Independence can be a good thing of course, and in fact is often seen as an admirable quality and rightly so, but -you knew there was big but coming- independence has a dark side too. Oooooo!We train our children to be independent. We teach them how to do things by themselves, and praise them when they do. We laud those who achieve things by themselves in various fields of endeavour, and the legendary 'self made man' is a paragon of independence. However, can anybody really achieve anything completely independently? And what attitude of the heart arises from 'Lone Ranger' accomplishments?
Everybody needs a little help sometimes. Some of us more than others, but there is no shame is asking for help when we need it. Even if we don't need help, sometimes it's just nice to work with others rather than alone. Some people are too proud to accept help or even ask for it. That's dumb! We were made for each other, to work together, to help each other, to share our burdens.
The extremely independent cry "I don't need anyone's help. I can do it all myself." I say even if you can, and it's more than likely you can't, why suffer a solo voyage when there are willing shipmates all around you?
Which do you prefer independence or interdependence?
Photo sources:
http://www.professionalplanner.com.au/featured-posts/2014/09/15/independence-is-not-a-synonym-for-poverty-ifaaa-invites-planners-to-peek-over-the-fence-30796/
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/mind-guest-blog/2013/07/05/every-day-is-interdependence-day/
I prefer independence because I'm an introvert, but working/playing with others usually turns out to be more fun. I would be typing this independently, but my friendly furball, Mr. M, is sitting on my lap, keeping me company.
ReplyDeleteIs Mr M an introvert or extrovert?
DeleteI prefer independence because I'm an introvert, but working/playing with others usually turns out to be more fun. I would be typing this independently, but my friendly furball, Mr. M, is sitting on my lap, keeping me company.
ReplyDeleteI say a bit of both....everyone needs a bit of balance.
ReplyDeleteYou the nail on the head there, Gillian, but balance can be hard to achieve and balanced people are hard to find. Thanks for visiting Square Pegs and taking the time to comment.
DeleteDo you have a blog I can visit?
DeleteI like being independent, but there are times when it doesn't hurt to have a helping hand!
ReplyDeleteA measured response, Jeffrey. Thank you. Would you say you have a problem asking for and accepting help?
DeleteI like teamwork, and being part of a good and inspiring team. But I also need time alone, e.g, to read and write, and I'm never bored >:)
ReplyDeleteCold As Heaven
A man after my own heart.
DeleteOn my own, I know what is the best for me and too many others can and will muck it up!
ReplyDeleteA proud man who lacks a little trust. Thanks for visiting Jeremy and for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your honesty.
DeleteDoes it count as teamwork if I like to be the one in charge? ;)
ReplyDelete