Vulnerability and the future

Over the years I have been told that men should be rough, tough, non-emotional, provide, and protect their feelings. All around us, men are told to subdue nurturing thoughts and actions, men are told to hold in their emotions or feelings to protect masculinity at its best. What are you protecting? The right to hold a hammer, to be the boss, or simply to be seen in as a stud? Masculinity is much more than the toughness of a man. The soft, gentle, and vulnerable man is one who will change the world for the better. We all need men who will stand up for what is right, not for an image. 

For years, I have fought with myself and others about who I should be or become. I have been told over an over again that I should act or speak a specific way. I have been told I couldn't do things or would not accomplish things. In every situation, I took the impossible on, and success was found. In each of these moments, I found a little more of who I am and what my potential is to become. We are made up of moments, connections, and actions. Each of these play a particular part in our futures. The most important things I learned along this journey has been the fact that communication, honesty, and vulnerability make me stronger. 

Recognizing we are unable to do everything alone and that we need to learn will only bring greater knowledge and amazing joy. Learning is part of life and should be part of each day. Being willing to be vulnerable enough to admit you are wrong, don't have all the answers, and want something better all contribute to an amazing future. So many of us only see what we have right now and lose sight of our potential, God's grace, and don't forget some good old fashioned hard work. 

There are those who will sit back and be a victim of their circumstance and never feel joy or experience real success. Success is not determined by money, titles, or awards. Success should always be determined by your inward feelings and emotions about who you are or will become. The success of knowing who you are and a desire to give of yourself will bring greater reward in the areas of money, titles, and public achievements. I am not saying that your inward success will guarantee career success. I am saying that when you make this outward success happen there will be a greater sense of accomplishment or success. I have talked with many who feel empty even though they are the leader of a large organization or have earned lots of money. The emptiness they are feeling is the lack of inward success. 

In order to gain this amazing kind of success you much begin with being vulnerable. Be open with yourself. Acknowledge your failures, but make sure you do not dwell upon them to long. Make sure to move forward, making plans, and then get off your butt to work hard. Stop pitying yourself, start empowering yourself. Be open with those who love you; wife, husband, children, girlfriend, boyfriend, and good friend. They want to support you because you have supported them.

Last of all, never give up on your dreams! I mean, NEVER! When you made those dreams did you intend to give up because of hardship? I don't think you ever saw the hardship, you only saw the dream. The dream does not have to fade because hard happens. Now that you know, plan for the hard and respond with learning, then apply right away. Your dreams are yours and should never be given up on.

Live Your Dream!