Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men's health, and this Movember I'm joining them. Too frequently do I find myself wishing I had the confidence and the courage to confide in my wife, parents, friends, dog (actually, he hears everything), but still have that voice in the back of my head telling me it is weak and not manly to speak up. The anxiety that this brings just makes everything worse... But, I am taking part this Movember to say BS to all of that. To say that we are not perfect and, especially with what has happened over the last 24 months in the world on top of the already crazy fast, pressured society we live in, life can be hard AF sometimes. That is okay. What is not okay is thinking we are alone in this and being made to feel this way. We are all dealing with things and sometimes our own burden is all we can manage. This is okay, too. We don't all have to be in a place to lend an ear or a shoulder. However, if you are, then be open. Ask a mate how they are. How they really are. So, basically I am partaking to ask: How are you, really? If you aren't ready to talk, that is okay, I am here when you are. I am not perfect, in fact I struggle to say I am even good somedays, not able to high-five myself, accept myself for who I am. I need that shoulder, too, and I have been lucky enough to have mates I can call brothers to talk to, parents and an awesomely supportive wife, but I still fail to talk to them. This sucks. It is so easy to worry that we will be judged for being vulnerable and open. Movemeber is all about breaking that stereotype and saying that you are loved, unconditionally, and I will not judge you. "Be courageous, not judgmental" - Ted Lasso. Take that first step in talking to a friend/parent/spouse/pet. And, if someone does try to talk to you, lend the shoulder if you can or tell them if you aren't able to. We need to be happy to be open nowadays and not be scared to be us and embrace who we are and that we need a little help sometimes. You are awesome!