While you ponder that question above, know that for this week our Lakes Area Men took a look at the first two steps of the journey to manhood (via our Stepping Up program). The first, was Boyhood. As men, we all were there but how good was that time could vary for many. Consider these:
Boys take, Men give. Boys criticize, Men create. Boys complain, Men solve. Boys consume, Men serve. Boys pout, Men endure. (Thank you John Bryson for these words)
Now ask yourself - Why should I think of boyhood in regards to the five steps of the journey to manhood? The short answer is because if there is a successful boyhood, parents will have an easier time helping to guide their sons through adolescence. If there is little or no discipline, guidance, encouragement, teaching, etc. during the boyhood years; you'll most likely have teen years that become more of a nightmare than of a success. Consider next the step of Adolescence: Is this the time to teach or share what masculinity is, what responsibility, respect, leadership and what sacrifice is all about? If not done at this stage - does it get any easier later?
Now the challenge - which of these below is you?
- I'm not a dad yet but hope to be one. Good, last week's information (further below on courage), this week's and the weeks ahead information is what you want to think about, learn from and then apply those actions needed as your years ahead unfold (and know that you can use our Contact Form if you have any questions).
- I've got young sons now. Congrats, your 'Dad Adventure' is already unfolding. Stick with us, consider what we share as our weeks unfold. Listening to and leveraging advice is the key to success. A dad's encouragement and engagement is critical to the teaching of respect and responsibility. Doing so will help ensure you do not have a 25 year old adolescent down the road.
- My sons are grown up. No problem, they like you are still able to learn. Reflect on your past and determine which of the information we share - that you can leverage and pass on to your sons. You can help them and their sons. How and why will be covered in the weeks to come.
- But I've got daughters. That is great and we also need young ladies to become the women of the future that enable great things and live lives of honor. Our information shared will give you ideas that you can adapt for your daughters. Stay in contact with us and we'll partner going forward with you.
Which brings us to this truth - which also ties in well with our Summer to Fall Review (S2FR) #2 on Truth. As men we should know that our choices made have ramifications on our life as well as on those of our loved ones. We all should remember. . . it is easy to become men (time will do that) but it is hard to become a man.