I want to be the best man I can be. But what exactly does that mean, to be a man? If you ask me this, I reflect back to a time when I was at Starbucks, and I saw a man playing a game of backgammon with his son.
For some reason, seeing this man play this game with this little child got me thinking about the life mistakes I've made, the lessons I've learned, and the people who have come-and-gone in my life that have left a little piece of themselves with me. No matter how insignificant the contributions, I'm the
person I am today because of these relationships and interactions I've had with these individuals. You are the same.
The person you are has been formed by the people in your life. This fact can freak me out because I realize this means that I'm forming the lives of people that I come in contact with. You are too. And I realize that with all of you watching me, I realize that's a big responsibility. Which got me
thinking even further about who I am, the type of person I am, and the type of guy I am…. in other words, the type of man I am and want to be.
During this time of reflection, I made a list of key elements and characteristics that I feel make up a man. Just because you have a package does not make you a man-- that makes you a male. The fact that you can get a woman pregnant doesn't make you a man-- it makes you a male. How you handle your responsibilities, however, makes you a man.
I really like this Vin Diesel quote; however, I would change "being a man is a matter of age" to "being a man is a matter of values".
A man doesn't lie to make himself sound more important or more interesting. He tells the truth above all else. A man is honorable and does the right thing when doing the wrong thing may be easier or more beneficial even financially. A man is has a strong character and is compassionate. He feels &
shows sympathy & concern for others and even tries to help.
A man is educated. Now, I'm not saying you need years of college to be educated. What I'm talking about is a man who seeks knowledge. He knows what's going on in the world around him and not just what's happening in the latest reality show. A man is a hard worker. With this point, I'm not saying that you have to be able to plow a field with your bare hands. What I'm referring to is: when a man has a goal, he busts his ass until the goal is accomplished. He doesn't let anyone or
anything stand in his way.
A man is introspective. He's in touch with his feelings and emotions. He enjoys getting to know the person he is. A man is a leader. Here I'm not talking about leading your troops into battle. I'm talking about leading others and even yourself in the best direction. Following is the easy thing to do. A
man picks a path in a specific direction and follows it for himself even when the going gets tough.
A man is responsible, takes responsibility for his obligations, and handles his business. Notice that no time have I said anything about being ‘fast’ or ‘strong’ or ‘tall’ or ‘macho’. I never mentioned anything about sleeping with women either. Those things don't make you a man. The foundation in which you lead your life and affect other people that makes you a man.
So as I said, I want to be a man, and I want
you to be a man as well. If we live our lives with those values, we're not only going to change ourselves, we're going to change and affect the world around us. So man up! Who's with me?
Alpha M. POST of the
WEEK
Hello there guys, opinions on this casual outfit? Paired a dark denim pair of jeans with a blue shirt and a suede brown jacket (yes, I know the jacket is oversized. It was a
gift.)
This post came from Alpha M. Consulting Facebook group which features all types of engagement- from fitness and style, to grooming and dating. Want to be part of the action? We'd love to have you. Join in the conversation ALPHA M. FACEBOOK
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