Scott Turner Embracing Change and Personal Growth
As I navigate the ever-changing river of life writing to you regarding the concept of redefining manhood, I am would like to share two quotes that have shaped my personal growth. The first comes from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who famously said,
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
Each new experience shapes us and changes us, creating a unique journey for every individual. The second quote that has influenced my journey is one that I coined myself:
“You don’t know what you don’t know, until you know it.”
This phrase reminds me to approach life with curiosity and a willingness to learn, even in the face of uncertainty or discomfort.
As men, our true essence lies in our ability to grow, learn, and evolve. We are not static beings but are shaped by our experiences and challenges throughout life. Embracing change and staying open to new perspectives is essential to discovering our true selves. When we make mistakes, we have the opportunity to reflect, learn, and become better versions of ourselves. By breaking free from rigid societal expectations and embracing change, we can redefine what it means to be a man and create a more compassionate and fulfilling future.
Breaking Free from Silent Suffering
For many men, silent suffering is the reality they face when they struggle to express their emotions. One of the main reasons for this is pride. Admitting that they are struggling or need help can be seen as a sign of weakness, which goes against everything they have been taught about what it means to be a man.
This conditioning can lead to emotional suppression and an inability to seek help when needed. Men may feel like they need to tough it out and go it alone, even when it’s not the best course of action. Unfortunately, this can exacerbate the problem and lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
By acknowledging the role that pride plays in this issue, men can start to break free from the unspoken rules that govern their behavior. They can recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By embracing these values and learning to prioritize their own mental health and well-being, men can lead more fulfilling lives and create a brighter future for themselves and those around them.
“Suffering In Silence
It is absolutely terrifying the kind of deep suffering the happiest looking people are able to hide inside themselves.”
– Nikita Gill
Silent suffering is a harsh reality for many men, myself included. As someone who struggles with expressing my emotions and asking for help, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to break free.
However, I’ve come to realize that prioritizing myself and embracing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of true strength. While I have not yet mastered the art of expressing my feelings, I am actively working on it and have seen the benefits firsthand. By seeking help when needed and allowing myself to be vulnerable, I have been able to lead a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Prioritizing Mental Health
With a newfound understanding of the importance of personal growth and the impact of societal expectations on mental health, I have come to recognize the need for addressing mental health struggles. In today’s fast-paced world, we are bombarded with immeasurable amounts of stress, which can take a toll on our mental well-being. While I have made progress in prioritizing my mental health, I still struggle at times to balance everything.
Through my journey, I have learned that leaning on God for guidance and strength is essential to overcoming the challenges that life presents. Adversity builds character, and it’s through these struggles that we can grow and become better versions of ourselves. However, I have also come to understand that mental health and life are a balancing act. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed, whether it’s through support of loved ones or other support group.
I want to emphasize that while I am still on this journey of growth and personal development, I am committed to continuing to prioritize my mental health and well-being. By doing so, I am better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and be a more present and engaged partner and father.
- Men accounted for 69.67% of suicide deaths in the United States in 2019 (Source: https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/).
- A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that 48% of adults in the United States reported experiencing increased stress levels in 2020, highlighting the need for prioritizing mental health amidst rising stress (Source: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report-october).
Redefining Success and Failure
To fully embrace the fluid nature of manhood, I’ve had to shift my perspective on success and failure. Rather than viewing failure as a permanent blemish on my character, I now see it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Every mistake and misstep is a chance to learn and develop resilience, empathy, and wisdom. By embracing failure as an essential part of the journey, I’ve been able to redefine my understanding of success and become a stronger, more resilient man.
Navigating Masculinity through Faith and Reflection
As a man, I’ve learned that embracing my faith and seeking quiet time for reflection is just as important as being strong and providing for my family. Books like “Twenty-Four Hours a Day” and “You Can Count on God” by Max Lucado offer daily meditations and messages of hope, reminding me to turn to God for guidance and strength in times of struggle. By incorporating their teachings into my daily life, I have found a greater sense of peace and purpose.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” -Ezekiel 36:26
Strengthening Family Dynamics through Faith and Reflection
As I’ve embraced my faith and made time for quiet reflection, I’ve noticed a positive shift in my family dynamics. By prioritizing my spiritual growth and seeking guidance from God, I am better equipped to be a supportive and nurturing father. My family has also benefited from my increased sense of gratitude and perspective, as I’m more present and engaged in our daily lives.
Through my own journey of faith and reflection, I’ve learned that true strength and masculinity come from a place of humility and a willingness to seek help and guidance when needed. By embracing these values and incorporating them into my daily life, I’ve become a better man and father to my kids.
The Power of Humility and Empathy in Personal Growth
In my journey of self-discovery, I came to understand the importance of humility and empathy in shaping my growth and understanding of myself and others. These values allowed me to recognize my limitations and accept my imperfections, as well as approach others with an open mind and heart.
“Don’t think less of yourself, just think of yourself less.” -Ken Blanchard
Overcoming Judgment: Focusing on Your Own Journey
Throughout my journey, I have encountered people who seemed to be constantly waiting for me to fail, never forgetting my past mistakes and acting as though they themselves had never made any errors. It can be disheartening to feel judged by others, but it is essential to recognize that their judgments are often more a reflection of their insecurities and fears than an accurate assessment of my worth or capabilities.
In the face of such judgment, I have learned to focus on my growth and the lessons I’ve learned from my past mistakes. As Heraclitus’ quote suggests, I am not the same person I was when I made those mistakes – I have evolved and changed. When confronted with judgmental individuals, I practice empathy and remind myself that everyone makes mistakes, and their judgments likely stem from their own personal struggles.
I have also learned the importance of surrounding myself with supportive and understanding people who recognize my growth and encourage me to continue evolving. My journey is not about pleasing others, but about becoming the best version of myself. As I continue to grow and learn, I develop resilience and the ability to navigate through the challenges of life, regardless of the judgments and expectations of others.
“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday” -Anonymous
My Personal Growth Adventure
My journey through life has been like a roller coaster, full of highs and lows, but with a whole lot of growth and self-discovery along the way. I’ve faced some real challenges. Through it all, I’ve become a stronger, more understanding, and kinder version of myself.
Learning to be humble and empathetic has helped me see where other people are coming from, and to be more open to their experiences. My favorite saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know, until you know it,” has been a big part of this journey. As I keep moving through life, I’m always growing, changing, learning and becoming a better man with each step.
Call to Action – Unleash Your True Potential
In what ways can you challenge yourself to become a better version of yourself and create a more compassionate, understanding, and fulfilled future?
Ready to embrace change and redefine manhood in today’s world? I challenge you to take the first step towards unleashing your true potential by identifying an area in your life where you can break free from societal expectations or overcome judgment. Develop a plan, commit to consistent action, and surround yourself with a supportive network.
Remember, progress equals happiness.
Together, let’s create a more compassionate, understanding, and fulfilled future. So, take that first step today and ignite the lasting change within yourself and the world around you.
