Chapter 30: the men who teach

a journey in my own skinWords: 674

They don't teach us through violence

or harsh words,

but through the quiet power of presence,

the understanding that not all lessons

are taught with fists.

They show us that to be a man

is to listen

before speaking,

to lead

without demanding,

to stand tall

but never step on someone else's shoulders.

With them, we learn that there's no shame

in being soft

or kind,

no weakness in standing beside

those who need us.

They teach us the quiet power

of supporting others

without losing ourselves

in the process.

And through their wisdom,

we learn that we are worthy of love

not because we've earned it

but because we are men—

men who rise

without the need to tear others down.