Several years ago I attended a seminar centered on Carl Jung’s philosophy. Though I’ve forgotten many of the details of that weekend, two things have stuck with me.
The first is a simple observation that there were about 25 attendees, yet all but two of us were women. It’s interesting that women seem to be more willing to step out and learn more about themselves and life. Is that part of our macho men’s culture, afraid of appearing weak if we need to ask for directions, even in the serious business of navigating the road of life?
The other is something I find myself applying over and over. As we all know, life is full of peaks, plains, and valleys. What I learned is that we usually gain our most valuable lessons, not when everything is running smoothly or when we’re on top of the world, but when we’re in the valleys.
When we are aware of this, it helps us to be open to embracing those down times for the opportunities that they present for growth. It doesn’t make the pain any easier, but I believe that it does help us to face it head on and with greater strength.
One of the strong hindrances to overcoming any addiction, be it alcohol, drug, sex, or anger, is the practice of denial. If we can’t admit we have a problem, how can we possibly deal with it? Accepting the valleys in our life helps us to accept ourselves, including all of our weaknesses and shortcomings; things that are much more clear to us when we are not “all-powerful”. With this acceptance and awareness, we can see the valleys, not as good or bad, but as an integral part of the fabric of life. Then we can begin the process of becoming the complete person that we are meant to be.
Len Zimney, Outgoing Board Chair
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We are pleased to offer our members a unique and extensive collection of quality reading on men’s topics. This month, we received a wonderful donation from a newer member. We have five copies of:
No More Mr. Nice Guy
A proven plan for getting what you want in love, sex, and life by Dr. Robert A. Glover
Other new offerings include:
Sober for Good, New solutions for drinking problems by Anne M. Fletcher
Many Roads, One Journey, Moving beyond the 12-steps by Charlotte Davis Kasl Ph.D.
Addiction, Change and Choice, The new view of alcoholism by Vince Fox
The Truth about Addiction and Recovery by Stanton Peele, Ph.D. and Archie Brodsky
Rational Recovery, The new cure for substance addiction by Jack Trimpey
The small book, A revolutionary alternative for overcoming alcohol and drug dependence by Jack Trimpey
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
And while you are enjoying our many book resources, consider a browsing our large and growing selection of periodicals.
And while you are enjoying our many book resources, consider a browsing our large and growing selection of periodicals. Here you will find such works as:
- Men’s Health
- Lavender
- Transitions
- Bi All Means
- Edge Life
- D.A.D.S #1
- Voice Male
- Men’s Journal
- Rainbow Families
- Essential Wellness
- G.R.I.P.
Book Returns Needed:
Some of these books have become so important in our members’ lives that they seem to have been out since I had hair. While we have no specific time limit, please consider if you are still using any Men’s Center books you now have, and return them to availability.
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