Male Pride Affected by Illness?

I’m a 56-year-old man who has always been the person who took care of everyone else. Two months ago I got diagnosed with Diabetes. My male pride has made this hard because I’ve never before needed help. I have a hard time asking for help for myself and feel guilty that I’m not able to do for others since my health has been affected. How can I cope?

Self-sacrificing, generous people who are always there to help others do have a hard time allowing others to help them. If you identify closely with that persona, this is a huge role reversal for you. Add this to your shocking health scare and I’m guessing your stress level is off the scale!

Have you heard the saying that “before we can take care of others we need to take care of ourselves first”? This is so true in your case. I want you to really hear that and take it to heart. Embrace it and know that in due time you will get your Diabetes under control to the point that you can get back to being your old self.

Also, know that as you step back and drop the male pride to care for yourself, you are teaching the boys and young men in your life (who look up to you) how to be a Real Man! Real Men know that if the warrior isn’t fit for battle he needn’t show up with the troops. You’re in temporary medical readiness mode. You’ll be sound and fit to lead and care for your troops soon enough! Soldier on good man!

Embrace your Personal Power with Life Coaching~

How will you accept this new challenge in your life?
What things can you do to minimize your stress?
How will you tell those people in your life, who have always been dependent on you, that you’re not quite fit for duty?
How is this crisis helping you to be a better man and a better role model to other men and boys in your life?
What life lessons are you learning as you go through this challenging health crisis?