What we’re about
The term 'Manliness' may conjure up images of traditional masculinity, such as bravery or being strong, but in this group, it's a conjugation for 'Man+ ̶L̶o̶n̶e̶liness'.
Let's start with some sobering statistics:
- 15% of men claim they have no close friends;
- Men are more likely today to be single than women - with 60% of men under 30 single;
- Greater risk of premature death, cardiovascular illness, anxiety, dementia, depression and stroke have all been associated with loneliness;
- Men are nearly four times more likely than women to commit suicide, accounting for nearly 80% of all suicides despite them making up only 50% of the population;*
- Many men are socialized to prioritize independence and stoicism, making it difficult for them to open up and form emotional connections.**
Ok now for the good news. We don't have accept these statistics...or at least accept them as permanent. We can reverse these trends. A small step in the right direction perhaps but the intent of his is a group to create a safe and encouraging space for adult men seeking authentic connection with other men.
Format:
We'll meet regularly, monthly at first (and more frequently as connections develop) to discuss topics and share our experiences around masculinity in the 21st century - while supporting each other in our journey's to become the best version of ourselves we can be.
Why start this group and what are my qualifications to lead it?
I've been there myself. As a dad of two, one with special needs, and with several moves to new cities behind me in search of 'the greener pasture' just around the corner, I know too well how isolating it feels to work multiple jobs to support a family, thinking all the while I'm providing, but really just burning myself out giving the best parts of me to my companies...leaving little left for my family, friends, and myself at the end of the day.
It always someone else's fault...or situational...if I could just make x amount of dollars...if my part could just stop doing x...if my friends could just read my mind and see I'm hurting and reach out and ask how I'm doing more often. But no. It was nothing external. Just me that needed to change my perspective on how I showed up in the world. After 3 years of work, I'm finally in a place where I feel capable of serving others for a change. That's why I started this group.
If any of what's been shared here resonates with you, come to a session and join me in an attempt to chip away at the insurmountable challenge of being a healthy male role model in this complicated yet compelling day and age we live in.
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*https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
**https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/22/loneliness-is-killing-men-and-without-proper-support-and-intervention-nothing-will-change
