A tough, yet courageous conversation

The other day I received a call from a man I love dearly. 

This man asked a question of me which brought an answer he didn't want to hear. 

He was disappointed. He told be he felt this way. 

I said I respect how he feels and thanked him for sharing. 

I then said I hope he can understand and respect my decision in the first place. 

Whether that last part occurs is to yet to be seen - however, either way, it's none of my business. It's up to him now to deal with and give the meaning he pleases. 

This man was my father, and the fact that he called suspecting the answer he got and proceeded to tell me how he felt as a result is HUGE. 

In the past dad (and myself) may have chosen to keep that in, say something (a cop out avoidance) to fill space, like "Oh, ok, well that's your decision I suppose" - with about the same conviction I had at 15 years old telling him I didn't get drunk on Saturday night. 

It was far from the most eloquent, concise and smooth conversation - but we had it. 

Often we can leave so many words and felt emotions unsaid, but where does that get us? Resentment? Shame? Anger? 

That conversation was awkward and uncomfortable, yet I LOVED IT.

I didn't judge dad, I listened, felt with him and communicated as honestly as I could. 

MEN - why do we stop ourselves from speaking our truth?

Give yourself permission to suck at it, ask for support as you feel your way through it, and have a go. 

In the end, action matters more than thinking it to perfection. 

You feel me?

These are the kinds of things we'll be diving into, working through and giving you tools to take action on in your own life at the upcoming Beyond The Beers event - 'Conversations & Cool Shit For Men'; Sydney March 4 and Melbourne March 11.

Tickets out Friday 9am - $147 GA | VIP $247

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