Manly Hood

The male species continually surprises me and never seizes to amaze me. I know I have written a post here or there in the past about my beliefs on the struggle for manly hood. More recently, I have gotten a glimpse into men who are going through what will most likely be some of the most difficult moments in their lives and how they have reacted. From just my own experience, it seems as though the older the man the more difficult the experience seems to be for them to endure. Part of me believes that has something to do with some sort of generation gap- a sort of upbringing in the 60s in a household with parents whom did not promote the discussion of feelings or recognition of them at all. Think Betty Draper parenting style al-la Mad Men. With younger men, I have started to see the amazing and sometimes unimaginable strength they have to make it through something no matter what. The difference here I think is the community of other men they have surrounded themselves with for support. A community of extremely mentally sound and hard working young men who know what they want and know they can and will go after it together and accomplish it as a team. I am so impressed by this positive mental attitude that I think we ladies (I am really speaking for myself here and anyone else who feels like this speaks to them) could learn a little something from here. Sometimes, actually many times in life, we are going to have to endure situations that are less than favorable. Whether they be emotionally or physically taxing, we know before they come that they are eminent and will most likely suck. But if we know it is a means to an end, and just except that it is actually going to ‘suck’ for a certain period of time- we are more able to get through it, move past it, and hopefully learn even more from it. I think for these extraordinary men I am describing here it is more of a matter of perception. For example, my brother has been at boot camp for about 65 days now. His letters have gone from “I am having a really tough time adjusting” in the very beginning to “I am have an awesome time here and am making some great friends” in his most recent letter. Last I checked, boot camp is rarely described as “fun” but this young man has changed his attitude so much so that he is actually enjoying himself. So if  you are one of those men out there and are reading this- and you know who you are (because I want to remain completely discreet)- I just want to say thank you so much for being who you are- for being great to those I love and for continuing to move forward. You are an inspiration to all of us, even in the small obstacles of our lives- you set an example for accepting nothing less than strong community and greatness J

xoxo AA