Ah, what an inspiring piece, beautifully written. I admire this lady on her island. A huge part of that is her refusal not to be beholden to anyone. Perhaps admire is the wrong word since it is tinged with envy?

It reminds me of countless (and very interesting) talks and debates I follow about individualism and collectivism in culture and how our approaches to life affect, and are reflected, in what makes us "happy". I put "happy" in quotes because how we define that is necessarily determined by our personal outlooks and cultural contexts. Having parents from collectivist cultures (India & Sápmi) and growing up in a highly individualist one (UK) has prompted me into a lifetime of thought, internal wrangling and unsettled feelings. In some ways I’d love choose my life (ah to be allowed to think and do freely) but I am beholden to those I love for the greater good (it would be a detriment to them). But then the grass is always greener.

Thoroughly thought-provoking in a deep way. Thank you Ingrid L. Williams for this piece.