What does independence mean to you?

The first independence day, I celebrated, was the day after my wedding, 18 years ago. Coming from a background of total control, and being married to a man, who celebrated freedom of choice, it was somewhat a culture shock for me.
I stood there with all the choices in the world in front of me. For the first time in my life, I was told, I can be anything I want to be, and have his full support.
Instead of choosing, I went numb. I did not know how to handle independence.
Fast forward to now.
Nothing reminds me of the little scarred girl, I was 18 years ago. I have gone so many times against mainstream now, that no-one expects me to take the regular path - not even my parents, who controlled every move I made before I met John.
Learning from their mistakes, I choose to teach my children the independence of choosing their own life paths.
The freedom of choice - that is the core of independence to me.