Busy, Frustrated, Anxious, Confused
Lately, life has been on a lightspeed pace. I think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. I’m frustrated with various
things, anxious about what’s happening in life and confused as to what God’s doing in my life. But I’m a man… I shouldn’t be admitting this. Right? I should be strong and well-put-together. I should have everything taken care of with time to spare. Right? I should be self-sufficient. I should be completely ahead of the curve. Should, should, should.
Well, we all know that sometimes we aren’t ahead of the curve. Sometimes, life gets busy and we get behind. How do you keep it all straight? How do you keep your head above water? Are you a yes-aholic? Do you have trouble ordering your priorities? (I’ve written about priorities before, just do a search for “PRIORITY” and you’ll find some good stuff.) Do you struggle with loads of work yet waste away time on meaningless activities and hobbies?
I recommend a few things. First and foremost, I recommend that you examine your prayer life. If you’re praying, your foundation is strong and you take the necessary time to sit in 
quiet with God. If you’re not praying, try starting with 15 minutes a day. Along with daily prayer, frequent reception of the Sacraments is vital. Next, I recommend that you organize your life however works best for you. Maybe it’s a planner, a calendar, a list, post-it notes, etc. Don’t just let life happen to you, dictate what your day looks like. Next, I recommend that you (if you’re in the same boat as me) start saying ‘no’ to some things. Today, I cancelled three future meetings (to be rescheduled) and moved two other events around so I could breathe. Do whatever it takes to order your life properly. An ordered life is the goal, because then everything is in it’s proper place. “Living balance means that you’re doing what you want to do. Living order means that you’re doing what you ought to do.”
As men, sometimes we are told that we can’t or shouldn’t rely on others for help. This is not logical, it’s not practical and it’s not Scriptural. Lean on those around you to help you out. Reach out to friends, family, colleagues that will assist you in reaching your goals. Showing vulnerability or the need for help doesn’t mean you’re less manly, it just means that you need some help. In this entire process, I recommend taking life in stride and to remain positive. If you are negative, and if you complain, you will only add stress and strain on your already busy lifestyle.
Best of luck in reaching your goals! Your prayers for me are appreciated as I navigate the everchanging and rapid waters of my life.
TrueMan up!
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No, Ken Doll DOESN’T Make Metrosexual Cool
Maybe you’ve heard this… some people think that Ken (from Toy Story 3) makes being ‘metrosexual’ cool. Ummm… well… no. Being metrosexual isn’t cool. More importantly, being metrosexual isn’t virtuous, so therefore, it’s not manly.
What is metrosexual? From my research, there’s not one widely-agreed-upon definition. Personally, I think Wikipedia actually got it right for once… “Metrosexual… a man who has a strong concern for his appearance or a lifestyle that displays attributes stereotypically associated with homosexual men, although he is not homosexual.” Manicures, pedicures, facials, ridiculous hair treatments, eyebrow plucking, spray-on tanner, gossip magazines/sites… ugh. Short-tempered. Shallow and selfish – “Solid ride. Solid physique. Solid hair. Solid.”
Please note, there is a drastic difference between being a metrosexual and a gentleman. A gentleman is concerned with his appearance, but not overly concerned with it and never in a self-centered or conceited way. A gentleman is prudent in his decisions, temperate in his actions, courageous in all things and seeks justice for all. A gentleman lives an ordered life, not the disordered life of a metrosexual. A gentleman is authentically masculine while a metrosexual is effeminate. A gentleman praises others, while a metrosexual seeks praise as an end, in and of itself. A gentleman always respects a woman and fights to defend her. Sometimes, women are falsely drawn towards metrosexual men, often times because metros are more tender and understanding (all emotional)… see how Barbie feels about Ken initially in the video below. These women typically end up hurt and alone because those characteristics wear off eventually, leaving the woman in pain and alone.
Back to Ken… the dolldude obviously has issues… attachment to worldly possessions, personal appearance and a desire for shallow and empty “swagger”. “A whole room, just for trying on clothes.” Come on, Ken.
TrueMan up!
Porn in 3D – They Won’t Stop the Barrage
This is a bit of ‘old news’, but I just heard about it… The June 2010 issue of Playboy contained a 3D picture of the centerfold, equipped with special 3D glasses. Yet another attack by the porn industry to reel men in to the seductive, addictive and sinful pleasures of the flesh. The porn industry has dramatically shifted away from magazines to online content and this is Hef’s way of trying to get more action out of his beloved magazine. When it comes right down to it, it’s about money for the porn industry, a $98 (plus) Billion-dollar yearly industry.
Another attack against women. Another attack against men. Another attack on marriages. Another attack against the sanctity of sex. The attacks won’t stop, unless we do something about it.
I speculate that part of the reason why Playboy came out with the magazine was (besides money) 
the need for porn-addicts to ‘get another fix’. Similar to drug addiction, porn addiction desires a ‘bigger-and-badder’ high. That’s why men who maybe started out using softcore porn have moved on to harder images, stories, movies, etc. and into more perverse content.
TrueMan up!
