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Discover the little-known trap dads fall into
It's not what you think.
Hey brother,
Can I be straight up with you?
It will probably piss you off.
It’s about the victim trap we all fall into once in a while.
A lot of you have tried posting in the group recently pointing fingers and playing the blame game.
It's a defense mechanism, a shield that guards you from the often uncomfortable realization that maybe, just maybe, you played a part in the situation.
Here’s where some of you get pissed off.(feel that for a second. Sit with it.)
Look, none of us are perfect. But, there comes a time when we have to step up and take a good look in the mirror.
I’m not saying everything has been sunshine and rainbows for you. Or that you shouldn’t feel some sort of blame towards something.
What I am saying is, sitting in that state is a recipe to send your life in the wrong direction.
Now that we got that out of the way. Let’s fix it.
The Mirror of Awareness
Imagine, if you will, a mirror. Not just any mirror, but a mirror that holds the power to reflect our actions, our words, and the repercussions they bear. This isn't a tool to breed self-criticism or nurture negativity. Instead, it's a tool to foster growth, to carve a path of understanding and empathy, not only towards others but also towards ourselves.
So, what does looking into this mirror truly entail?
Reflection, Not Deflection
In moments of conflict or misunderstanding, our initial reaction might often be to deflect the blame. It could be the spouse, the boss, the friend, or even the circumstances that we find easier to hold responsible. But brother, the first step towards nurturing awareness is to pause, to hold back that immediate response, and to look inward.
Ask yourselves - "What was my role in this? Could my actions or words have possibly contributed to the situation at hand?"
Embracing Accountability
Listen, there's a profound strength in embracing accountability. It is an acknowledgement that we are not infallible, that we too can make mistakes. And there's absolutely no shame in that. In fact, it's a step towards maturity, a step towards fostering a relationship of respect and understanding with our little girls.
Our girls look up to us, they learn from us. When they witness us owning up to our actions, when they see us walking the path of honesty and integrity, they too learn to mirror these traits.
Fostering a Circle of Compassion
Awareness is not merely a tool for self-reflection but also a gateway to fostering compassion. When we can look beyond the facade of blame, when we can understand the underlying situation, we nurture a space of empathy and kindness. It teaches our girls the value of understanding, the importance of looking beyond the surface, and embracing a more compassionate outlook towards the world.
The Journey Ahead
As we navigate this journey of fatherhood, let's make a pact to walk hand in hand, supporting each other in cultivating this power of awareness. It's a journey of continuous growth, of learning and unlearning, of evolving into individuals who stand as beacons of wisdom and strength for our little girls.
Now what?
The Brother's Pact
1. Self-Reflection: Each day, take out a few moments to reflect on your actions and words. Consider keeping a journal to jot down these reflections.
2. Open Conversations: Foster an environment where open conversations are encouraged. Teach your girls to voice their opinions and to also listen with an open heart.
3. Leading by Example: Be the living example of the lessons you wish to impart. Show them that being accountable is a sign of strength, not weakness.
4. Community Support: Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Reach out to fellow brothers, share experiences, learn and grow together.
Now, as we step forward with a renewed sense of purpose and awareness, let us hold each other accountable in this journey. Let us stand united, forging a future where our girls grow up in a world steeped in understanding, compassion, and empathy, guided by fathers who embody these very virtues.
As always, reply to this email with any takeaways or input.
Until our next chat,
Dom
P.S. Over 300 of you requested a GRL DAD hoodie on our email the other day. I only ordered 25 of them to get started. You can get one »here«. I also included a coupon code on the checkout page for ya😉