Our society has long proclaimed what they believe comprises the measure of a man – courage and bravery; dominance and power; unfeeling and cold.
These distinctions are nothing new however. From the dawn of the caveman to the ancient Romans to those roaming the earth this very day, men have continuously defined themselves by their strength, NOT their emotions.
We see sensitivity and emotional expression as a flaw in the armor that protects the reputation of masculinity – often questioning any man who dances to the beat of a much different drum. I’ve personally spent years battling this stigma – always more in tune with my emotional side, rather than caring to support the antiquated beliefs of my gender.
I’ve come to understand that the measure of one’s manhood goes well beyond the strengths we deem so very important in our society. A man who can be sensitive to those around him, to be compassionate and caring with the smallest child to the oldest adult is a quality I’m personally proud to possess, and wish more people did. I’d rather be remembered as a man who brought unconditional love and support to a person’s life, then simply blending in with a sea of stereotypical copy-cats.
International psychic, destiny coach and author Anthon St. Maarten, is credited with a quote I find truly inspiring.
“Highly sensitive people are too often perceived as weaklings or damaged goods. To feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness, it is the trademark of the truly alive and compassionate. It is not the empath who is broken, it is society that has become dysfunctional and emotionally disabled. There is no shame in expressing your authentic feelings. Those who are at times described as being a ‘hot mess’ or having ‘too many issues’ are the very fabric of what keeps the dream alive for a more caring, humane world. Never be ashamed to let your tears shine a light in this world.”
