I’ll admit it.  Sometimes I don’t play well with others.  It’s not that I don’t want to.  It’s more about my control issues.  I like things done a certain way and when I do things myself, I know what the outcome will be.  Unfortunately, try as I sometimes may, I can’t do it all.  At times we all need a little help from our friends.

This point was driven home to me earlier this week at our church.  As October rolls around each year, so does our annual pumpkin patch, so I spent a few hours helping unload pumpkins.  In total, the job took about four hours because the group formed long lines and passed pumpkins down rows of people to reach their final destinations.  I can’t imagine how long it would have taken to accomplish the same task had we not worked together. 

I’ve noticed that when I only have a few items on my “to do” checklist, I can manage fine – but the more my plate gets full, the harder it is for me to manage things by myself.  When I try to “go at it” alone, I get frustrated and exhausted.  It turns out “I” can be very isolating.  This is especially the case during times of high stress.

Have you heard the phrase, “safety in numbers”? The idea is that we are safer doing things with others rather than alone.  So, increase your emotional safety and lean on others when needed.  You don’t always have to be the superhero of your story.  Whatever the issue, be it at work or home, look to others for help, support, and encouragement.  It’s a small strategy with a big payoff.