Being independent is a heavy word: sure, I have my own jobs and live at school basically on my own, but I'm not exactly a fully-independent-grown-up-adult just yet. Walking into a class on the first day and not knowing anyone is stressful and going to eat in the dining hall alone is nerve-racking. It's hard to do things on my own, especially when I have been so guided throughout my first 18 years at home.
Moving away to college started helping with that: I would walk across campus to class, go downstairs to do my laundry, or walk downtown to buy myself groceries. These tasks were simple and small, but I realized I was gaining more independence and becoming more comfortable being on my own.
Have you ever had the privilege of taking yourself out to dinner? Just sitting at a table by yourself, eating at your own pace and enjoying the privacy of pondering your own thoughts and ideas? You allow yourself the freedom of listening to your own music on the way to the restaurant and spending however little or large amount of money you want. You get the gift of enjoying your own company, something we as human beings scarcely come by.
The more you start taking time to do things by yourself, the more you will start putting yourself first. Actively make yourself your number one priority by getting what you need to get done and not relying on anyone else to do it. The pride you will feel for all your accomplishments will be well worth all the work you put into your visions and goals. Be clear on what you want and put forth the effort in getting it.
Do something new every day, and do it on your own time, on your own. Try something everyday on your own. Keep your spaces clear, your mind active, and value your peace of mind. It is such a benefit to be able to take time to have motivation to check off things on your to-do list that so rarely get done. I went out and bought myself the socks and belt I needed last week and felt so good even though it was such an insignificant event; however, spending a day making myself breakfast and getting my stuff done is such an accomplishment and is so gratifying.
Try fixing your sink by yourself before calling a mechanic to come fix it. Go shopping and try on as many things as you'd like and take your sweet time doing it. Bring a book to a coffee cafe and read a couple chapters. Take yourself out for dinner and order whatever you want. I believe it is important for people to learn how to be happy on their own and how to take care of themselves without relying on their parents, friends, significant others, et cetera. If you are trying to figure out your place in the world while still remaining dependent on other people, you will never have a true sense of self.
