A Problem Shared Is A Problem Halved

We live in a world where independence is desired, and we have grown to rely on technology for a lot of things. Think about it, when was the last time you asked someone for directions instead of going straight to maps on your phone?

We often think solving issues by ourselves is quicker and easier, but God has put people around us for a reason. Even God said himself ‘it’s not good for man to be alone’ (Genesis 2: 18). Now if God is saying that he knows what he is talking about.

There are many examples in the bible where people had friends and family around them to help and support them throughout life. When Job was having a hard time his friends came and stayed with him for some time…and some time it was. According to the bible they were together for 7 days and 7 nights! (Job 2:13) Even though they didn’t always say what Job wanted to hear, they were there to support and listen to him.

Even Jesus had his disciples to talk to and travel with!

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered , two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” – Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12

You have friends and family around you for a reason, don’t push them away. It may be nice to have time alone every now and then, especially if that’s how you ‘recharge’, but a lot of isolation can be harmful and can cause negative thoughts to start to cloud your mind. Maybe you’re not isolated in a literal sense, but perhaps you with-hold your thoughts and feelings when you’re going through a challenging time, so  you isolate yourself emotionally.

Discussing your feelings and the issues you are going through with people you trust can be really good for you. The Mental Health Foundation says; “Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled”.

I really wish more people spoke…so much so that I started a blog called Mastering Transparency to allow people to feel more free to talk about their personal struggles. I didn’t realise what people were going through, even some of the closest people to me, until I opened up and spoke about my own issues.

So, my challenge for you in 2017 is to talk more. Talk to your friends. Talk to your family. Even talk to someone you don’t know, a simple conversion can change someone’s life!