The events from earlier this week compelled me to put down my thoughts surrounding the idea and presentation of masculinity and how it relates to Smart Funny Tortured.
It begins with a simple observation: what we often see modeled as āstrengthā from positions of power isnāt strength at allāitās aggression, bullying, and insecurity.
Thatās counterfeit masculinity.
And counterfeit masculinity breeds shame.
But hereās where this connects to our Smart Funny Tortured framework:
- Smart ā Real strength begins with clarity of mind. Not just intellect, but discernment. Knowing the difference between counterfeit power and true sovereignty.
- Funny ā The noble masculine carries lightness, joy, and flow. He doesnāt need to crush others to prove his worthāhe can laugh, connect, and play without fear.
- Tortured ā Many of us grew up under bullies or systems that mocked sensitivity. Our pain here is real. But it can be reclaimed as fuelāfor empathy, for courage, for protection.
This is reclamation in action: taking back the essence of what it means to be strong, and refusing to let shame or bluster define us.
š¬ Community Prompt
Iād love to hear from you:
- What moments in your life have shown you the difference between counterfeit strength and sovereign strength?
- How does this idea of the noble masculine show up in your own Smart, Funny, or Tortured story?
And then share your reflections below. Letās model what sovereignty looks likeātogether.