🚀 New here? Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week’s edition: sign up here!

👋 Welcome Back to thrive

For generations, men have been told that masculinity means being tough, self-reliant, and emotionally guarded. But what if the very thing we were taught to avoid—vulnerability—is actually the foundation of strength?

This week, we’re unpacking how embracing vulnerability helps build a healthier, more confident version of masculinity.

1️⃣ Teachable Insight: The Strength of Vulnerability

Vulnerability has long been misunderstood. It’s often seen as weakness, as something to be avoided at all costs. But in reality, vulnerability is the foundation of courage, connection, and growth.

At its core, vulnerability is about being open—about expressing emotions, sharing struggles, and allowing ourselves to be seen for who we truly are. When men suppress emotions, it doesn’t make them stronger—it makes them more isolated, more prone to stress, and less emotionally resilient.

Dr. Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability and courage found that men who suppress emotions experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout because they carry the burden alone. However, those who embrace vulnerability develop stronger relationships, higher emotional intelligence, and a deeper sense of self-worth.

Being vulnerable doesn’t mean oversharing or constantly expressing emotions—it means:

• Acknowledging struggles instead of ignoring them

• Expressing emotions in a constructive way rather than bottling them up

• Allowing others to support you rather than suffering in silence

When men embrace vulnerability, they stop living in performance mode and start living authentically. This shift not only strengthens their confidence but also makes them better leaders, partners, and role models.

2️⃣ Key Takeaways:

✅ Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s courage. The ability to express emotions and struggles leads to greater confidence, resilience, and self-worth.

✅ Men who embrace vulnerability build deeper relationships. Suppressing emotions creates isolation, while openness fosters connection, trust, and leadership strength.

3️⃣ Actionable Steps to Implement This Week

🔹 The ‘One Honest Conversation’ Challenge
Choose one person—a friend, partner, or mentor—and have a genuine conversation about something real. It doesn’t have to be deep; just practice sharing without filtering yourself.

🔹 The 24-Hour Check-In Rule
For the next 24 hours, whenever you feel frustrated, anxious, or down, pause and name the emotion instead of ignoring it. Recognizing emotions is the first step in owning them.

🔹 Reframe Strength Exercise
Write down 3 qualities you admire in strong leaders or men you respect. Now ask yourself—do they avoid vulnerability or embrace it? Chances are, their true strength lies in openness, integrity, and emotional resilience.

Closing Thought:

Masculinity isn’t about suppressing emotions—it’s about having the courage to be real. When men stop performing and start showing up as their true selves, they become stronger, not weaker.

P.S.

👉 Know a man who needs to hear this? Forward this email to him—he might thank you for it.

📢 Let’s build this community together. Share this newsletter on social media or in your group chats. Just send them here: Sign up here to thrive!

🔗 Want to go deeper? Join my NEW The 8-Minute Group for exclusive insights and real conversations with like-minded men: Join here!

👉 Did you get me FREE E-BOOK yet? No? Then get it here: https://lainc.kartra.com/page/7dayselfmasteryebook