This piece, Strategic Planning Through An Anti-Racist Lens, first appeared on the NeonCRM blog as…
To All The Men I’ve Loved Before
MEN! How often in the past few days, weeks or months have you heard someone exclaiming negative generalities about them? I know I have far too many times. In the 50 years since I was born, there has been considerable effort put into empowering girls and women. And rightfully so. But while we are building girls and women up, do we have to also put down boys and men? I know that in many circumstances men have many advantages. I don’t want to push aside important conversations about equalizing access and power. But I am really tired of hearing so often about how terrible men are.
I truly can’t imagine my life without the extraordinary men I know. I have a father, two brothers and two sons who encourage me, listen to me, bring me great joy and make me laugh regularly. I have so many wonderful male friends of all ages who inspire me, provide incredible emotional support for me and make every day more interesting and more fun. Some of the men in my life are the greatest champions of women I know. Far more so than many of my women friends. They are incredible husbands, boyfriends, fathers and friends and deserve credit for that.
So let’s take a moment away from all the male bashing to notice those truly wonderful men in all of our lives. They probably don’t get told often enough that they are appreciated. What you say to them might just be the nicest thing they have heard from anyone in a long time. And if you are surrounded by men you don’t really like, it might be time to move on to find those you do. In my experience, I have found that there are plenty of great ones out there.
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Wow, great post! I grew up only hearing negative things about myself in the midst of a negative environment. It took a great toll on my psyche. I have come to learn that people can only give you what they have and if all they have is negativity….then that is what you get. I am so appreciative of the positive people I have come across in the past year (you included) because it has helped me let my light shine. Thank you!
And shine it has! For me, for Max and for everyone who knows you. You are most certainly part of the inspiration for this post. You are one of a kind and an inspiration to me. Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to continuing to learn from you, laugh with you and navigate this journey we are on together. Shine on!!!
What a great post! On point and in general, I think cutting out the negative voices in our lives is a powerful thing. Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us!
Chris,
Thank you! You have been such a great inspiration to me because you always bring a clear perspective to issues. You know what you think and you aren’t afraid to share it. I was looking at your facebook page the other day…you have so many people who truly love and appreciate you. After having met you face to face this past March, it is so clear to me why that is so. I am thankful to know you and look forward to many more opportunities to hang out!
Love this. As the mother of two incredible sons, the wife of a loving and inspiring husband, daughter of a fine father and the sister of some pretty awesome brothers, (and I won’t even list the number of fabulous male friends who enrich my life)I appreciate this post.
Nicely done. Thanks.
Thanks Allen. I think it is a problem in our society…we think to build one group we have to trash another and build on top of them. But there are consequences to that. And there are too many extraordinary men in all of our lives who would pay the price.
There’s more to us than just bacon, beer, and boobs…right??? Hello???
Dan,
LOL. Sometimes.
Great post Heidi!