This Independent Life: the holistic approach to independence

In June 2021, I had a breakdown. My partner told me that enough was enough and, after accepting that he was right, I told my company that I needed to take some time off. I never thought I’d be one of those people who had to do that. That wasn’t me. I had an impeccable work ethic, never let my team or clients down, could do anything and everything to the highest standard. I had my shit together.

In reality, I was in denial. I had been slowly falling into this dark pit of despair, my mental and physical health deteriorating, refusing to listen to my gut. Refusing to accept that I needed a change. That I needed to take a risk, put myself first, and try something new.

I realised I needed something to help figure out what I truly wanted. A fulfilling career that felt authentic and made a positive change in the world. Money that worked for me that allowed me to support the things I cared about. And health, as without that, nothing else matters.

But I couldn’t find it. I tried, I searched, and whilst I found some support along the way, there was nothing that could help me with everything in a way that felt natural and authentic. That felt real. That could help me regain autonomy over my life. My independence.

And I wasn’t alone. Along the way, I spoke to many women, in different countries and cultures, who felt the same way. Our problems were multifaceted, our stories are multilayered. One area of our life isn’t independent of the others, it’s symbiotic.

And that’s why we need a holistic approach. That’s why This Independent Life exists.