A Man's Journey to Embracing Himself

Introduction:

In the fast-paced world, we live in, it's easy for men to lose sight of the most crucial relationship in their lives—the one they have with themselves. A strong, positive connection with oneself forms the foundation for personal growth, emotional well-being, and thriving relationships with others.

In the words of George Bernard Shaw:

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no “brief candle” for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

Personally, I have tried to crack this code for so long, how do we connect to ourselves? Especially as men. So many ‘gurus’ out there dictate and support either a very principled approach or that of the Alpha, Beta and Now Zeta Male Framework. You are not meant to fit in a specific box, you may find guidance through happenstance or resonate with a message outside of yourself, but the path still remains your own.

As a father and previously disempowered man, I had to face the fact that I did not have a fatherly role model, I did not have a clear blueprint of how to have a healthy relationship with myself or other men, especially the opposite sex and emotions were a no-go.

The result of the above-mentioned led me to have an identity crisis, alongside imposter syndrome, low confidence and a lack of vision in my life. I soon realised that SOMETHING had to change, that something being my perspective, my story and my actions. As I started forging this path the new foundation I would be cultivating would be one of trust and curiosity. I was getting to know a whole new person and connecting with that knowing.

The Essence of Self-Connection:

Having a deep relationship with oneself means knowing and accepting who you truly are, including strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and aspirations. It's about being in tune with your emotions and thoughts without judgment, allowing for self-compassion and growth. When you prioritize this bond with yourself, you open the door to endless possibilities and a more fulfilling life.

Why it Matters:

1. Authenticity: A strong self-connection breeds authenticity. Embracing your true self empowers you to be genuine in your interactions with others, creating more meaningful and lasting connections.

2. Resilience: Life is full of challenges, and a healthy relationship with oneself builds resilience. When you face setbacks, self-connection serves as an anchor, helping you bounce back stronger.

3. Empathy and Understanding: Understanding your own emotions and experiences enhances your capacity for empathy towards others. It enables you to relate to their struggles and provide genuine support.

4. Confidence and Assertiveness: Knowing your worth and capabilities boosts self-confidence and allows you to assert yourself in both personal and professional settings.

5. Positive Mental Health: A strong self-connection can protect against mental health issues. It fosters self-acceptance and reduces the likelihood of falling into negative thought patterns.

Where do you start with this journey? Do we focus on symptoms, pop a pill or do we start getting clear on the foundation that we are built on? Take a moment before you read any further and answer these questions:

• What did your father represent to you in your life? A hero, a villain, a safe space, a provider?

• What are 3 things that you learned from him? And how are those 3 learnings being implemented in your life today?

• Was or is your father present, happy and fulfilled? If yes or no why?

• Now looking at all the above are you struggling with some of the same stories, ideas and narratives around your own life?

Here are the Pillars I use with My clients

The Core - Your Identity:

Having a healthy relationship with oneself is akin to knowing who you truly are at the core. Understanding one's values, passions, strengths, and weaknesses is vital for making authentic decisions in life. When a man is in sync with himself, he can set clear goals that align with his values and bring genuine satisfaction.

You may be struggling here if you’re: Feeling lost, confused, or purposeless, making choices solely to please others, or experiencing a lack of enthusiasm for life's pursuits.

Emotional Awareness and Expression:

A strong self-connection allows a man to recognize and embrace his emotions without judgment. It enables him to express feelings openly and assertively, fostering better communication in personal and professional relationships. Emotional intelligence becomes a superpower, enhancing empathy and understanding towards others.

You may be struggling here if you’re: Suppressing emotions, constant anger or irritability, difficulty in articulating feelings, or being dismissive of others' emotions.

Resilience and Self-Compassion:

A man who has developed a relationship with himself practices self-compassion and shows resilience in the face of challenges. Instead of berating himself for mistakes, he learns from them and grows stronger. This resilience allows him to face adversity with a positive outlook and emerge as a more empowered individual.

