With Independence Day in everyone’s minds this weekend, this Philosopher-in-Residence felt like being a little contrary and focusing on dependence instead. Songs, books, poems, treatises have all determined the importance of independence. So when did dependency become a dirty word?

Prior to jobbing as a philosopher or company director, I studied languages at university. It intrigues me how we condition ourselves to forget or fade out the roles certain words and functions play in our lives.

I’m often referred to as an independent woman: don’t get me wrong, I’ve been called worse! But here is a short list of the things I’m totally or partially dependent upon – have a look and challenge yourself to come up with your own little list. You can even hashtag gratitude these forgotten functions if you like!

• The water company – although I have a few purification tablets from my ultrarunning days, I rely on  there being clean water when I turn the tap on. Millions don’t have that privilege
• Colleagues – since having meningitis, screen work is difficult for me. I rely on colleagues, and assistive technology to help with that
• Producers – although as I remarked to a friend today, I’ve got better at not killing houseplants, I am still in no way self-sufficient, in fact entirely dependent on others to grow my food.
• Clients – since starting my own businesses, without clients, the bills don’t get paid!

Next fortnight I’ll be writing On Bingo – make sure you’re a winner by remembering to drop by and read this. Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this subject you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Penny Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:

https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/how-to-avoid-burnout-in-the-workplace/