What does it really mean to "show up" as a man in today's world? In this vulnerable, unfiltered conversation for Men's Mental Health Month, four men break down the walls of traditional masculinity to explore what happens when societal expectations clash with personal boundaries.
The dialogue begins with a seemingly simple question about showing up to commitments, but quickly evolves into a profound exploration of how men navigate the complex territory between obligation and self-preservation. "I don't do above and beyond any longer," one participant reveals, describing his shift from constant people-pleasing to measured engagement.
As the conversation deepens, the men share their personal journeys toward establishing what one calls an "impact level ratio" – weighing the cost of their emotional labor against the potential benefits. They discuss the painful process of recognizing toxic relationships, sometimes decades after hurtful words were spoken, and the challenge of setting boundaries with people who've come to expect constant availability.
Particularly moving is their collective realization that many men are carrying unspoken regrets about times they prioritized others' needs over their own wellbeing. "I didn't need to try so hard at life," one reflects, thinking back on years spent trying to meet expectations that nobody had actually verbalized.
Whether you're struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, wondering how to set healthier boundaries, or simply curious about how other men navigate the garden of their inner lives, this episode offers raw insights and practical wisdom. By the conversation's end, each participant shares what they're intentionally cultivating in their lives and what patterns they're working to uproot.
Listen now to this powerful exploration of masculine vulnerability, and consider what you might need to plant—or uproot—in your own life.
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Love Yourself; Love Your Neighbour; Love Your Country: Above all of these Love God He's the essence of Your Being.
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