The Weight I Carry!

Varun Gaba

Once upon a time in a small time, there lived a young man named Simon. He was a brave soul, he wore his heart on his sleeves filled with big dreams. However, little did he know his journey would be overshadowed by the pressure and expectations society placed upon him simply because his shoulders were broader and wore pants.  The weight i carry, the curse of being a man!

From an early age, Simon was taught that he must be tough and showing/expressing emotions was a sign of weakness. He was expected to provide for his family, protect them from harm, and be the pillar of strength in the times of trouble. But what about him? This is where his inner battles emanated from, to keep a balance between societal expectations versus preserving his carefree nature.

These expectations weighed heavily on his shoulders as he grew older. The more he lost touch with his true nature. As he entered adulthood, the pressure to succeed became overwhelming. Society dictated that he must climb the corporate ladder and earn enough money to support his family comfortably. Failure was not an option. Day after day he felt suffocated by the monotony and toxicity of his work, longing for something more fulfilling.

In matters of love and relationships, Simon faced yet another set of pressures. When can a man catch a breath? He was expected to find a suitable partner and settle down at a certain age. The pressure to conform to societal norms made it difficult for him to explore his own desires and find true love on his terms.

Despite these challenges, Simon refused to let society define him completely. He yearned for freedom from these suffocating expectations and decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

One day, while on his walks the only time he felt in control and free, Simon stumbled upon an old man who sensed the burden weighing heavily on his heart. The wise man listened intently as Simon poured out all his frustrations about societal pressures and expectations.

With compassion in his eyes, the wise man spoke, "Simon, remember that true strength is not in conforming to society's expectations but in embracing your authentic self. You have the power to redefine what it means to be a man." For the first time someone bothered to listen without judgement and understood him. May seem obvious but it is a rare gift. After all a man who doesn't seek counsel is lost. Speak!

Inspired by the wise man's words, Simon began to challenge the norms that had held him captive for so long. He pursued his passion for painting and found solace in expressing himself through brush strokes. He discovered that vulnerability wasn't a sign of weakness but a testament of his courage and humanity.

Simon also learned love could be found in unexpected places. He met a kind-hearted woman who has appreciated him for who he was truly was, rather than what society expected him to be. Together, they built a relationship based on mutual respect and support.

As time passed, Simon's newfound authenticity and courage inspired his circles. It spark a conversation as well as courage to question societal expectations and lead with their true selves without fear of judgement.

Simon's story serves as a reminder that the pressure and expectations placed upon men can be overwhelming. It's through breaking  free these constraints that one can find true happiness and fulfillment. Also remember not all passion work out as planned. It's up to you to define your story, live our lives authentically.