Yours, Mine, and Ours… Individually and Collectively, We’re Finding Our Voices

Embed from Getty Images

While traveling in Australia a number of years ago, I experienced a life-altering sports injury that introduced me to the world of chronic pain. No matter how many healing modalities I sought relief from—massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, sports therapy, homeopathy, special diets—nothing worked—the pain only got worse and there seemed to be no roadmap to a cure. The intensity of the daily, hourly, minute-by-minute physical and emotional pain was so severe that eventually, I hit rock bottom. It was then that I began deep soul-searching, which led me on a spiritual quest. I began to question the universe—why was this happening to me? What had I done to deserve such a fate? In searching for some answers, I discovered Kabbalah and began working on myself and started changing things that I didn’t like about myself. It was only then that I started seeing changes in how I was feeling physically—what a revelation and relief that was! I finally found an alternative doctor who was able to help me further, and my health continued to improve slowly over time.

One of the hidden gems within this excruciating time in my life was that I was pushed to the edge until I found my voice and true passion, and I created a rock band called My Silent Bravery. My Silent Bravery symbolizes persistence, perseverance and inner strength to overcome obstacles in the face of adversity. http://mysilentbravery.com

Growing up I was always a huge fan of music, from Bob Marley (Positive Vibrations) to Dave Matthews Band (Acoustic Guitar Driven) to Pearl Jam (Alternative Rock). My tastes were always diverse. There was always an appreciation for a well-written song that inspired; a song that could make you move or feel something emotionally. I used to be great at discovering that cool band right before they broke and got huge.

Music led me from a dark abyss of pain and hopelessness into a world of bright, unlimited possibility. From my own personal struggles and breakthroughs, I have become a better man. Through self-effort and transformation, I have learned the importance of “paying it forward.” I’ve become a man on a mission to be a sensitive listener and advocate for those who I can inspire to find their voices and overcome anything that is holding them back from living full-out. I am grateful that I’ve become a trusted, safe place for my fan base, the “Bravehearts” which is primarily female, to share their struggles and breakthroughs.

The recent outpouring and bravery of women who are speaking out against the attacks that have been perpetrated on them is at the same time heartbreaking and inspiring…it seems that we have crossed into a time where sexual abuse or abuse of any kind will no longer be tolerated in silence.

Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free

I am also struck by the men who have committed crude acts who are finally using their voices and admitting their wrongdoing…not all, but some are using their voices and seemingly taking responsibility for their mistakes. This, too, in my opinion, is a movement out of silence and denial into a braver, more responsible way of being in this world. I have to wonder if these men also possibly suffered injustices and abuse and kept it silent until the pain became too intense, and instead of self-work, they chose to strike out at innocent women and men for momentary relief. Whether they did or not, it doesn’t right the wrongs that have been committed. Yet, I feel that using their voices to take responsibility now is a move in the right direction.

In using my voice in the right direction, I have released five Inspirational Alternative Rock albums over the past 10 years with another album on the way. How did I do all this? Trial by fire. I put my mind to it and nothing was going to stop me. If you’re like me, you probably have a lot going on in life. There are times where you need to recharge and find inspiration amidst all the craziness going on in the world. I know I do, and I think that’s exactly why music is so powerful. It unites, inspires, uplifts and just makes us feel damn good!

I know that it was no accident that I recently discovered The Good Men Project! What an extraordinary community and the natural place to continue this discussion and my life mission of helping inspire others to overcome their obstacles. Ultimately, my hope is to play a part in helping men and women alike build self-esteem, self-worth, and self-comfort.

I hope you will continue this journey with me. Let’s meet here again and again and help each other find our true passions and our voices. Let’s keep these “Acts of Bravery” continuing and growing even stronger.

What are you so passionate about that it’s pushing you to an “Act of Bravery and finding your own voice? Share with me your “Act of Bravery” here.