I am going to be completely honest with you. It has not been difficult to grow a moustache for the 30 days in Movember. In fact, there have been days that I have really enjoyed growing the Mo…so much so that I have thought about keeping it. I have not quite decided on that yet though!
Honestly, the hardest part of Movember has been trying to write this blog series on the sacred 7 Grandfather Teachings and link them to men’s health literacy. Here I am, a white non-Aboriginal male, sharing information on teachings outside my culture and trying to link them to a worldwide movement for men’s health: Movember. I certainly feel that this is outside of my comfort zone…(but I am trying to learn something new from this experience)
Gwayakwaadiziwin—Honesty: Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean “righteousness.”
Throughout Movember, I have reflected a lot about the adult learners in the Good Learning Anywhere program. They have been keeping me motivated for Movember. Many have never taken any upgrading classes before, and never online for that matter, so I consider them to be brave. They have been honest with themselves as they are taking courses that will get them closer to meeting their goals.
The same is true for men’s health as well. All men, including myself, need to be honest with ourselves first and become more knowledgeable about health issues and prostate cancer particularly. Honesty demonstrates leadership among men in our communities.
I also think that for men, we need to take action on health issues. It’s nice to talk about it but it means nothing if we don’t take action. This requires bravery.
So this question goes to the men who read this blog: How honest are you being with yourself?