"I felt like it was time to set up my future, so I set a goal. My goal was independence." -Beyoncé

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As a society, we have become very reliant on other people. Whether it's going out in public, our financial state, or our relationship status, we depend on others all the time. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it also needs to be balanced out by living for yourself. If there's one thing I've noticed lately with our generation, it's that people decide not to do things all the time if they're alone. I have found myself begging my roommates to come get dinner with me, terrified to be seen there by myself. There you are, standing in the Chipotle line alone, worried that strangers' eyes are darting toward you, silently judging you for your lack of accompaniment (We know you've been there). Here's a little secret: No one actually notices or cares.

Being independent is so important as we grow up and figure out where we're at in our lives. As we've started to do this, somewhere along the way we became uncomfortable with being alone in public space and we got so used to doing everything in group settings, especially in college. Some people are also so used to always being in a relationship, that they never have the chance to be single and figure out themselves.

After a few weeks into being back at college you realize that you no longer have hours and hours alone at home like you did in high school. We forget how important removing ourselves from the fear of missing out and constant group contact is, to take some time to relax and regroup. Go to the beach by yourself or go see that movie you've wanted to see for weeks -- it's perfectly okay to venture out without other people.

Being independent and able to support yourself remains important for the majority of your life. You shouldn't base your career path on someone else's choices and you should feel sure enough of yourself to make big decisions on your own. Being independent shouldn't be scary; it should make you feel empowered. From being influential and independent in a job to being able to financially support yourself, working toward personal growth is a huge part of success.

So go forth and do things that you're passionate and excited about -- and don't be afraid to do them on your own.

"If you can’t enjoy being with yourself, you’re gonna run into problems in life, I can promise you that. You’ll become co-dependent on everybody else entertaining you & making you feel good, which largely means you become a pain in the butt to people." -Paul Chek

And always listen to Beyoncé.