W, my life partner in crime, decided recently that life was too short to deprive those we love of our efforts; of our presence, love and understanding. He chose to say “yes” to every request that crossed his agenda, reserving some time to chill and explore how he felt after agreeing to experience new activities and learning opportunities. At first, I sincerely doubted his conviction to the resolution, but eventually, it was easy to come around.
His goal wasn’t to say yes blindly either, and at times his leaps of faith seemed small in comparison to the asks of everyday life. Things like not protesting at food or movie choices starting to lift loads off our shoulders. With every yes he realized his attitude and reactions to his environment were the problem. Suddenly work, healthy choices, and dealing with emotions weren’t as difficult as before. W started to see the impossible as possible; the chaos as systems that could be brought to order with energy-efficiency.
“The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
Although he still says yes to his vices (🍻🍷🥃) and petulant wants, he has come closer to the wisdom that comes in mid-life crises. Inching into the direction of self-awareness rather than undisciplined courage. Bending in a different plane, to increase flexibility of mind and spirit, he finds pleasure in acts of service that felt daunting before. The criticism lands differently now. The negative, not as hopeless or unbearable. I’m inspired by the intention on his part to become a better man in a world that instructs males to remain unwieldy and unencumbered by growth. He chooses to strive for excellence, not just for the sake of society, but for his family and loved ones.
Like Miley’s Flowers song, he recognizes he can love himself better too…💪❤️
Mrs. Enginerd - Nerd Whisperer 