Embracing Masculinity
Embracing your masculinity is a journey unique to you, one that goes beyond societal expectations and stereotypes. It's about discovering and nurturing the version of manhood that feels authentic and true to who you are, rather than conforming to a predefined set of attributes or behaviors often dictated by culture or tradition. Tradition and culture are fine to the point where their notions of masculinity/femininity begin to cause harm. Here in the United States so many of us are defined by the Christian Right where males are taught dominance, self-reliance, homophobia, emotional repression, etc. These ways of operating ultimately cause a lot of harm especially in romantic relationships and when it comes to intimacy.
Think of masculinity not as a rigid standard to live up to, but as a personal concept that you get to define. This means taking a step back to examine the messages you’ve received from church, your childhood, or other men about what it means to be a man and deciding which of those messages align with your values. It's about identifying what your unique needs and wants are as a man and building your own version of masculinity around that. A version that celebrates your individuality and embraces authenticity!
This journey requires courage, self-awareness, and strength. Confronting and dismantling years of social conditioning is not easy. You’ll need to be vulnerable, acknowledge the misconceptions you’ve held, and be honest with yourself about who you are and who you want to be. This process is not about abandoning or dissolving your masculinity but rather redefining it in a way that enriches your life and resonates with your personal truth.
If you are reading this blog you most definitely value your masculinity and want to see it as a good thing. I can imagine that is hard in a society where we see violent men doing a lot of harm sexually and otherwise. You aren’t them. You are sweet, kind, good, and self-aware. You might even also be kinky, dominant, horny, and the like. You can be all of those things! That's the fun of redefining your masculinity (sexuality), you get to be all the things you are without shame, guilt, or fear!
By embracing a version of masculinity that is healthy and authentic, you not only liberate yourself from the constraints of toxic stereotypes but also pave the way for a cultural shift. Your choice to live authentically can inspire others to rethink their own views on masculinity, fostering a more open, empathetic society that values genuine connections over superficial adherence to gender roles. Your work, albeit personal, will set a wave in motion for others. They will see your confidence, integrity, and self awareness planting the seed that they can have that too.
Remember, embracing your masculinity is an ongoing process. It's about continually questioning, learning, and growing. Understand that masculinity intersects with various aspects of identity, including race, sexuality, and socio-economic background, making your experience of it uniquely your own. Most men come to me to work on the sex and relationships part of their masculinity and what they find is that the work we do bleeds into other areas like family, work, community, etc.
In this journey, you have the opportunity to construct a version of masculinity that is not only fulfilling for you but also contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation of what it means to be a man today. It’s a path that requires patience, humility, and a willingness to unmask the real you, but it’s undoubtedly a path worth taking. Pursueyourwild.as.me to schedule your free call!