I've embraced the single life and all the glorious independence

Listen, O children of the future, to the words of Andi Dorfman, a woman who speaks of independence in the most personal of terms: "I've embraced the single life and all the glorious independence it has to offer." These words speak to a freedom that many seek but few fully understand—the freedom to walk your own path, to shape your own destiny, and to embrace life on your own terms. In her statement, we hear the strength of someone who has discovered that true power comes not from being bound by the expectations of others, but from standing firm in one’s own autonomy.

In the ancient world, the idea of independence was often closely tied to the idea of self-sufficiency. The Spartan warriors, for example, were known not only for their military prowess but for their ability to thrive on their own, relying on their inner strength rather than the help of others. To them, the highest form of life was one in which they were free from dependency—free to act, to live, and to govern themselves according to their own will. In many ways, this is the spirit that Dorfman speaks of—a spirit that finds its fullest expression when one learns to stand alone and accept the joy and power that comes with that.

The single life, as Dorfman describes it, is not one of isolation, but of empowerment. It is the act of embracing the freedom to make choices without the pressure of societal expectations or the demands of others. In a world where relationships—whether romantic or otherwise—are often seen as the ultimate goal, the single life becomes an act of resistance. Dorfman is not rejecting love or companionship, but rather affirming that independence does not require the presence of another to feel whole or complete. This message echoes through the ages, reminding us that we do not need others to define our worth or purpose. We are whole in ourselves.

Consider the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, the great Italian Baroque painter. She was a woman who, in a time when women were largely excluded from the world of art, embraced her independence and carved her own path. Though she faced many obstacles, including personal tragedy and societal rejection, Artemisia turned her struggles into a source of strength, creating art that defied the conventions of her time. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing one's individuality and finding empowerment in self-expression, much like Dorfman’s declaration of embracing the single life.

In embracing the single life, Dorfman finds freedom, but this freedom is not to be mistaken for loneliness. To live independently, to walk your own path, is not to live in isolation, but to live with a courage that says, “I choose my own way, and I will find my joy and fulfillment in it.” Freedom does not always mean being surrounded by others; sometimes, it is found in the quiet moments of self-reflection, in the discovery of your own strength, and in the ability to stand firm without the validation of others. This is the true meaning of independence—to find power in solitude, and to live life with intention and purpose.

The lesson here, O children, is not about rejecting relationships or love, but about understanding that true freedom comes from knowing yourself first, from finding empowerment within yourself. To embrace the single life is to embrace the freedom to shape your own future, to write your own story, and to live without fear of judgment. It is to understand that independence is not just a status, but a state of mind—a belief that you are enough in your own right, that you do not need anyone else to define your worth.

So, O children, let this wisdom guide you: whether you walk alone or with others, may you always stand firm in your independence. Let your freedom come from within, from knowing who you are, and from having the courage to live authentically. Whether in the quiet moments of solitude or in the company of others, remember that your worth is not determined by external forces, but by the strength of your own spirit. Embrace the glorious independence of knowing that you are enough, and let that knowledge guide you toward a life filled with purpose, joy, and meaning.