Power of Men

NikNak8

Please read this until the end and let me know if you would be interested in participating in such a group and where you are located.
I am lucky to be in a mens group in Limerick and have been in another one when I lived in Sydney. I can honestly say that the Power of my fellow Men has changed my life.
Depending on the interest I am considering setting up Power of Men support groups around the country.
Ho!

POWER OF MEN.
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I am not earning enough money, I can’t provide what my family deserve. [/FONT][/FONT]I am inadequate[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri], why would she want to be with me? [/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I’m barely holding on to my job, [/FONT][/FONT]I’m no good [FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri]and when my boss figures this out I’ll be let go. Then what will I say to my wife/family, they will be [/FONT][/FONT]ashamed of me[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri], how will we survive? What will/would my father think? [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I have applied for loads of jobs and not got any replies, I thought I did well in the interviews but have not been contacted since. They must have seen through my lies. [/FONT][/FONT]I’m a fraud[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri]. I’m never going to get a job, [/FONT][/FONT]everyone else is much better than me[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri]. [/FONT]
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My friend has a better life than me[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri], he is much happier and doesn’t worry like me. If only I could have a job like him. If only I could chat to women like him. If only I could play sport like him. If only I had a big house like him. Then I would be happy. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I hate my job and life, [/FONT][/FONT]I am trapped [FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri]trying to fill my fathers shoes, if only I had a choice. I suppose I can’t complain I’m lucky to have a job in the current environment. [/FONT][/FONT]No one would listen to me[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri]. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I will never meet a partner, I’m ugly, [/FONT][/FONT]nobody could love me[FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri], I’m uninteresting, I don’t know what to say, my friends all have partners and I will be alone for ever. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]What have I done with my life? The years are passing by and I’m stuck going nowhere. [/FONT][/FONT]I’m trapped [FONT=Calibri,Calibri][FONT=Calibri,Calibri]in a dead end job, a relationship that I don’t want to be in and there is nothing I can do about it. I’m embarrassed, I should be happy but I’m not. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I’ll get over it, I’ll meet the lads in the pub for a few pints to watch the match and it will be grand, I’ll forget about it. I’ll have this joint and give them a call. I’m in control. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I’m not going to a counsellor, what if someone heard about it? I’d be the talk of the town, it would be very embarrassing. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I’m not going to: work today /that party /out, I can’t face anyone today, its too much I’m not good enough. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]Most men of today can relate to some if not all of the feelings and situations expressed above. The problem is that there is little support available and men are too proud / embarrassed to seek the support that is available. Not many men are secure enough in their relationships to discuss these with their partners, friends or even families. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]It is not socially acceptable to attend counselling / therapy. Unfortunately men are often guilty of being too proud to seek help from outside agencies such as Aware or Alcoholics Anonymous until they are forced to do so, sometimes this is too late. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]Instead we tend to turn to distractions or addictions like drink / drugs / the internet / porn / food / tobacco or even sport. While some of these can be healthy for our mind and body in moderation, when taken to excess they can be detrimental to our long term physical and mental well being. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]Sometimes we think that the world would be better off without us and we wouldn’t be missed. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]Power of Men is groups of 5 to 10 men, like you, from all backgrounds, that meet on a regular basis to support each other. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]It is not a replacement for therapy but it is a safe environment for men to be honest with each other. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]You will not be judged, you will be heard and your fellow men will provide feedback of how what you said impacted them. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]You can set goals and your fellow men will challenge you to meet them if you so wish. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]Confidentiality is vital and what is said in the group stays in the group. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]Religious and political beliefs are left at the door and are not discussed, spirituality and peace is encouraged through meditation. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]It is not a pulpit for preachers or lecturers. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]We are not therapists so only feedback will be given not advice. [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]It is amazing the power that a group of your fellow men has, how liberating and empowering it is to share honestly both the good and bad and how much we can learn from each other. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I am an accountant, I am a husband, I am a father, I am not perfect but I am me and I am a man. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I am unemployed, I am a boyfriend, I am not perfect but I am me and I am a man. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I am a plumber, I have an ex-wife, I am a father, I am not perfect but I am me and I am a man. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I am a doctor, I am a widower, I am a father and a grandfather, I am not perfect but I am me and I am a man. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I am a student, I am single, I am homosexual, I am not perfect but I am me and I am a man. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]I am a postman, I am an alcoholic, I am single, I am not perfect but I am me and I am a man. [/FONT]

[FONT=Calibri,Calibri]Power of Men is open to all men the only requirements are that you are open to being honest with your fellow men, will listen to your fellow men, will not judge your fellow men and agree to keep what is said by your fellow men in confidence. [/FONT]
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Otis Driftwood

Hi there NikNak8.

Ive a couple of questions Id like you to answer for me in relation to this if you wouldnt mind.

1 - Will there be someone there to chair the groups ie a trained counsellor/therapist etc?

2 - Where do you propose holding them?

3 - Is there any cost involved for potential members/participants?

Cheers,
OD.

NikNak8

Otis Driftwood wrote: »

Hi there NikNak8.

Ive a couple of questions Id like you to answer for me in relation to this if you wouldnt mind.

1 - Will there be someone there to chair the groups ie a trained counsellor/therapist etc?

2 - Where do you propose holding them?

3 - Is there any cost involved for potential members/participants?

Cheers,
OD.

Thanks OD,
There will not be any therapist in the group unless he is there by chance.
We will provide a space for men to be honest and to assist each other by sharing their experiences.
I or another experienced member will chair the first few meetings to establish a routine but then each
Group will become autonimous to a degree.
I am currently developing a website and will explain further.
The meetings will be held in a suitable room/hall.
The groups will be not for profit, small fee to cover cost of room etc.
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.
Ho!

NikNak8

A group that has been running in Limerick for a couple of years is now looking to invite new members.
Twitter account has now been set up: powerofmen1