The reality of this world is….men deal with struggles. I do, I’m not going to lie. I deal with it daily and part of it is because of my personality and who I am and the experiences that have gotten me to this place. It’s a place of uncertainty and whether I’m good enough for anything in my life. Writing, podcasting, clothing line, me as a man, you name it, I think about it.
Another reality is, most men won’t admit to what we think about and struggle with. The social stigmas of money, sex, sports and cars as all we think about is nowhere near true. The majority of us deal with internal struggles and we don’t talk about it all. That’s the biggest reason for writing, “The Struggles and Growth of a Man” Series.
There are so many social stigmas that we as men face. We have to be strong, tough (physically and mentally) and emoting is not something we do. Sports is what men do, even though so many of us are built for different things. We’re apparently born to lead but sadly a lot of us aren’t shown that. A lot of us have to learn based on example or what society shows us daily.
In today’s world, we don’t have TV shows with positive messages on what a man is and should be. Most men on TV are dumb, big, fat, lazy and buffoons and it’s structured that way for a reason. It’s social conditioning and a lot of the men we look up to aren’t the best examples.
To be honest, I had examples of it but briefly, I learned right from wrong early on. An emotional being is what I am but it’s because I care about others and the world. I’ve become a man that keeps a lot inside and I know a lot of young men personally who do the same. Is it healthy? Not necessarily but it’s how we get by.
Last summer, I took a leap of faith and got help for what I was dealing with mentally and spiritually. I got help and did online therapy for two months and it was so helpful. My therapist (who will remain nameless) is a savior and I’m thankful for GOD bringing her into my life. She took her time with me but she asked me tough questions that made me look at myself inside to outside.
There are a lot of things from my childhood that contribute to where I am mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Experiences shape who we are at this very moment and time. It’s our truth, it’s who we are, it’s how we think, view the world and a plethora of other things.
Writing the Struggles series (Amazon and other bookstores), I wanted to make Robert a spokesman for all men and what we go through at times. Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, bad decisions, struggles, personal growth, therapy, love, decision-making and so many other things. Robert is a little of me and every other man who deals with things mentally daily.
Remember we as men are always a work in progress and we should continue to improve ourselves mentally. It all starts in the mind and having that peace before anything else.
Be good everyone and go accomplish your goals!
Jamell Crouthers
Aquarianmind
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