Here's to Strong Men. May we know them, may we raise them, may we love them.

In the lead up to Father’s Day this weekend I wanted to say thanks to all the amazing men in our lives...
You might not know, but men are at a higher risk of suicide than women, with a ratio of 3:1. They have so many conflicting messages about what a 'real' man should be able to do, and mental health is really difficult for many men to acknowledge, to seek help for or to share with anyone.

So many good men show up day after day, doing what they think is the right thing, even when they don't know what they should be doing or feeling. I guess what I'm trying to say, in a roundabout way, is let’s celebrate those men, let’s acknowledge their efforts and let’s be thankful we have them in our lives. Here's to Strong Men

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Strong men are the men who get up night after night to help settle a crying baby. 

Strong men are the men who are not afraid to show their love and affection.

Strong men are the men who can reject the cultural stereotypes and media messages of useless Dads, or men who aren't in touch with their feelings, or men who can't cook, do laundry or be a safe shoulder to cry on.

There is no one way to be a man these days, there are so many mixed messages. We expect our men to be macho yet sensitive, competent with a hand drill and also able to whip up dinner. Our little boys are told not to cry yet must also not be too aggressive or rambunctious. 

Today, with fathers day around the corner, I want to acknowledge the amazing men in our lives. The men who are there for us when we need them. The men who might feel uncomfortable with crying, yet offer their shoulder and understanding when you're upset. 

The men who show up, even when they're not sure what to do. The men who soldier on through the tough times, through arguments, lack of sleep, lack of empathy and understanding, and wait for the better times to come again.

The men who love to love their children. Or, who work hard to provide for your family. The men who try to do their best, and to do the right thing, even if it isn't the thing you wanted them to do. 

Whether your amazing man is your partner, your father, your grandfather, your son, your friend or your next door neighbor, it's a great opportunity to think of all they do, and thank them for being there for you and for showing up.

Happy Father's Day!