#1 Healthy Hack-it's

Ahh, I’m starting to enjoy the fresh feeling that comes with the start of a new series. As I was thinking about what to dive into, the topic that really pressed itself upon me was that of mental toughness. I think it’s the inner man-beast in me that wanted to cover this, but also my inner sage. I have always been awed by the human capacity to endure suffering, but have always known that brutishly “hacking it,” is counterproductive. 

I would often hear things growing up like “just focus on your career,” or “why don’t you get over your breakup already?” As if wallowing in my weakness was fun. I have always wanted concrete steps to things, and toughness is no different. It seemed to me that there was a guide or program to follow to actually start building toughness like a muscle, instead of just blindly punching life til it bends. I mean, sure, stubbornness is cool and all, but it’s such a brutal way to try to do things. Eventually, everyone breaks down and loses it. There must be another way, right?

And so, for years, I sat at that crossroads, caught between wanting to be tough and wise. Why can’t I have both? What does that even look like? About a week ago, these questions really started bubbling up in my head, nagging my brain like an itch I had to scratch! And though I can’t quite remember the exact moment, it hit me: to be tough is to fall in love with something worth suffering for. I take a cold shower because I love my health. I do physical work because I love the accomplishment. I go to the gym because I love the feeling of pushing my limits. All these things that make me tough come from things that I love. 

And that’s what I want to dig into for the next two weeks: how everything that tests our strength is tied to something we hold dear. I feel like, especially as men, we are commanded to shut down and not feel anything. I’m here to tell you the opposite. I want to paint the picture of what it looks like to maintain a healthy emotional awareness without breaking down and coming off as a wuss. I want to offer you the best of both worlds- a new alternative that creates a better you that’s both tougher and healthier. I think this new way of thinking smushes the so-called “tough guys,” and also helps you cater to the gentler folk in your life. 

So that’s what we’re here to do: explore the boundaries of mental toughness. As always, I will do my best to list practices for my ideas, explaining them in the simplest language I can. I’m assuming all of what I have been writing so far has made sense, since I haven’t gotten any complaints. If that starts to change, please feel free to reach out. I also wouldn’t mind if you just wanted to start a discussion either. Even if it’s simply to tell me you disagree with me, that’s great! Disagreement is the best place to start a dialogue. Whatever your reaction may be, I pray you enjoy this series, and that it gives you the means to grow in your toughness. 

And though I’m excited to share these ideas with you, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t just a wee bit nervous. My best writing comes when I’m living out my words, and some days it has felt like God has been happy to make that happen. I don’t know what the next two weeks hold, but I can say one thing with certainty: it will be good. I’m sure there will be no shortage of growth, perhaps a moment or two of utter collapse. But this year has been one of overwhelming development, and I have no doubt the next two weeks will be no exception. So join me in this chapter of life, as we explore a love that’s tough as nails and more rugged than an old oak tree. Let’s map out this territory together and see what insights we can gain on how to live as tough, passionate people. Let’s learn what it means to healthily hack it!

Until next time

May Peace be your Guide.