Chapter 31: mentors who build

a journey in my own skinWords: 674

There are men who help us

build ourselves from the ground up,

who offer wisdom

not in harsh words,

but in quiet encouragement.

They show us that being a man

is not about earning respect

through fear,

but through kindness

and through the strength

of our actions.

They teach us that to be a man

is to walk with grace,

to stand with compassion,

to know when to lead

and when to listen.

They never make us feel small

for being who we are,

but help us become

the best version of ourselves

with no shame,

no guilt.

Through them, we learn that being a man

doesn't mean dominating the world,

but simply being true to who we are,

without harming others

and without hurting ourselves.