Stronger Together
This blog is for men. Men, we have a reputation of burying our emotions. You know what I’m talking about. Strength means carrying the load alone, right? I’ve observed (and experienced) this aversion to sharing feelings. I’ve also observed that when men do gather, with the rare opportunity to remove distractions and reflect with other men, AMAZING THINGS happen.
Sadly, our busy lives don’t offer this opportunity often. Further, men just don’t have as many friends anymore. According to a recent American Survey report, men have fewer social ties overall than they used to, with only 27% of men in 2021 saying they had at least six close friends compared to 55% in 1990.
With fewer friends, busy lives, and egos (vulnerability means weakness), men are left with the perfect storm for emotional isolation. We’re left without a valuable outlet for support, friends!
While there are clearly times when we do have to “man up,” the reality is that we are stronger together. We find strength in our willingness to face our worries, and to share this with trusted friends. We find strength and wisdom in community.
How does sharing our vulnerability make us stronger? Let’s consider an analogy most men get… business. Imagine that you are a business owner. If you have important decisions to make, you engage others for information, analysis, and counsel. You’d want clarity on your business’s strengths and weaknesses. If you hide your business vulnerabilities to protect your ego, you might avoid the hard choices that your business needs to grow. The same holds true in our personal lives.
Men should also connect with other men to release stress. Emotions like anger, resentment, and worry build up like a pressure cooker inside of us. All too often, we bottle up this negative energy. Sharing with others provides a healthy release. Your body will find a way to release the energy one way or another, and we don’t want to take stress out in unhealthy or hurtful ways.
What’s next? Build a support system. Prioritize friends and fellowship with others. Reach out to friends you haven’t prioritized, find a men’s group, attend a men’s retreat, or join an organization. Find a place you can be your authentic self. A place you can share your worries and your dreams without worry of judgement. We are all stronger together!!
If you’d like to inquire about men’s support groups or the “Stronger Together” Men’s Fellowship & Camping Retreat, contact me @ chrisguz.counseling@gmail.com.
