Stories, Struggles & Truths
Welcome to the heart of The Men Spirit. This is a space for honest stories, open conversations, and the shared truths of what it means to be a man in the modern world. Here, we move beyond the stereotypes and expectations to explore the real, lived experiences of fatherhood, mental health, relationships, and personal growth.
The stories you’ll find here are raw, real, and written with the firm belief that our vulnerability is our strength. Whether you are navigating a difficult season, seeking a deeper connection with yourself, or simply curious, you are welcome here.
These are more than just articles; they are an invitation to reflect, to feel, and to remember that you are not alone on your path.
Interested in Sharing Your Story?
We believe every man’s story holds value and has the power to help others. If you have a story or perspective you’d like to share with The Men Spirit community, we would be honored to read it. Please reach out to us via our Contact Page with the subject line "Blog Contribution" to learn more.
Connection Malnourishment
As we move through the festive season, I find myself reflecting on something paradoxical: we've never been more "connected," yet many of us are starving for real connection.
Just as a clinician identifies physical malnourishment by what's missing from someone's diet, I've come to recognize connection malnourishment in myself and others. We send emojis, comment on photos, and discuss trivial matters—but when was the last time you felt truly seen?
This festive season, I'm asking myself: Am I truly nourished by my connections, or am I filling up on empty calories?
The Messy, Beautiful Dance of Feeling Safe Enough to Be Real
Safety and connection have been the foundations of my journey, and looking back at my life, everything happened either when I was feeling safe and connected—or when I absolutely wasn't. Sometimes I'd be sitting in the safest room imaginable, surrounded by people who loved me, and my brain was still convinced I was about to be mauled by a bear. Other times, I was in actual chaos, but something clicked internally and I felt weirdly okay. So much of my experience has lived in that tension.
Searching for the summer
In a faded photograph, a boy stands on a small platform, reciting a poem at his kindergarten summer celebration. Behind his proud smile hides a world of fear—fear of failure, judgment, and not being enough. Forty years later, I find myself staring at this image of my younger self, struck by how the same battles continue to rage within me. This is my letter to little Kosta, filled with the love, forgiveness, and wisdom that four decades of living have taught me. It's a promise to honor the resilient, loving child who knew how to stand tall despite his fears—and a reminder that perhaps he had more figured out than I give him credit for.
I Spent Years Running from My Emotions. Here’s What Happened When I Stopped
I felt like a leaf being tossed and turned in the rapids—completely powerless, overtaken by emotions I didn’t understand. I had no clarity, no control, and most painfully, I couldn’t give or receive love. Then, like so many of us experience, the moment came when everything fell apart. The shit hit the fan.
Loss. Addictions. Physical decline. Toxic relationships.
Each hit harder than the last, forcing me to finally confront myself—my spiritual, emotional, and physical existence. That’s when I stopped running. Instead of escaping, I turned inwards. I sat in the silence. I embraced the noise. I let every suppressed emotion rise to the surface. The good. The bad. The unbearable. And I did something radical—I listened.
