Being Independent Quotes

In the world we live in, there are so many things we take for granted every single day. Have you ever given a thought to how privileged you are to have the right to live an independent life? For many people out there, independence is a hard won luxury, something to fight for and aspire towards. Whether it deals with a nation's struggle for freedom, a teenager's first foray away from hearth and home, or the end of an abusive relationship, independence is valued far more when it's hard won, fought for, its importance understood. Through the dusty pages of history, lie the tales of men and women who laid down their lives in their struggle to bring to their descendants, what they could not hope to enjoy themselves. Can you imagine a life of oppression? Do you have a personal struggle that you've fought and overcome? Perhaps you're looking for inspiration, when little happiness seems forthcoming?

Quotes on Independent Living

Some of the best inspirational quotes on being independent come from the most unexpected sources. Well, they appear unexpected to me, since I seem to equate inspirational quotes with philosophical works - which is why some of the sources of the quotes below, were a surprise - or perhaps a reminder. More often than not children's works are profound in their simplicity, more inspirational in easy style than one tends to give them credit for. One of my favorite books, that I turn to even today, is Dr Seuss's: 'Oh, The Places You Will Go!' and I'm firm in my belief that Bill Waterson's Calvin and Hobbes, apart from being one of the funniest cartoon strips ever, makes more sense than the average self help book. Take a look at some of the being independent quotes below:

• Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. - Christopher Robin to Pooh
• You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go... - Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!
• So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains! - Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!
• The secret to happiness is short-term, stupid self-interest!- Calvin and Hobbes, The Days are Just Packed
• From now on, I'll connect the dots my own way. - Calvin and Hobbes

Quotes for Women

A woman's independence is more noteworthy than a man's don't you think? That's feminism for you. So call me a feminist, but there's no turning away from the fact that female independence is more hard won than male, and therefore, more treasured. Independence means so many different things to so many people - to someone it may mean having a roof over your head that you can call your own, to another it may mean getting out of a dysfunctional relationship. Take a look at some being single quotes and some independent living quotes:

• I've learned that every working mom is a superwoman - Uma Thurman
• There's no such thing as being too independent - Victoria Billings
• Better to be quirky alone than unhappy together. - Anita Hamilton
• It's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why you sometimes need really special shoes. - Sex and the City
• I'm dating a woman now who, evidently, is unaware of it.- Garry Shandling
• Instead of getting married again, I'm going to find a woman I don't like and just give her a house.- Rod Stewart
• A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle. -Anonymous
• My knight in shining armor turned out to be a loser in aluminum foil. - Anonymous
• Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels. - Faith Whittlesey
• I am woman! I am invincible! I am pooped! - Anonymous
• Had I faltered we would have neither the success nor the international reputation we have. Yet when a woman is strong she is strident. If a man is strong, he's a good guy. - Margaret Thatcher (one of the truly independent woman quotes)
• Basically, I've dodged that marriage bullet...I like the jewelry part of getting married, but I can buy my own damn rings, too. - Queen Latifa (one of my favorite strong women quotes)
• It isn't where you came from, it's where you're going that counts. - Ella Fitzgerald

Being independent quotes may inspire you, may speak to you, may urge you to strive harder or be read and forgotten. One rarely misses something until its taken away. Independence is empowering, and it's heady - value it, treasure it, you'll be hard pressed to put a price on something so precious.