> In my mind self-reliance, is growing and having strength unto one's self but giving freely of that strength to others to build relationships. I think that th

> In my mind self-reliance, is growing and having strength unto one's self but giving freely of that strength to others to build relationships. I think that the point is that "strength unto one's self" exists within a myriad of external supports. That strength exists because of the the physical and mental tools built and maintained by a multitude of other individuals. This is not saying that there isn't variance in levels of dependence external, but that true independence is not possible. To acknowledge only the gifts you give, and not the gifts you receive and have received is to miss out on some of the beauty of life.