In a time when men everywhere are struggling to find an identity and in constant confusion, the answer to this state is right in front of us at our disposal. While we are constantly being inundated with information and ideologies around how men need to behave, how to act and what to say from all directions, what is needed is leadership and brotherhood.

The problem is that so many men have become attached to the idea of what they do with their lives rather than who they can be. This pursuit of an ideal set by someone else creates the chase of something often unattainable. Besides, there is no meaning in pursuing a goal you do not set for yourself. Additionally, from a neurological perspective, our body releases dopamine when we pursue something, not when we achieve it. Therefore, the focus must shift to the present moment and find meaning in every interaction, every action, every choice and every word we speak.

Surrendering is probably the hardest thing I have had to do, and something I am still working on every day. The act of surrendering and leaning into it has brought the most peace for me.

Part of this post was inspired by the book I am currently reading. Letting Go: The Pathway to Surrender by David Hawkins, which has given me more insight and awareness on the concept of surrendering.

Watching the Moroccan team during the World Cup was inspiring because of their ability to surprise their opponents and the unity they demonstrated in their act of surrender.

Vulnerability is something all of us men struggle with frequently. Feeling vulnerable is defined as feeling emotional uncertainty and feeling at risk of being exposed emotionally (Brown, 2012). But what does it mean to be vulnerable as a dad and how does it deepen relationships with children?

Feeling vulnerable is something many of us men silently struggle with.

We create these narratives in our head which ultimately become our source of programming in a culture that doesn’t reward us for being open. It takes conscious effort, reminders and repeated trials before it’s possible to change the conversations we have in our heads. But as fathers, it is even more essential for us to become vulnerable and role-models. If not just for us, then for our children.

Currently, mental health challenges have evolved and become more prominent in men. At the same time, our knowledge and conversations around mental health have also grown. Men struggle with vulnerability and mental health because these are two sides of the same coin. For example, we can't get help without being vulnerable and saying we need help. Without opening up, mental health can decline.