Feelings…

When are we going to be able to talk about them freely?  No embarrassment, no shame, no hesitation, no “what will people think of me?” We all have feelings, except in very rare cases. 

However, this post is not about the population at large. It’s about our boys and men and how they have been raised and socialized. Raised and socialized, more often than not, to believe and, thereafter, act like nothing bothers them, nothing hurts them, nothing pierces their heart and soul. 

As the mother of a son, partner, peer, colleague, friend and healthcare provider, I’ve heard about the overt and covert messages our boys and men often receive…sadly from other boys and men…and also from girls and women. “Be tough. Suck it up. Don’t let them see you sweat. Don’t be a pussy.” (I hate that word SO very much but it comes up repeatedly 🤷🏻‍♀️.)

But they do sweat…they do hurt…they do cry… Unfortunately, it’s, oftentimes, an inside job and our suck it up culture contributes to that. How very lonely and destructive that can be.

-What can we do to foster trust and safety for our boys and men so that they, too, can explore and express themselves fully? 

-How can we help shift the narrative about what being a strong man looks like?

-Which boy or man in your life might benefit from a reminder that it’s ok to express vulnerable feelings without fear of backlash?

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