You may be struggling here if you’re: Engaging in self-destructive behaviours, excessive self-criticism, or feeling overwhelmed by life's setbacks.

Nurturing Mental and Physical Health:

A strong self-connection and having a community entails caring for one's mental and physical well-being. It encourages a man to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity, creativity, and overall life satisfaction.

Within the lower levels of social support in men were strongly correlated with increased restriction of emotions, particularly between men, which in turn was associated with increased psychological distress as stated by Wester S. R.

You may be struggling here if you’re: Neglecting self-care, experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, or engaging in unhealthy habits.

Pursuit of Passions and Creativity:

Men who have a positive relationship with themselves tend to explore and pursue their passions fearlessly. This willingness to embrace creativity opens doors to innovative thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression, making them genius creators and influential speakers in their own right.

You may be struggling here if you’re: Suppressing creative impulses, feeling stuck in a monotonous routine, or having a sense of unfulfilled aspirations.

Signs You Need to Strengthen Your Relationship with Yourself:

1. Persistent Self-Doubt: Constantly second-guessing one's abilities and feeling inadequate in various aspects of life may indicate underlying self-esteem issues. Recognizing and addressing these doubts is essential for building confidence and self-assurance.

2. Difficulty in Handling Emotions: Suppressing emotions or experiencing frequent mood swings without understanding their root causes may signify a lack of emotional awareness. Learning to process emotions in a healthy way leads to better emotional regulation and more meaningful connections with others.

3. Fear of Vulnerability: Avoiding vulnerability can hinder the development of intimate relationships. Men who struggle to express their feelings or fears to loved ones might benefit from exploring the reasons behind their reluctance and working on becoming more emotionally open.

4. Chronic Stress and Anxiety: Persistent stress and anxiety could be indicative of internal conflicts or unresolved issues. Engaging in self-reflection and seeking support can help identify stress triggers and implement effective coping mechanisms.

5. Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in every endeavour may lead to immense pressure and self-criticism. Embracing imperfections and learning from failures fosters growth and resilience.

6. Difficulty in Setting Boundaries: Struggling to say "no" or feeling overwhelmed by others' expectations may indicate a lack of self-assertiveness. Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial for maintaining balance and self-respect.

7. Lack of Self-Care: Neglecting physical and emotional well-being due to a sense of unworthiness can have adverse effects on health. Prioritizing self-care demonstrates self-value and fosters a healthier relationship with oneself.

How to Cultivate a Stronger Relationship with Yourself:

1. Practice Self-Reflection: Set aside time regularly to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery.

2. Embrace Imperfections: Acknowledge that nobody is perfect, and imperfections are a natural part of being human. Embrace them with self-compassion.

3. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and establish boundaries to protect your well-being and priorities.

4. Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.

5. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek the guidance of a coach, community, therapist or counsellor if you find it challenging to navigate your emotions and thoughts on your own.

Conclusion

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, men often find themselves entangled in various roles and responsibilities, leaving little time for introspection. I get it, we don’t want to make time for all the emotional things, as it was never prioritised when we were growing up.

However, the importance of having a strong relationship with oneself, and a community of like-minded men cannot be emphasized enough. A man's self-connection lays the foundation for a fulfilling and balanced life, enabling him to navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, and unleash his true potential.

If you have 2 minutes to spare read on…

Take a Moment and Reflect. The time for excuses is over. It's time to face the truth: we all have areas in our lives where we can improve our health, but we choose to sabotage ourselves. We make excuses and find reasons to avoid engaging in healthy behaviour.
Where do you stand? Take a moment to reflect on your own hierarchy of health. Are you leading or lagging in certain areas? Personally, I struggled with understanding my emotions, battling imposter syndrome, and communicating effectively in my relationships. It's not easy to confront these shortcomings, but it's necessary if we want to grow and thrive.
The choice is yours. Now, here's the part where it's up to you. Are you willing to take action? Are you ready to make the shift towards a healthier lifestyle? It won't be easy, but the choice is yours to make. The power to transform your life lies within you, waiting to be unleashed.