As we did for women last month, we want to give the men in our community a chance to pause and reflect on their lives. After all, “What do you wish you’d known when you were younger?” is a question men face too. Still, it can be a struggle for guys to take the time to consider. But as James Castro of Conscious Health & Wellbeing, PLLC says, “The future is really only the next breath away.”
To begin the exercise of reflection, Castro suggests homing in on your purpose, which serves as a foundation for the rest of our work. “Purpose provides the frame of reference for perpetual reflection and intentionality,” he says. “It becomes the lighthouse, the barometer, to measure most things in our life, showing us the way to view events, thoughts, and feelings.”
If one struggles with painful memories or emotions along the way, Castro offers this encouragement: “The past doesn’t have to equal the future. Life is really full of so many positive possibilities… Everyone has resiliencies; learning how to access them and use them helps overcome hard things!”
We extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the many men in our community and networks who were willing to pass along their wisdom. We’re especially thankful to the guys of Morningside at Menger Springs and to those who attended a recent “Men’s Night” at Free Roam Brewing Co. for being honest, transparent, and vulnerable and living out the truth that we all thrive when we charge the storms of life together.
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I wouldn’t just speak, I would shout to my younger self to stop looking into the past and worrying about yesterday. Focus on becoming the best version of myself today to maximize tomorrow. —David
Love them all where they are and stay open-minded to everyone. Lean into the people who love you no matter what. They'll get you through the harder times and to the people who will carry you through the rest of the way. —Gilbert
Go get tested and treated for ADHD! Before you go to college, work, get married, or raise kids in your early 20s. You will understand yourself so much better and be able to manage your attention issues, love and accept yourself, and be more present in your relationships. —Aaron
It’s not about the end goal. It’s about the journey. Enjoy your moment, your wife, your kids, your life in every moment. —Nicholas
Take your time. Life is short. Pray often. Don’t settle until you find “the one.” —David
Ask all the questions while you can! Like a lot of kids growing up, I took my family stories for granted. After all, my buddies were calling. But now I can really relate, and I have a zillion questions about their life experiences and decisions. —Hugh
Be authentic. There are enough fake people out there already. Slow down and enjoy the ride more often. Laugh until it almost hurts. Laugh at yourself most often! Treat others as you would like to be treated. Be willing to accept bigger challenges in life. It’s OK to get out of your comfort zone more often. —Gerald
The greatest treasure a man can have is a life full of joy, surrounded by those he loves! —Travis
Learn to listen to those who matter most, especially in emotionally charged instances. There have been times when my insistence on being right (even when I was right) was lost on my loved one because I didn’t really try to understand them. Listen in such a way that you understand where they are coming from so unequivocally that they almost don’t need to hear your sage advice. —Jeremiah
God willing, you will get old, so take care of your body. Nurture relationships, be intentional and present. Be patient, and pick a wonderful life partner. Don’t take yourself seriously, and vacation often. —Phil
Be certain of nothing; it’s a great way to learn and see new perspectives. Make some mistakes. Not big mistakes, but some consequences are fleeting and make for great stories when you’re older. You are not playing a video game trying to get to the next level, you are living a life—a life with a purpose, a life that was sacrificed for, a life that deserves to be truly lived. The Powerball numbers on April 22, 2024, are 12, 16, 33, 39, 52, and the Powerball is 1. —Evan
“I wish I had understood the significance of being born, that the odds and chances to be alive are phenomenal, and that the uniqueness of me is truly amazing.” —James
“I wish I could sit down with my younger self and tell him to take that risk. No matter how hard it gets or how crazy or irresponsible your family and friends think you are, get out there and take that chance. If you don't, you'll spend the rest of your life wondering, ‘What if?’” —Rey