I appreciate the profound insights shared in your article. Kindness is indeed a powerful virtue that has the potential to create a positive impact on both ourselves and others. Understanding that everyone carries their own internal struggles is crucial in fostering empathy and compassion.
The actionable steps of active listening and performing random acts of kindness can truly make a difference in enhancing well-being and building meaningful connections.
Thank you for emphasizing the importance of kindness in our daily lives.
Glad you mentioned social media. In a space where everyone only shares and post the best version of themselves, it really creates the illusion that everyone is doing fine. In reality, you’re right we are all dealing with heavy bags. You’re right, vulnerability is part of the answer. But what does it really look like to be vulnerable in atmosphere driven by the culture of wanting to be liked, famous, and popular?
Ive spent so many years trying to solve this within myself. Luckily for me I got to a place where I became content with who I am and I found my own lane. I also found that it's important to find one person that can provide the space to be vulnerable without judgement. After you find one, you can usually find others within the culture that will do the same. We're all on the same boat!
How do you think you got there? Do you think it's something you actively sought out? Yes, having a community is so important. I find that I am connecting with a lot more men now since I am a dad now. Something I wanted for a while! Vulnerability looks good on us brother!
Yes, I definitely actively sought it out. I grew in Queens, NY. I recall having a group of friends, we all did graffiti together. One day, I got jumped. By my own friends! The didn’t beat me up, they just roughed me up. They said it was for fun and that’s why no one hit me for real. After that I knew something was up. I started to realize that there’s only one person that would always be there with me and would have my best interests at heart. It was me. Then I would ask myself “is this decision I’m making going to help me be happy with myself?” That, I think, was the beginning. I still function like this, my wife knows I keep a small circle, I’m very particular about the things I get myself into.
Thanks for sharing that. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY! I feel like I always had close guy friends growing up but after finishing college it feels like I could never truly connect with them the same. Maybe because of time, age, and different priorities. I am now in Birmingham, AL - a very new place for me. After being in NY my whole life, socially I feel like I am starting from scratch. How do people even make friends at this age anyway lol?
The TLDR answer to your question - I have a couple of friends that I made an effort with to really stay in touch with since high school. I find a lot of joy in that - just wish they were closer now.
BK! Dope! I have family in Williamsburg and Flatbush still. Small world.
Birmingham Alabama! Wow! That definitely a switch! I loved one homing a few years and man, let me tell you...finding community there was rough! I miss Wyoming sometimes, but mainly for the calm outdoorsy life.
Thank you for taking the time to research and create such an insightful piece of writing. I believe daily acts of kindness contributes to a more meaninful life for ourselves and others. A practice that should be adopted by everyone.
Humans are social creatures and society was built upon many people working together. So in a system that is inherently made with social traits. Antisocial behavior leads to an individual taking advantage of that system.
I think so and I think you can look at certain personalities and recent news stories to see this. There is nuance in everything but if you look at the "Top G"/Andrew Tate mindset. It is literally a "care about only yourself and get yours" lifestyle.
Love this article!! Please keep them coming
Thank you Sam! Always great to hear from you and will keep doing my best!
I appreciate the profound insights shared in your article. Kindness is indeed a powerful virtue that has the potential to create a positive impact on both ourselves and others. Understanding that everyone carries their own internal struggles is crucial in fostering empathy and compassion.
The actionable steps of active listening and performing random acts of kindness can truly make a difference in enhancing well-being and building meaningful connections.
Thank you for emphasizing the importance of kindness in our daily lives.
Glad you mentioned social media. In a space where everyone only shares and post the best version of themselves, it really creates the illusion that everyone is doing fine. In reality, you’re right we are all dealing with heavy bags. You’re right, vulnerability is part of the answer. But what does it really look like to be vulnerable in atmosphere driven by the culture of wanting to be liked, famous, and popular?
Ive spent so many years trying to solve this within myself. Luckily for me I got to a place where I became content with who I am and I found my own lane. I also found that it's important to find one person that can provide the space to be vulnerable without judgement. After you find one, you can usually find others within the culture that will do the same. We're all on the same boat!
How do you think you got there? Do you think it's something you actively sought out? Yes, having a community is so important. I find that I am connecting with a lot more men now since I am a dad now. Something I wanted for a while! Vulnerability looks good on us brother!
Oh yeah! I love this “vulnerability looks good.” I try to instill in my son everyday!
What about you? Do you find it difficult around your circles? Environment? Culture?
Yes, I definitely actively sought it out. I grew in Queens, NY. I recall having a group of friends, we all did graffiti together. One day, I got jumped. By my own friends! The didn’t beat me up, they just roughed me up. They said it was for fun and that’s why no one hit me for real. After that I knew something was up. I started to realize that there’s only one person that would always be there with me and would have my best interests at heart. It was me. Then I would ask myself “is this decision I’m making going to help me be happy with myself?” That, I think, was the beginning. I still function like this, my wife knows I keep a small circle, I’m very particular about the things I get myself into.
Thanks for sharing that. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY! I feel like I always had close guy friends growing up but after finishing college it feels like I could never truly connect with them the same. Maybe because of time, age, and different priorities. I am now in Birmingham, AL - a very new place for me. After being in NY my whole life, socially I feel like I am starting from scratch. How do people even make friends at this age anyway lol?
The TLDR answer to your question - I have a couple of friends that I made an effort with to really stay in touch with since high school. I find a lot of joy in that - just wish they were closer now.
BK! Dope! I have family in Williamsburg and Flatbush still. Small world.
Birmingham Alabama! Wow! That definitely a switch! I loved one homing a few years and man, let me tell you...finding community there was rough! I miss Wyoming sometimes, but mainly for the calm outdoorsy life.
Substack is how people our age make friends 😂
A whole different kind of dating haha! Nice to meet you man!
Thank you for taking the time to research and create such an insightful piece of writing. I believe daily acts of kindness contributes to a more meaninful life for ourselves and others. A practice that should be adopted by everyone.
Thank you Adriana! Keep it going and be kind!
Humans are social creatures and society was built upon many people working together. So in a system that is inherently made with social traits. Antisocial behavior leads to an individual taking advantage of that system.
Are you saying those that are aware take advantage of those not aware of the social implications?
I think so and I think you can look at certain personalities and recent news stories to see this. There is nuance in everything but if you look at the "Top G"/Andrew Tate mindset. It is literally a "care about only yourself and get yours" lifestyle.
Top G? I don’t think I’ve heard this term before lol am I aging myself?
Oh God Andrew Tate....oh God.