This week has been Men’s Health Week and I have been pondering what I would say to many Men in my life, to support them in being who they are, and in turn with their health.

Here are a few things I felt to say:

You have great strength, but that does not mean you need to be hard or tough.

You can be super cute and funny, but don’t need to tear each other down in the process.

You can stop, sit, connect and have a chat, without a beer in your hand.  Most people won’t bite, and are looking to truly connect as much as you are. What you have to say is valuable – without the ‘liquid courage’.

Aggression is not your true way. It means something has upset you. Find out what that is and someone to talk to about it, get to the bottom of it.

You are as sensitive now as you were when you were born. It’s never not ok to cry – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, they might just be uncomfortable.

You don’t need to impress anyone with your muscle (or muffler) size, how big and expensive anything you own is, or feel inadequate in comparison to others.

You are beautiful, sweet and tender, as you are handsome and wise – in your way.

Your partners don’t need providers, they need the healthy and whole you by their side – don’t work yourself to the bone for this expectation.

Doctors aren’t all scary, and taking care of your body or having illness isn’t ‘weak’ – we all have them, they all need support and neglecting this just makes us more foolish in the end.

Take the steps to be the man who inspires others around you. Break from the mould, say no to the walls men have built to toughen and feel secure. Be the tender beautiful you – and let the whole world benefit.

You are loved for simply being you.

Thank you to all the beautiful Men in my life – and here’s to your health.

For further support in Australia, see your GP or contact Mensline.