I realized something this week: I carry a lot of weight. Not physically or emotionally. I mean a lot of baggage. Not bitterness nor hate, but heavy issues. Life altering issues. I know, I know. As men, we're supposed to carry the load. We handle the weight that women and children will never understand or even see.
As true as this fact is, holding on to those issues so much, so tightly, can sometimes cause more harm than good. Keeping such a grip on these problems can eventually affect the people you hold near and dear to you. This weight, this pain, this anguish you are experiencing towards these issues is... the suffering. A state brought on by life overwhelming you with no outlet to release the pressure.
This suffering is usually done in silence and can be viewed as an act of strength. Many are not equipped to deal with the world like this. Those that can, overlooked the other side of that suffering.
The fear.
The fear of looking weak to family and friends. The fear of not being the man you claimed to be. The fear of losing... again.
So, you suffer with these issues alone until they affect your mental. Next is your emotions. And finally, the suffering wears you down physically. Once the ball begins to roll, this suffering can destroy EVERYTHING! You, your loved ones, and your purpose.
So, how do we avoid this suffering?
How do we off load some of this weight?
HOW do we ask for help?
And who in the HELL can we ask???
The Answer:
The Trusted Few.
The ones who celebrate your wins like it's their own. The ones who share what they have learned on their journey. The ones who, out of the blue, check to see if you are "good." AND the ones who don't hesitate to tell you " you have to get over this fear, this embarrassment you dealing with. I got you, if you need me." (Thank you, Walt Factual. I really do appreciate you for that. For real.)
These are the people who will plan with you, battle with you and (at the very least) pray for you.
As men, we do handle a lot, but don't allow that excess baggage to affect those around you. Allow them the chance to lend an ear. That may be all you need... to carry on.
B. WAYNE
