Day of Celebrating Our Independence

Can you recall the day you turned into an adult of legal age? I recall them both: when I was 18 and 21. Both included random rites of passage and events worth remembering (and some retiring). It was taking steps into my independence, and away from dependency. What I learnt about adulthood was about a sense of independency, co-dependency and inter-dependency – an altered state of mind brought about by studies into psychology.

Today, 9 August, marks our National Day, or Independence Day. Being a citizen of a country that is 45 years young, with a recorded history dating back to 1819, I am proud of how far we have come. I have been thinking deeply about the meaning behind the words of our national pledge and national anthem, and also the significance of our flag (red and white/crescent and stars).

In each of these national icons lay our collective aspiration, ambition, and values for living. Our constitution is our way of life; how we live our lives is no different from people engaging in endurance sports. You can run far, or sprint. You can swim 20 laps in the pool, or in the freezing cold water of Alcatraz. There is no right or wrong way to live, as long as we stay respectful to others around us and be happy.

I am reading Graeme Obree’s book and it is a touching biography of the Scotsman world-record holder who suffers from bipolar disorder. He was once the fastest indoor cyclist in one hour (set at low altitude). Yet, he had a financially and emotionally hard life and did not gain immediate and full recognition from the community. He broke the world’s record, with manic intensity and purpose, with a racing bike he creatively constructed from scrap metal including parts from a washing machine.

For some people, independence may come in the way of reducing medication, adopting a regular exercised regime, running barefoot, making a career decision to switch jobs, meeting new people, overcoming your grief, or even expressing yourself uniquely. This definitely goes beyond leaving your home early in life, renting your own room/apartment, and getting a job. For many, it still means staying with your parents, finishing a degree through a student study loan, contemplating a scholarship with bond, and preparing for job interviews. For less realistic young adults, it would mean pursuing the trappings in life.

How do you celebrate your independence?

Barefoot for your kids? Look here.