Virtue of the Week – Independence
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Independence
Independence is confident self-reliance. We have the courage to see reality with our own eyes, not through the eyes of others. We are true to ourselves. We make decisions without undue influence from others. We responsibly care for ourselves. We do not depend on another to define our value, or lose ourselves to love. We bring ourselves fully to a relationship, yet honor the boundaries that protect each other’s dignity.
Quote: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” —Henry David Thoreau
The Practice of Independence
I think for myself.
I create enough to sustain myself.
I trust my own decisions.
I enjoy healthy self-care.
I do not burden my relationships with unrealistic expectations.
I balance intimacy with self-reliance.
Questions for Discussion
- How can independence strengthen our social justice work?
- What does independence look like in your strongest relationships?
- What does healthy self-care look like in our community?
- What do we need to be fully ourselves in our community?
Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email!
Visit https://cfvi.net/Virtues-Project, and scroll to the end of the page to fill out the form.
Virtue of the Week is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with the VI Source and Virtues Matter.
About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.
About Virtues Matter
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit virtuesproject.com.
