subjects 👍 😊

[elaineshigetomi]

Loved this video - food for thought. Seriously we are not an island onto our self. (Independent)
But depend on each one, family, friends, employees, etc. (Interdependence)
Do we think of our selves as a burden so we stay - (Independent) Or do we want to share (Interdependence)
But you gave me a great things to think about.

Love it - thank you.

[Morning.Coffee]

i love your topics on human relationships. They can be so complex, but so necessary!
Interdependence sounds much less constrictive than codependence, and more productive than independence.
Thanks for that new word for my vocabulary! 🤗

[PatB]

Another relevant topic! 'Connection & Stronger together' hits home.
I may not have gone that far or become that independent without it. Today, I'm inter-dependent on & with my Husband. Labor + time is so valuable & precious. Growing my own food: nearly impossible. Internet & Spell-check - what would we do w/o them! In free moments, I may revere the past, but still live to move forward & plan for the future. With the pandemic & aging, pops up my concern about the 'what if' of facing the world alone. Then, independence could be a fleeting moment in time.

[jacquelynmosley]

Thanks for your positive encouragement!!! You look absolutely radiant in this video!

[alicedent]

I loved your video today. It made me think that I am definitely interdependent, and grateful that so many people in the world do jobs or grow food to help me survive!

[barbarawalker]

Off topic: I’d love to know what kind of lipstick you have on in this video. So lovely. Type, color?