For 15+ years I've kept a running version of the thoughts below. Through those years, as I've struggled with many issues, I've referenced these words often - since awakening 10 days ago, I have relied even more heavily on them to remind me of who I strive and need to be. With my recent new insight - I've made slight modifications and I felt that someone else may find value or strength in these words - perhaps this should be considered poetry, but I consider it more of a mantra that gives me reference, grounding and focus. It has definitely calmed me and brought focus from a rough night last night. -mike


Don't just be a man....

Be present in the moment,
...as if each one is your last.
Be decisive and dependable,
...a pillar of constancy to those you know.
Be independent and free,
...from your past, your future, your fears.
Live with honesty, integrity and truth,
...you are accountable to only yourself.
Be considerate, compassionate and kind,
...then be part of something bigger.
Be someone to admire,
...a husband, a father, a friend.
Lead and do so by example,
...so that you make a statement with your life.
Maintain a healthy body, mind and soul,
...it is your right and responsibility.
Have courage to stand among men,
...worthy, deserving and entitled to do so.
Live, love, laugh, and most importantly,
...leave life with no regrets.

Don't just be a victim.
Don't just be a survivor.
Don't be less than you rightfully deserve.

Be a man..... be a Real Man.

Some of the best words I've yet to read on this site!

PEACE....

Hi, my fraternal brothers,

Wow, pretty powerful words.

I am doing my very best in trying to bring little Pete along to become the "Real Man" that he is. A work still in progress.

Heal well, my brothers, heal well.

"I will take that lost boys hand, and i will lead him from the depths of darkness, into the sunshine, forever into eternity." As he is me...A real man.

Pete..Irishmoose.

Thanks Kyle and Peter - time to print out the new version to put in my walled. The old one was pretty worn - Be strong and well, but most of all, be a Real Man - mike

Thanks Mike it is going on my bathroom mirror today Mike

Thanks mike!

I may post this somewhere in my office


Jamie

Being a real man for me is being myself. Attaching attitudes and gratitudes in being a "real" man has NOT been a good outcome b/c I used to attach to OTHERS definition of a "real" man. I wear earrings BUT I also shave my face everyday.

I have always been "challenged" since I was a little boy to be real and a man.

Mike,

Thanks for writing out a definition of a "real" man that I can live up to.

Donnie

Donnie,

Donnie, you hit it on the head. You have to have your own definition and know what it is that matters to you. The words I wrote have and most likely will continue to evolve. But in my gut, it basically captures what I believe it captures what I feel I need to purse and strive to be.

We're all individuals and we don't all fit into these highly specified and unrealistically defined buckets.

Hey, I might even go out and get an earing or two just to celebrate our differences

Printing this out now...thank you for sharing mike.


Eric

I am a real man

thanks for describing me so nicely

MJ