Preparing to Climb

I started writing this post a week ago. When I came back to read it, I realized it didn’t sound like me. Sure, it sounded kind of intelligent and like I knew what I was on about, but that was the problem. I’m not that bright, and I don’t have a clue what I’m on about. Who does? So I started again.

I’m writing for my own sake. My thinking is that if I can help guys avoid the mistakes I made, then at least some good came from it. The problem is how much do you put out there? What do you tell people in a post, and what do you leave for a beer around a fire? Not sure so I’ll wing it.

Most problems start with not talking. For me, it was not talking to those who look out for me. Not telling people I needed help, and just letting them think I was fine. I’m very good at hiding. I don’t like telling people what’s going on. I thought there were taboo subjects, things you shouldn’t talk about, things that men don’t talk about because we don’t need to. Wrong.

I didn’t talk to other guys. I kept silent and I struggled. But what’s worse is that I kept quiet, and people around me struggled as well because they were having the exact same struggles, but we were all too scared to speak.

Solution? Speak.

Think of someone you trust, and give them a call. Written down, it sounds easy — and I’m sure you’ve thought about it before. It gets hard when you pick up the phone and your thumb is hovering over the dial button. All the thoughts rush in: “What if they don’t want to talk about that?” “What if they don’t want to talk with me again?” “They’re squared away — they won’t understand.”. Yeah that could all happen but it probably won’t. Anyone who gives a toss about you will listen.

We are meant to take risks, on the scale of risk this is a small one. Tell someone you trust that your life isn’t perfect, tell them what’s going on. You’ll be better for it.