The only good answer I have is: I was forced to be independent. As soon as I turned 18, I had to pay rent to stay with my mom. Before that, I had to cook for the family and for as long as I was able to clean, I had chores around the house.

Even now, as a 40 something year old, I’m still learning to be independent and it’s often because I’m forced to. The thing I’ve learned recently is that there are people who will help me through tough times when I need it. It’s okay to lean on your support people to get you back on track because they know they can do the same when they need you. Like, I knew that conceptually but, I really learned it this past winter.

If I had any advice it’s: get out of your comfort zone from time to time. You may find some new comfortable places there.