This week’s post is inspired by the amazing women that participated in my Strong Woman Spotlight over the past several weeks. I loved hearing those ladies’ stories and sometimes I find myself rereading them just because they motivate me so much. This week I would like to focus on the strong men in our lives.
Regarding campaigns like #MeToo and #Timesup, I’ve read that men think that it’s, “hard to be a man these days” and I can see why. With swift cultural change, it’s hard not to fall into an us versus them mentality. And it is natural for our brain to take “short cuts” which lumps all men as predators, perpetrators or even disrespectful or sexist. Sometimes the “other side” doesn’t always act appropriately either (see pics of women at women’s marches with signs that say, “If I had a dick I would pull it out and piss on them”). So I understand, it can be a confusing time.
But I would like to take this time to honor the men in our lives that have made us the women we are today. I consider myself a feminist, but that in no way means I hate men. Men’s roles in our lives are so important which is why we expect so much from them. They can be our supporters; emotionally, physically and/or financially. They can be our partners in life, or our partners in friendship. They have fascinating and complex thought patterns, they have their own language, and they are worth putting the time and energy in to create lasting relationships with them.
The men in my life have taught me invaluable life lessons. They have taught me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, that I am not to be taken advantage of in any way, shape, or form. They taught me that I can be physically strong and feminine at the same time. They taught me to run, play, dribble a basketball, lift weights, snowboard, and sing, act and dance. My relationship with men in my life has helped me grow my career and my business. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the men in my life.
It was also these men that taught me that I get to choose the men in my life. The power is within me to surround myself with men who support and respect me. They say things to me like, “Annie, how’s business going?”, rather than, “Does your husband want you to go back to work yet?” I was taught by men that it is my responsibility to teach men how to treat me. It that a tongue twister or what? I feel strong because I have surrounded myself with strong men. I feel smart and informed because the men I am around are smart and informed. I am not beaten down, have low self esteem, or feel less than, because the men around me don’t treat women that way.
So, this week, as strong, driven, and empowered women, let’s thank the men in our lives for all that they have done for us.
What have you learned from the men in your life that has made you a better woman?
Thanks for reading.
Mountain Mindset Counseling 