Sometimes, learning about the power within us as men arrives in the most wonderful ways.
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Taking life one step at a time recently unveiled into a deeper meaning.
After spending time with some friends one morning, I was driving past a rehabilitation hospital. A woman had her camera out and looked like she was taking pictures of either her boyfriend or husband making careful strides down a small set of stairs outside. He was using crutches quite gently and looked like he was making solid progress.
It left me feeling grateful for the simpler things that I have in my life. I also was moved by this man’s bravery to take one step, just a single step, forward.
Sometimes, I cut myself way short on the bravery scale. I see something like that and say that I really don’t have any problems. Well, I have problems but overcoming a serious physical issue like lack of mobility is not one of them.
Could it be possible that some men sell themselves short? There are so many men in my life that I’d definitely call brave. Whether they are overcoming life-threatening illnesses, dysfunctional family systems, financial setbacks, a myriad of addictions or employment problems, I see them as powerful in their own way.
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When journaling, I’ll write that I am a warrior of the light and seeker of the truth.
To me, warriors of the light look to shine their own inner brightness and gold from within back outward to the universe.
This could be true for both men and women. Both sexes have powerful light energy in them. Sounds too woo-woo for you, eh? Look within and see your own gold. You have it and it does not matter what you have done or where you have been. It is there.
Now this seeker-of-the-truth bit is up to each person’s own discretion. Truth for someone might be false for another. I’m not going to play judge and jury. What I can say is that I believe we all have an intuition within us. Listening and following that gut instinct takes a willingness to avoid living in your head and more in your heart.
That is one description of bravery.
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If I asked you to describe the last time a brave person came into your life, then could you describe the scene? Like what you saw, how they were brave, and how it made you feel?
Don’t give me the “feelings aren’t facts” speech. Thanks. At least they can be an inner road map to guide you to deeper reservoirs of answers to these questions.
Many associate bravery with the military, serving one’s country in any of the Armed Forces for a number of years. Others liken it to standing up against voices that would demean or dehumanize people.
Can’t we agree to disagree and be human about it? I don’t get along or necessarily agree with every issue that friends of mine stand for in their lives. Yet there is a deeper connection, a heart connection that I have with these men and women. I’ve just reached a point where that matters more than issues or topics that would tear us apart.
I guess part of me is turning all Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man soft.
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There is power and bravery in being empathetic. Look at the people who reach out and offer a hand up. From very recent and current experiences, I can tell you it takes a deep well of empathy to do this very thing.
Might I add that it takes an openness and willingness to ask for and receive help? As a man, there are many “shoulds” that crop up between my ears. For instance, I “should” not ask for help, I “should” not accept help, and I “should” feel ashamed and be filled with shame all the time.
What a crock.
Bravery also can be standing up for yourself, asking for what you want, and trusting that everything – even the most painful experiences – can deliver life lessons.
My hope for all of us is that we can embrace, love and own that brave, powerful part of our lives. The more that you and I can do this on a consistent basis, then the better man within me shows up. That damaged, ego-filled man transforms into a healing human being.
In your life, be brave. We all need daily reminders of those powerful hearts and souls that reside inside us.
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Photo: Getty Images
Great piece! Empathy is key…and I have to agree with you – “shoulds” are “a crock”!