An International Men's Day Edition
If I could pen down my thoughts, they would weave a tapestry of appreciation for the remarkable men who grace our lives. To the fathers, whose love is a steady anchor. The brothers, whose laughter is a melody. The husbands, whose love is the poetry that colors our days. And the friends, whose support is unwavering. Your presence is a gift we cherish. And now, our stars…
If I could pen down my thoughts…
Growing up in a military environment taught resilience but made it tough to talk about struggles. The University had its own challenges, and mental health wasn’t even on my radar until COVID hit. Men are conditioned to “just handle it,” which often leads to suppressing our issues. I’ve seen friends struggle, unaware that help was an option. But things changed for me. I realized speaking up isn’t weakness—it’s strength. Supporting the “Zero male suicide” movement is personal because I found help and became more aware of mental health’s impact. It’s time to create spaces where men can talk openly and erase the notion that silence is strength. Sometimes, asking for help is the bravest thing we can do. – Odu Patrick
If I could pen down my thoughts,
It would tell tales not often heard, Tales of a man striving to stand tall, While carrying the weight of the world. As a father, I paint my face with strength, even when my fear gnaws at my heart. As a husband, I’m the unwavering pillar even when I’m crumbling inside. And as a son, I uphold a legacy even when doubts cloud my path. The mask of masculinity, a shield I wear, often becomes a cage. It hides my fears, my desire to seek comfort, and to be understood beyond the facade of toughness. So, if I could pen down my thoughts, they would speak of a hope. A hope for a world where my words are not just penned down, but spoken aloud. A world where strength is redefined, not as the absence of vulnerability, but as the courage to show it. Where being a man is not about hiding emotions, but about embracing and sharing them. – Assan George
If I could pen down my thoughts…
A man in a man’s world, troubled by man thoughts about women and making enough money for a mansion. But this man shuns the world in pursuit of a dream in a woman’s world. I dream of furnishing a house, a kitchen of the wifey’s dreams, a fancy wall clock, a cooling fan. I guess I’m angry that a woman can get all this from having an only fans. I’m only a little mad. But it’s a man’s world and it’s not all gloom. I get to support a football team. I get to be bare-chested in public and it won’t be a scene. I can pee standing up. It’s the big little things. I know my struggles and I also know we’ve all got one. Call him Human, he’s so colorful but he decides to wear black. If I could pen down my thoughts, I think a hard guy wants love. I think we refuse help because it makes us look soft. Remember, a problem shared is a problem half-solved. – Aremu-Cole Akindele
If I could pen my thoughts,
I’d write the tales of how being a man was the best and worst thing that happened to my nine-year-old self. I’d write about every time my heart was broken and denied. I’d write about rejections and failures that I’d soon learn how to get used to. I’d write the tales of how at 21, I believed that I failed in life by not achieving as much as society has set to be standards for men. I wish I was allowed to be a boy and play. I wish I was allowed to dance and laugh without the pressures of what it is to be. It’s up to you and to me to let the boys be boys and let the men be there for the men. Let them talk and express their pain, not with liquor shots or weed in their veins. Let there be zero tolerance for hate. We must fight for zero male suicide. – Senjobi Moyinoluwa
If I could pen down my thoughts,
I would write a letter to my future son, telling him hope in his time. His days are filled with light and emotions are spoken pure and bright. I hope in his time a man’s silent need not imply that a soul is drowning, struggling to fly. I hope in his time vulnerability is seen as a badge of might, not cowardice or the absence of the chromosome XY. Because in this present time, the journey to man’s redemption seems a little lost, a little futile. But hopefully, in his time, they can achieve zero male suicide. – Osa-Alile Kiodes
If I could pen down my thoughts,
I would hope for a world where the male child is paid more attention to, where the male child is allowed to be more expressive and emotional without being labeled soft, where grace and empathy is extended to men when we are lacking or in need. Where saying I love you or I appreciate you isn’t chastised or seen as suspect when expressed to your fellow man. Where doing the right thing or being honest and earnest isn’t perceived as corny. Where fathers aren’t seen as expendable but are appreciated and praised for showing up and doing their due diligence. Men are the pillars for which society was built on and in turn, shouldn’t be a thankless job. –Odulaja Ayodeji
If I could pen down my thoughts,
I would reflect on the importance of addressing critical issues affecting men everywhere. I would break the silence surrounding men’s mental health struggles. I’d create a compassionate space where men feel encouraged to share their feelings and seek support. Creating a world where the stigma surrounding mental health disappears and every individual can find solace and understanding. – Makinde Boluwatife
If I could pen down my thoughts,
I’d stress the importance of embracing our emotions, encouraging fellow men to unburden their hearts, and recognize that strength lies in expressing, not suppressing. – Adedokun Iyinoluwa
If I could pen down my thoughts,
It would affirm that life is beautifully uncomplicated, often more straightforward than we make it out to be. As a man, I am enough. I do not need validation from many, just from those who matter. Embrace the present fully, strengthen old bonds and make new ones as I navigate this beautiful journey of life. Protect the ones I love to the best of my abilities. Focus on love, support systems and understanding. – Oshinowo Temidayo
This one is for our men. For your strength, for always showing up, for everything, everything. We love you.
Happy International Men’s Day
“I’m a man and no less of a man for admitting ‘I’m not okay, and for openly talking about the constant struggle and battle I face with myself every single day.”
–Joe Plumb
