As a man, what kind of men do you surround yourself with?

In an ever-changing social, cultural, and political climate, I hear more and more opinions surrounding manhood, masculinity, and how men should or shouldn’t behave.

A lot of guys feel like they have to pick a side to avoid being left in the “no man’s land” of the most current debate. Men calling the other men “Toxic,” and others calling them “betas” or “simps.” For me, this is achieving nothing other than creating a more significant divide between all people.

Before I began my men’s work journey in early 2016, I recall the shame I felt when I questioned my manhood after being called “weak.” It felt like a trap… like I only had two options. Either double down on being “The man” by creating the perception of toughness or avoid conflict by relegating myself to being soft and weak.

This was my struggle until I found a circle of remarkable men. Men from all kinds of backgrounds, different stages of life, race, ethnicity, orientation, religion, ages … we were a diverse group. This was a space where I could safely start bringing all of my confusion, insecurity, and questions without the fear of judgment, shame, or ridicule.

The best part was that not one person in that group ever told me what it meant to?“be a man.”They told me that only I could answer that question for myself. So I want to bring you back to the question at the beginning of this email.

“As a man, what kind of men do you surround yourself with?”

Are they men who will tell you what you have to be, say, or do to be worthy of your manhood? Or, do they allow you the space to understand the completely unique individual you want to be?

Thankfully, I found the answers I needed while also finding myself, thanks to the men I shared space with at the ManKind Project.

If you are looking to lift your standards of who you want supporting you throughout your self-discovery journey, allow us to help you find a community of men near you.

About the author

Brandon Clift is the Host of the ManKind Podcast as well as the National Enrollment Coordinator for the ManKind Project USA. Additionally, as a Leader in Training within the project, Brandon has committed himself to helping boys and men find deeper meaning in their lives by developing powerful and impactful relationships with themselves and others.

You can find out more about Brandon and his work by clicking HERE