Ordinarily, I would avoid this expression like the plague. ‘Man-up’ implies the idea that rather than working through feelings, pain, remorse, or other emotions, one should simply layer on a coat of impervious armor and carry on. I can’t think of anything more destructive to the idea of dealing with, learning, growing, and transforming oneself.
In this case, I want to use the term ‘man-up’ in the sense that if you are stuck, in pain, confused, sad, angry, or in other states of being that keep you in a negative space, I say MAN-UP and get help. Keeping those feelings inside is a surefire plan to stay amid misery, and tell me… how is THAT manly?
If you’re in pain, reach out to a true friend, a therapist, a coach, a member of the clergy, or anyone who might give you a sincere ear and open their heart to your situation. Asking for help is a measure of strength-not weakness. Aging well and dealing with the inevitable challenges require all the strength you can muster.
