Rediscovering What it Truly Means to be a Balanced, Courageous, and Present Man
This post aims to provoke thought. It connects my personal experience to a larger societal issue for men.
I ran up the hill in Stromovka Park (Prague) yesterday, pushing my two-year-old in the buggy.
It was snowing, and in a moment of inspiration, I felt energised, fit, and unstoppable.
My ego whispered, "Watch this."
This morning, I can barely walk.
My plantar fasciitis has flared up.
Now, my usual exercise consists of kettlebell training and ice hockey.
I honestly can't remember the last time I ran up a hill.
I hadn't warmed up, I'm 48, and the truth is, my body wasn't ready for it.
While I like to think of myself as fit and strong, this reminded me of something important: if we don't practice what we're vulnerable to, we leave ourselves exposed.
And isn't that true for so many of us as men today?
It's easy to feel strong in the areas we work on—whether it's in the gym, at work, or in our hobbies.
But when life throws us into unfamiliar territory, especially in areas we've neglected, our vulnerabilities surface fast.
This is the reality for many men.
We may think we're resilient, capable, even invincible.
Still, society has shifted, and we often find ourselves unprepared for the new challenges.
In a world that sometimes seems to strip men of their identity—questioning or undervaluing the masculine role—it's easy to feel unsure of how to respond.
The truth is, we can't ignore this.
We need to practice.
Practice vulnerability.
Practice being present.
Practice strength in areas we've avoided—our relationships, our mental health, our sense of purpose.
Just like running uphill without preparation left me limping, life's challenges will find the gaps we haven't filled.
Being a man today isn't about clinging to outdated ideas of strength.
It's about rediscovering what it truly means to be balanced, courageous, and present—for yourself, your family, and your purpose.
So, where are you vulnerable right now?
What's the "hill" you've been avoiding?
It may be time to face it.
Not for your ego—but for the man you're becoming.