“And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone;

I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

Genesis 2: 18

I’ve written quite a bit about Yoga, Barre3, and exercise. So, you are probably thinking this will be another honorable mention of these themes. And, you’d sort of be right.

In all forms of exercise, there are “props.” In Yoga, there is a mat–perhaps a block or a strap. In Barre3, there is also a mat along with a core ball, resistance band, and–if you choose–weights. If you are a runner, there are special running shoes. Skaters need skates. Yes, I could go on and on.

Looking at this from my theatre perspective, actors use “props” on stage. Perhaps a book, a skull, a can of whipped cream or a special glass. Props help performers create a specific persona or image, supporting their actions or character with a physical item.

Get the idea? Props are useful items that help us out.

But they aren’t just “things.” Sometimes, they are people. Like in Genesis…God created a “helpmate,” (aka a Prop in the form of a person) to support and help Adam because it was just no good for him to go it alone.

So, it that’s a truth–that it’s no good for a person to go it alone–why do we so often try to live that way? I mean, if you want to climb Everest, you don’t just grab a coat and pair of boots and then start up the mountain. You do some thinking, planning, and outreach. You form a team. You ask question of those who have climbed before. You spend time gathering supplies and preparing for your adventure. You don’t make the climb until you have aligned and gathered all your resources–all your props.

Like Barbara Streisand once sang: “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” And, people DO need people. Oh, not all the time. I mean, being alone is good for us. I’m an introvert myself and not only require but enjoy alone time. It allows me to be quiet, meditate, think, write, or dig deep inside and find a clearer sense of self.

But when I have big decisions or face challenges, I gather my props and people who support me. People who can offer opinions or thoughts. People who can “prop” me up when I’m struggling. Heck, I have no problem going to a movie or a coffee shop alone. But, it can be a lot of fun when you have someone with you–someone you trust, enjoy spending time with, or who just brightens your life in some way.

We are not created to deal with the struggles of this existence all on our own. If we learned nothing from Simone Biles and her opening up about anxiety–or Michael Phelps who looked to us all like someone on top of the world but who struggled with depression for many years–we know that help cannot come only from our selves. We need others to shine a light when our tunnel gets dark, and we no longer have the strength to lift the flashlight all by ourselves.

There are times, yes, I choose to be alone. But, when I am struggling to hold Half Moon pose, it’s a lot easier to kick my leg up when I have a block to help me. (Okay, are you satisfied? I gave you a yoga reference!) I can balance better if I grab the arm of the couch when I go up. And, if nothing else, when I start to fall, I can lean against a wall and regain my balance. These are all “props”… In their own unique way, they help me stand tall or find my strength to keep balanced.

It’s not weakness to ask for help. It’s not lack of strength to phone a friend, or a minister, or a therapist. It’s not weakness to walk away, despite everyone’s eyes on you and the expectations surrounding you. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is call that friend and say, I need help.

It is not good for us to try and navigate the challenges in our lifetime alone. We need people. We need our props. They are there. Dust them off and Use Your Props.