From Island to Archipelago: A BRAVE Journey.
When I finally broke free from the constrictive mould that these negative connotations cast around my life, the horizon of my potential expanded. Let me share with you the transformative journey that changed everything.
🏝️You might be familiar with the old adage, "No man is an island." Yet, leaving home at 16, I built my own solitary island, on the pillars of mental, physical, and financial success.
Unfortunately, the fruits of my labour ripened not into happiness, but amplified my ego, hiding insecurities beneath a veneer of promiscuity, partying, alcohol, and drugs. Flying high externally, internally, I was plummeting.
When I finally broke free from the constrictive mould that these negative connotations cast around my life, the horizon of my potential expanded. Let me share with you the transformative journey that changed everything.
🏝️You might be familiar with the old adage, "No man is an island." Yet, leaving home at 16, I built my own solitary island, on the pillars of mental, physical, and financial success.
Unfortunately, the fruits of my labour ripened not into happiness, but amplified my ego, hiding insecurities beneath a veneer of promiscuity, partying, alcohol, and drugs. Flying high externally, internally, I was plummeting.
After one particular all-nighter, at 5 AM, I sat on the edge of my bed reflecting on this tumultuous life. Out loud, I confessed, "there's got to be more to life than this". That day, I made a decision that changed the course of my life. I bought a one-way ticket to Taiwan, resigned from my white-collar career, hosted a farewell party, and gave everything I owned away. I ventured into the next phase of my life, spending the next 6 months in a mountain village, immersed in Chinese philosophy and a quest to rediscover myself. (That, my friends, is a tale for another day).
So yeah, Life has an uncanny way of surprising us with awakening moments, can you relate?
Ok, for me, another came recently after embracinh my role as a single father for the past 10 years. This time it was the season for maning up for my teenage sons. Guiding them through the tumultuous journey of adolescence proved to be one of my greatest challenges yet.
Having created life skills and adventure programs for over 100,000 children aged 6-12 over the past decades, I was convinced that teenagers were a demographic I would never venture into. But life had other plans.
Watching my eldest son succumb to nefarious influences jolted me. The harrowing experience of him going missing for 10 days (an many other days here and there) drove me to a breaking point.
As I was grappling to bring him back into the family's fold, I had another of those "A-ha" moments post my morning swim.
💭 If I didn't fully embrace his struggles and do whatever it took to help him, who would?🤔
A year has passed since that realization. My son is home, doing much better, and has distanced himself from that perilous crowd. We're still working through the aftereffects of his past experiences, attempting to heal his thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
An integral part of this recovery and rehabilitation process was my journey of opening up to others who had weathered similar storms.
I welcomed a select group of mentors into my life who became a beacon of hope and guidance. These individuals, from the fields of personal development, trauma therapy, psychology, wellness, and more, formed "my tribe".
🙏The revelation that there are people willing to extend their hand during your darkest hours was transformative.
❤️Letting my guard down and inviting help was tough, but the rewards have been immeasurable.
🔥This acceptance has empowered me in my mission with our Brave Men Circle. Now, I have the tools and motivation to support other men and their boys on their journey to deeper connection, communication, and collaboration.
Today, I stand as a testament to the fact that you don't have to weather life's storms alone. There are countless others ready to help you navigate these tumultuous waters.
🌱Remember, no man is an island, but together, we can form a resilient archipelago, where everyone grows, learns, and emerges victorious. Together, we can all be BRAVE.💪
Hanson. BRAVE Life Journey