In our culture, we are taught that being dependent on these things is "independence" - such a contradiction. I know I am dependent on many things, but free of others; however in my family I am not considered successful or independent because I DON'T have such trappings as a mortgage, a car, credit cards, etc. Those are seen as markers of adulthood, and my failure to conform to those things, by happenstance or choice or both, is seen as "failure of adulthood."
Side note, I find it interesting that the medicine wheel directional associations are different than European Paganism directional associations. In our tradition, it's: south- fire; west- water; north- Earth, east- air. Thinking on it, I'm sure this is locale-dependent. In northern Europe (I'm a Druid, so I'm speaking of Druidic tradition here, not, say, Hellenistic Greek or Roman, which I am not really versed in), the sun would be hitting you from the south, especially in the dark half of the year (Samhain-Beltaine; 31Oct-1 May); to the west was the Atlantic; the north was their lands; I wonder if winds often blew in from the east? Seeing a different orientation makes me contemplate how the orientations came to be...
I found in my own life that many people judge my success based on their own standards and I refuse to do that any more. As a result I've found myself without much biological family and I've even lost friends. But I've gained new friends and I find those relationships much more enriching, supportive and encouraging. They consider success to be healthy relationships rather than materialistic wealth. I'm happier for the shift!
As for the medicine wheel, I find it very interesting that it depends on where you are as to how the relationships are interpreted. I don't see any write or wrong in it, just that they are all different. Around here, I can see why they put air at the north as the winter winds almost always blow from the north. The north is where the elders sit in the circle as well. Old Man winter? Either way, thank you so much for describing the medicine wheel from your part of the world. I find it very interesting. Thank you!