Man, Just Express Yourself!: An Interactive Planner Guide for MEN, Young and Old

By James Harris

In this guide, boys and MEN will learn a few definitions, be able to write or draw, plan for the future, and keep notes among other things.

I will be giving my personal spin on key words and phrases to help move things alone. I would rather you understand what I am referencing opposed to a bunch of jargon that will have you questioning the usage of this guide.

Throughout this, you will be asked to "Express it on the next pages". Take that as your way to creatively write out or draw your answers.

Therapist - Many therapists enjoy recommending books to their clients to supplement the work they are doing together. We also use books to help ourselves grow as people and practitioners. Remember though that books are never a replacement for real human connection, for supervision and continuing education, or for therapy when it's needed. This is a tool that is helpful for a MAN who is reluctant or has a fear of seeing a therapist face to face. This should be used to assist that male in getting comfortable with expressing himself and easing himself into the actual office for face to face therapy.

Veteran- I know first hand how difficult it can be for a veteran to return home and not be able to directly articulate to their friends, family or coworkers how they are feeling. This book is a great way to open up the dialogue. The family member can give their loved veteran this book and have them to do a page a day or on their schedule and then give it back to the family member to process with the veteran.

Males- this book is a reminder to express yourself and be free. This is also a tool to enhance your knowledge and awareness of all things MAN. If you have difficulty verbally expressing yourself or having issues with finding ways to articulate what you want to say, then write or draw it out here. Set goal and affirmations, learn to implement strategies on life. Journaling provides a excellent outlet to let go of those things that are bothering or worrying us

Parents- do you have a young boy that is on a path to find himself in this life journey or "MANhood"? Try this as a tool to assist in navigating the tough topics. Imagine given your teen this book/journal and they complete it and refer to it a year or two years later to see how much they have grown or remained the same? This is also a way of knowing what one should work on good or bad.

Partners- what if it was a way for you to know what your MAN is thinking? Have you been in a situation and was unable to know why he displayed certain actions, respond with certain responses or just wanted to really know what he has on his mind? What if you provided this book to him and he completes it and give it back to you? At this point, you will then know how to approach certain situations or gain an understanding of what his potential triggers are, what makes him sad or why he has difficulty opening up.

And all in between..

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098308698

James Harris

James Harris, AIA, is an architect and currently senior vice president at the Related Companies in New York City.

Book preview

Goals

When it comes to goals, break them down into two parts. You may be familiar with this, but separating short-term goals and long-term goals are easy ways to distinguish between them. A goal is an idea of a desired result that you envision, plan, and commit to achieve. This can be something you want to obtain in your business, relationship, family, school, or daily life.

For the sake of this guide, your short-term goals should be six months or less and your long-term goals should be one year and beyond.

Instead of me sharing my list with you, the purpose of this is for you to be engaging, therefore:

What are your personal goals?

How can you better accomplish your goals?

Have you accomplished any goals in the last year?

Create 10-15 short-term goals.

Create 5-10 long-term goals.

Express it on the next pages…

Write it out, MAN! - Short Term Goals

Draw it out, MAN! - Short Term Goals

Write it out, MAN! - Long Term Goals

Draw it out, MAN! - Long Term Goals

Trauma

In general, trauma is the psychological and emotional response to an adverse experience or event that you were a part of or witnessed. This event is deeply distressing and/or disturbing. Trauma can refer to something upsetting, such as being involved in an accident, having an illness or injury, losing a loved one, or going through a divorce.

We all process trauma differently. Some experience shock and denial; these are typical reactions to a traumatic event. Over time, these emotional responses may fade, but a survivor may also experience reactions long-term.

Some of the effects of trauma can include:

-Anger

-Persistent feelings of sadness and despair

-Flashbacks

-Unpredictable emotions

-Physical symptoms, such as nausea and headaches

-Intense feelings of guilt, as if they are somehow responsible for the event

-An altered sense of shame

-Feelings of isolation and hopelessness

Express it on the next pages…

Disclaimer: If you feel that your traumatic situation will cause or create any distress or discomfort for you to write or draw it, skip the next two pages.

Write it out, MAN! - Trauma (if you can)

Draw it out, MAN! - Trauma (if you can)

Coaching

This is a firm ability to obtain results, improve performance, and focus on the here and now rather than later. Coaching can unlock potential that an individual didn’t know they possessed. There is a huge difference between teaching someone and helping them to learn. In coaching, essentially, the coach is helping the individual to improve his or her own world and actions from within.

What is coaching to you?

Is there a benefit to being coached?

Are you someone that needs a push or coaching in areas of your life?

Do you often coach others?

Do you have a coach?

Would you consider getting a coach?

Do you believe a coach in your schooling or career can be effective?

Express it on the next pages…

Write it out, MAN! - Coaching

Draw it out, MAN! - Coaching