Wow. Thanks for sharing your story Derek! So many more people need to read this and resonate... I know I do. I always take digital detoxes and I am not addicted to my phone because I am quite disciplined after starting my business in 2020 and getting burnt out not long after... since then, I notice what you mean: people are stuck to their screens.
Your break seemed a breakthrough! I am so happy for you. I also love your "GPS" method - how cool. Keep showing up and sharing your story... I am also here to help raise the voices for men after my best friend passed away and I know he suffered a lot with not so many friends (me being his only one true friend). If ever you wanna collaborate, reach out!
Thank you so much for reading, Grace! I'm so sorry about your friend. That sounds so difficult to navigate. I really admire your commitment to lifting other people up—it's so palpable! Will be reaching out, I think collaborating would be a lot of fun!
Also, congrats on recalibrating after startup burnout. Been there... that's a shitty road to wade through. Let me know how it goes with the GPS method!
Thanks for being part of the journey, Christine! It’s been a fun project so far. I haven’t really found a downside to striving for more vulnerability yet… not sure if I will?
Wasn’t even written for me, and I needed it. Now 21 days into FB’s 30 day remorse period in case they can drag you back. I feel better in so many ways but a couple, “ir guess we’re not friends” texts (ummm, look, you have my actual number) and “it’s really hard to remember outside the group chat” (I’m just going to be ok with that. It says a lot.) I might be lonesome for what did not exist but I am more connected to what does.
I think a lot of men fear being vulnerable because it feels like complaining, and they don’t want to be a burden. They’d rather self implode. I think redefining “vulnerability” is a good place to start. To be fair it’s a big word. But you can be strong AND vulnerable. Most of it comes down to the language you use. Either way a good, older book that helps in explaining how men recede into their cave is Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus.
Great piece Derek, I'm glad more men are talking about loneliness, and sharing ways to unpick the habits that keep all of us trapped 🙏 I write about this quite a lot, so let me know if you ever want to collaborate or sync up 💛 keep going! 🧭
Derek, thank you so much for sharing this powerful post. It is brave and helpful not only to the men who are suffering in silence, but to the people who want to help them.
I shared a post a few weeks ago titled “I won’t chase men anymore, so I’ll stick to women” in reference to my coaching and mentoring community offerings for 50+ men.
It was out of frustration but rooted in my sincere desire to let them know there are spaces that they are welcome and can receive support.
Ps. You inspired my reel today
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN1l6Qw3l3O/?igsh=a25seDN3YnQxNzdj
Wow. Thanks for sharing your story Derek! So many more people need to read this and resonate... I know I do. I always take digital detoxes and I am not addicted to my phone because I am quite disciplined after starting my business in 2020 and getting burnt out not long after... since then, I notice what you mean: people are stuck to their screens.
Your break seemed a breakthrough! I am so happy for you. I also love your "GPS" method - how cool. Keep showing up and sharing your story... I am also here to help raise the voices for men after my best friend passed away and I know he suffered a lot with not so many friends (me being his only one true friend). If ever you wanna collaborate, reach out!
Thank you so much for reading, Grace! I'm so sorry about your friend. That sounds so difficult to navigate. I really admire your commitment to lifting other people up—it's so palpable! Will be reaching out, I think collaborating would be a lot of fun!
Also, congrats on recalibrating after startup burnout. Been there... that's a shitty road to wade through. Let me know how it goes with the GPS method!
Incredible piece, Derek. Thank you for this (vulnerable) share.
I look forward to learning about how your storytelling journey unfolds! It's a full body sport. You've got this!
Thanks for being part of the journey, Christine! It’s been a fun project so far. I haven’t really found a downside to striving for more vulnerability yet… not sure if I will?
Wasn’t even written for me, and I needed it. Now 21 days into FB’s 30 day remorse period in case they can drag you back. I feel better in so many ways but a couple, “ir guess we’re not friends” texts (ummm, look, you have my actual number) and “it’s really hard to remember outside the group chat” (I’m just going to be ok with that. It says a lot.) I might be lonesome for what did not exist but I am more connected to what does.
I think a lot of men fear being vulnerable because it feels like complaining, and they don’t want to be a burden. They’d rather self implode. I think redefining “vulnerability” is a good place to start. To be fair it’s a big word. But you can be strong AND vulnerable. Most of it comes down to the language you use. Either way a good, older book that helps in explaining how men recede into their cave is Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus.
Great piece Derek, I'm glad more men are talking about loneliness, and sharing ways to unpick the habits that keep all of us trapped 🙏 I write about this quite a lot, so let me know if you ever want to collaborate or sync up 💛 keep going! 🧭
Derek, thank you so much for sharing this powerful post. It is brave and helpful not only to the men who are suffering in silence, but to the people who want to help them.
I shared a post a few weeks ago titled “I won’t chase men anymore, so I’ll stick to women” in reference to my coaching and mentoring community offerings for 50+ men.
It was out of frustration but rooted in my sincere desire to let them know there are spaces that they are welcome and can receive support.
You did a way better job!
Restacking and sharing🤓