Don't Do It Alone and Two Responses to Challenges (like Cancer)

Here's a great (and simple principle).   Don't do it alone.  My personal experience is that certain professions and personalities are more prone to the trap of isolation than others.  Therapists, pastors, teachers, to name a few.

Last night I had dinner with a long-time friend which I knew would help break up the solitude of treatment but it also helped me reflect on the importance of connection with wise people who share your values (both of these are important).

Two Answers to the Question of How We Deal With Challenges (like Cancer diagnoses)
Wrong answer (to which we are often drawn):  Do it alone. Do it privately. It's safer and more convenient.

Right answer (which, for Christians accords with our philosophy of Christian Community): Do it with trusted mentors because that truly is safer.  Some will argue that I write from an Extroverted perspective here (and I do).  But they're wrong if they miss the principle.  The principle is about mentoring and connection and accountability.  Introverts may need to get these things through different means than the Extrovert but they surely have the same basic needs (connection/significance) and face the same basic realities (isolation breeds depression and disconnection with reality).

Here's some 'remote mentoring' from John Adams (via David McCullough):
“Rather than literally burning the midnight oil, which he judged to be unhealthy, John Adams advised his son to make the most of college by developing an inquisitive outlook that would prompt him to get to know the most exceptional scholars and question them closely. "Ask them about their tutors, manner of teaching. Observe what books lie on their tables. Fall into questions of literature, science, or what you will.”
― David McCullough

How is your battle with isolation going?  Any steps you want to take to further real connection?