A growth post! As I write this I look back at the journey I have been on! I really disliked the part of the growth that made me talk to the parts of me that protected me to this point. I felt like it was waste of time and it was somewhat defeating due to the fact that it seemed like I should just be able to shove it down and handle it and move on. But the more I have had those conversations with the different parts the more I have realized all it was doing was protecting me from myself and my growth and my potential that god has in store for me. Part of the journey and all things happen for a reason. Look back once in awhile and look how far you have come!

I walked through a scenario I had with myself last night. My partner and I didn't talk all day, not because of issues, just because she works away and I finished uni late, which means we didn't have time to call. My partner text me and let me know then said goodnight. This has happened before and in the past it didn't bother me, but recently parts of me have been insecure about this. I was resentful that I needed to be the one to call and fearful that the lack of communication is something bigger, like drifting apart. The avoider usually steps in to get me to ignore these feelings push them down so I don't have to address them. The Grounded Man in me took a breath and responsed to her message and said "That's fine, I understand it's late. I'll talk to you tomorrow", and said goodnight. Then he spoke to the part of himself that feared rejection. He found that the part wanted to be seen and heard. After identifying the part he allowed himself to witness these feelings and made a framework to address these insecurities with his partner. * For the men reading this, I would like to know if you believe this is a grounded approach or if you believe this is an insecurity taking over

To be seen, acknowledged, and respected. Now this title is a combination of the; 30 day leaderboard, Grounded Man Score (from your check ins) and showing up actively in our live sessions. So for January, With an average Grounded Man score of 57.5, Im excited to name @Daniel Edge as January's Grounded Man of the Month. Only just coming in ahead of @Alec Liebhardt . Congratulations brother, the integration and embodiment of the work here you take into the real world is impressive and to be admired. It truly is a privilege to see the way you take these learnings and practices and implement them asap, despite some of the doubt or nice guy parts wanting to slow down. I would love if all the men here can share below in a comment just point of admiration or acknowledge you've seen in Daniel's growth in this container.

This weekend I had my sister's birthday and my partner didn't want to go because there is some bad history between them and honestly I'm not on the best terms with my sister either but I was going because I wanted to move on from the issues with her that I had been holding on to. Last minute my partner offered to come with me but a part of me really did not want to put in that position. Another part of me wanted the support and knew that together we could be each others support in a situation neither of us want to be in. I became really indecisive for a while before finally asking my partner to come. She compromised and suggested she come to the first part and then not stay out which I saw as a good middle ground. When I revisited this moment I realised that my parts were not just protecting me but trying to protect my partner as well. When my partner asked me to forget about the parts (Not what she said but essentially), the decision was clear that I wanted her to be there as well, but I felt selfish for asking, due to the history. She reassured me that she wouldn't have offered if she didn't think we could handle it and hence the compromise. Afterwards, I just felt guilt for not realising that when she asked and something I want to implement next time is to "repeat back". So I can fully understand that is being asked and then I can go from there. I'll say it again this journey is tough but worth it.

This is a real struggle for me, I've been working on it a lot. Since setting a boundary with some more parts I am really focusing to practice slowing down my interactions with my partner. Over the weekend I want to challenge myself to stick to this, to really pause and slow down the movement and speech with my partner, not in any heated topics or anything like that just practice being steady. Intentional cold showers have helped, my nervous system is slowly watching be intentional with every breath in that scenario, but I want to go further this weekend. What I need from you guys... It would help if someone could check in with me on Friday as a reminder to do it and then possibly again on Saturday to see if I have lived up to it.