How Brotherhood Finally Helped Me Become a Man

I didn’t feel like I was truly a man until I left my cubicle behind, struck out on my own, and started working for myself. Once my wife and I were 100% reliant on my ability to hustle and make ends meet, I felt like I had gone through a rite of passage that transformed me into a man.

Maybe it was that I felt like I could control the course and direction of my own destiny. I had become truly self-reliant for the first time in my life.

But the reason I was able to succeed was not simply because of my own independent will. It was because I had a brotherhood that was also working to create their own vocations on their own terms. These men helped lift me up, believe in me, and made me stronger than I was standing alone.

And while online connections are great, I realized I was yearning for something offline and more personal. I wanted to be able to call the guys to a pickup game of basketball in the park or go on a hike in the woods without planning it out a month in advance.

I wanted real brotherhood, so I decided to do something about it.

There’s an old saying that goes, “When you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, you’ll finally do something about it.”

I got sick and tired of complaining about a lack of brotherhood when there were so many awesome men around me.

So I gathered the email addresses of nine local guys and asked them a simple question:

“Would you be interested in meeting up with other awesome men once a month to do cool things?”

The overwhelming response was, “Hell yes.” I guess I wasn’t the only one that needed something like this.

So far we’ve played glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, sat and drank mind-expanding tea (yes, tea can get you high, believe it or not), and have conquered fears together. We use our gatherings as an excuse to bond and do fun, bucket-list type stuff together.

You don’t need blood-brother rituals, matching tattoos, or secret handshakes to create a brotherhood (not that any of those things aren’t cool).

All you need is initiative and the right men.

Comments

How to Know When Someone Is Spiritually Draining You

Have you ever felt exhausted, anxious, or depleted after spending time with someone, despite the fact that you love and care for them? This phenomenon is often referred to as being "spiritually drained." It's a feeling that can be difficult to put into words, but it's often characterized by a sense of emotional, mental, or physical fatigue. If you're unsure if someone is spiritually draining you, this article will help you identify the signs, understand why it happens, and provide guidance on how to address the issue. Recognizing the Signs of Spiritual Draining Before we dive into the reasons behind spiritual draining, it's essential to recognize the signs that indicate you're feeling drained. Here are some common indicators: Emotional Exhaustion: You feel emotionally drained, depleted, and exhausted after interacting with someone. You may feel like you've given too much of yourself, and you're left feeling spent. Physical Symptoms: You...

Signs That Your Guardian Spirit Is Trying to Warn You

Many people believe in the existence of a guardian spirit, an entity that watches over and guides them throughout their lives. This concept is rooted in various spiritual traditions, including Native American, African, and Indigenous cultures. The idea of a guardian spirit is often associated with the idea of a personal spirit guide or a higher power that offers protection, wisdom, and guidance. But how do you know if your guardian spirit is trying to communicate with you? What are the signs that you should be aware of? In this article, we'll delve into the different ways your guardian spirit may try to warn you and what to do if you suspect you're receiving such messages. The Importance of Paying Attention to Your Inner Voice Some people believe that our guardian spirit communicates with us through our intuition, that inner voice that speaks to us when we're faced with decisions or uncertain situations. When you're faced with a difficult choice or circumsta...

The Forgotten Power of Spitting, Breath, and Words in Ancient Magic

For centuries, ancient cultures around the world have practiced various forms of magic, often misunderstood as mere superstition. However, the art of magic has its roots in a deep understanding of the human body's energetic systems and the manipulation of subtle forces. One often-overlooked aspect of ancient magic involves the use of breath, words, and even spitting as potent tools for channeling and directing spiritual energy. In this article, we will delve into the forgotten power of these ancient practices, exploring their history, significance, and applications. The Breath of Life In many ancient cultures, the breath was revered as a vital force that connected the individual with the universe. The concept of "prana" in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, for example, refers to the life-giving energy that flows through the body and can be manipulated through conscious breathing practices. This subtle energy is believed to influence our emotional, mental, and phy...

The Seven Herbs That Instantly Block Black Magic: A Guide to Protection and Defense

For centuries, herbs have been used not only for medicinal purposes but also for spiritual and mystical practices. Certain herbs have been employed by various cultures for their perceived ability to repel or block negative energies, including black magic. In this article, we will explore seven herbs known to offer protection and defense against dark energies. From ancient traditions to modern-day applications, we'll delve into the properties and usage of these remarkable plants. Understanding Black Magic and Its Effects Before we explore the protective properties of these herbs, it's essential to understand what black magic is. Black magic, also known as dark magic or shadow magic, involves the manipulation of negative energies to harm or manipulate others. This can take many forms, including curses, hexes, and other forms of malevolent spellwork. Black magic is often associated with malicious intentions and can have devastating effects on an individual's mental...

Understanding the Differences: Voodoo, Magic, and Witchcraft

Throughout history, various cultures have developed spiritual practices that involve the manipulation of natural forces to achieve specific outcomes. Among these practices, Voodoo, magic, and witchcraft are often mentioned, yet they differ significantly in their beliefs, rituals, and cultural contexts. Understanding these differences can help in appreciating the rich tapestry of human spirituality. **Voodoo: A Distinct Religion** Voodoo, or Vodou, is a recognized religion with deep roots primarily in West Africa but having significant influences from the Caribbean, particularly Haiti, and parts of Louisiana in the United States. It emerged as a result of the blending of African traditional beliefs brought by enslaved peoples with Catholicism and local indigenous practices. At its core, Voodoo involves the worship of spirits known as "Loa" or "Lwa," who serve as intermediaries between humans and the supreme god, Bondye. Practitioners of Voodoo engage in v...

Magical Symbols

The fact is that for the fast and reliable result, your magical actions should be supported by special spiritual forces. And for these forces are more easy to respond to a call that was made in specific designations. The spiritual world is beyond our common comprehension, the language of spirits and angels not always can be designated by simple words. The world of shadows communicates with us by means of images and unclear signs arising in our subconsciousness. In other words, in order that we understand the spiritual world, it tries to speak with us in our language. And in order that our words were accessible to the parallel world, we must use symbols known to it. Most of the magical symbols and signs are names of those forces which are necessary for a fulfillment of our wishes. And when these “names” are incorporated by one common purpose and are in a constant effort, they become not only a drawing, but a real action — spiritual forces, whose names were involved, create conditions...

Conjuring By Colors

Color Magick is a basic tenet for working spells. The properties of each color determine how it impacts your mood, frame of mind, and the potency of your spell casting. Be mindful of the color of the candle, gemstone, and flower you choose; carefully pick the hues of your clothing, furniture, and even the paint on the walls. For example, if you are given to moodiness or anger, remove all RED from your home décor. If you are predisposed to melancholia, a VIOLET scheme may depress you.

Search This Blog