According to Osho, refuge-lessness and helplessness look alike: both lack outer support, but differ radically. Helplessness is negative: you crave a prop, fear grips you, and you sink without it. Refuge-lessness is affirmative: you stand on your own feet, trust your strength, and swim without boats; meditation and joy arise. Outward solitude remains, yet inwardly one is self-rooted, not dependent.
Helpless is like wanting a float and crying when it is missing; refuge-less is learning to swim and enjoying the water by yourself.