A Different Kind of Independence

Posted: July 4, 2025 by Mary Oluonye

What does independence really mean?

Not the kind marked by fireworks, flags, or parades, but the kind that shows up in your spirit. The kind that deepens with age. The kind you claim for yourself.

I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom lately. Not freedom from countries or colonizers, but freedom from expectations, obligations, and the noise of what others think we should be doing, especially as we enter our 50s, 60s, and beyond.

To me, this stage of life is its own kind of independence celebration.

A celebration of the fact that we’re still here.

That we’re still becoming.

And that we get to decide how we want to live from here on out.

Claiming Personal Freedom as We Age

When I think of independence now, I think of the freedom to choose. To choose how we spend our time, who we let into our lives, and what brings us peace.

It’s the freedom to say “yes” to the things that we want to say yes to, and “no” to what we don’t want.

It’s the quiet joy of waking up and knowing: I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

That’s not selfish. That’s wisdom.

The Right to Be Fully Yourself

Aging comes with its challenges, that’s for sure. But it also comes with a surprising kind of power.

We’re no longer trying to fit someone else’s mold.

We’ve done the work. We’ve raised families, navigated careers, moved cities, loved, lost, built, rebuilt.

And now? Now we get to decide what this chapter looks like.

Even if society doesn’t always see us, especially as older women, we don’t need permission to value ourselves. We don’t need a holiday to remind us that we are strong, vibrant, wise, and worthy of being seen.

Living with Less Stress and More Intention

This kind of independence isn’t loud. It’s not always a grand gesture.

Sometimes, it looks like:

• Moving to Ghana (or Mexico, or Wherever).
• Saying goodbye to stress-filled schedules.
• Waking up without an alarm.
• Choosing peace over drama.
• Saying, “No thank you,” and meaning it.
• Doing absolutely nothing—and feeling no guilt about it.

This is the freedom that matters now.

The kind that gives you room to breathe.

Room to explore.

Room to just be.

A Bold Sage’s Kind of Celebration

Whether or not it’s July 4th, I believe we deserve to celebrate. Because being here and still growing, and still living boldly is a reason enough.

So yes, this reflection may have been inspired by Independence Day, but it’s really about everyday independence.

The kind we create for ourselves.

The kind we nurture.

The kind we reclaim again and again.

That’s what being a Bold Sage is all about. Living fully. Freely. Intentionally. With grace. On your own terms.

So Let Me Ask You…

What does independence mean for you right now?

What are you doing, just for you, that feels like freedom?

I’d love to hear what this season of life means to you.

And if you’re on this journey too, I invite you to stay connected, through my blog, through Bold Sage Magazine (coming soon!), or wherever our paths cross.

Because life is still unfolding. And we’re not done yet.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also like these others: Why I am Choosing to Travel Deeper, Write Boldly & Live Fully and The Messages are Loud and Clear (Part 1)

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