Friday Five, 03.04.22: Courage in the face of family danger
Plus, a story, podcast, thought, and call-to-action for all you handsome AF Growth-Driven Dads.
Hello and welcome to a new format for the Growth Driven Dad newsletter. Each Friday, Growth Driven Dad delivers the Friday Five, which includes a short essay, a story, a podcast, a thought, and a call-to-action geared towards growth-driven fathers and men. Moving forward, expect these free weekly emails along with semi-regular essays and podcasts. As always, please share if you found this interesting and if you’re not already, please subscribe.
Cheers and have a great weekend. -Ben Larsen
Essay(ish):
World events -- big or small -- carry with them so much grandeur. Thanks to the 24/7/365 news cycle, traditional and emerging forms of media, and the political positioning of each and every square god-damned inch of our reality, we're forced to choose one of a handful of narratives to make sense of the situation. Often, these narratives are self-serving to someone other than our individual selves and do more harm than good.
Of the many stories contributing to the narrative explaining the Russian aggression on Ukraine, one timeline I'm equally happy and sad that's getting the time of day it deserves is the one that recalls the many, many fathers through choice or by force remaining in Ukraine while their families and loved ones have fled to safer locations and countries.
There are some extremely captivating stories that capture the worry families have of their fathers and husbands left to contribute to the country's defense. In such a scary time with so many unknowns, I sympathize with the women and children forced to find safety without the support of their patriarch. I empathize with and have nothing but respect for the fathers who helped guide their families to safety only to turn back around and head into the danger. I cry for the men who couldn't protect their own families when they were separated.
As a father, husband, and son, I couldn't imagine the pain these families faced saying goodbye. Perhaps worse, the pain endured by these men who stayed to fight.
The Ukrainian peoples' response to Russia's invasion has been nothing short of heroic. In a word, it's: badass. There is so much good in their willingness to stand up for the country and ideals they believe in. As I sit here in America, I wonder what I'd do in a similar situation. I like to think I'd have as much bravery to stand in the face of what was coming at me. I like to think I'd have the resolve to do so without the support of my family. I realize that in war all bets are off and a person's primal sensibilities are revealed. I just hope, if put into the situation, I'd have the fortitude to carry myself the way so many Ukrainian fathers have; with bravery, compassion, and strength.
Until that time comes (hopefully it never will), these men have nothing but my respect, admiration, and empathy.
Story:
Does my son know you? | By Jonathan Tjarks, The Ringer:
This week's story comes from Jonathan Tjarks, a Staff Writer at The Ringer, who covers a ton of basketball. This week, he deviated from his normal beat to pen an extremely personal essay that details his battle with Cancer, the impacts his own father's death had on his coming-of-age years, and why, with what little time he has left, he's investing in relationships that will carry on beyond his passing. Does my son know you? is both an essay and a question he has for those he's investing in. Tjarks wants his closest friends to know he hopes they are important figures in his son's life.
As a father who can barely bring himself to visualize a world where his daughters would not have me with them, reading this was extremely real, and emotional. It's the type of piece the world needs more of. Thank you to Jonathan for having the courage to open his heart and share this with the world.
Podcast:
Narrative, Story & Writing | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
While I realize bringing up the name Jordan Peterson can result in polarizing stances or opinions, a lot of what he's written about creativity, including the science behind it, resonates with me intensely. A recent episode of his podcast, which merged various interviews and insights together, hit home for me big time and I thought it was worth sharing. In Episode 2 of a three-part series on narrative, story, and writing, he talks with writers and leaders about a.) our insane ability to acquire decades worth of research and intelligence in a matter of hours or days by reading impactful books and b.) the ability to write as a literal superpower. These are two opinions I've basically built my life around and thought they were worth sharing.
Also of note, and much of the reason you're getting this newsletter: In the podcast, Peterson also discusses the concept of creatives being a personality. He notes that if a creative is not able to create, they're literally not acting upon or living within their identity.
As I've struggled through the pandemic, life changes, family growth, work BS, and other challenges, I've always dropped my creative sensibilities as they seemed too unimportant or vital to focus on. Selfish, even. But this prioritization, or lack thereof, has done nothing but limit my ability to grow. It's a simple and easy to understand thought -- and I think that's the value of podcasts. To help you realize what's been clouded through so many other forms of media. I hope you enjoy this listen. I sure did.
Thought:
What are you procrastinating on?
In recent weeks, I've taken head on my struggles with procrastination. I'll write more about this in coming weeks but will leave you with this simple thought. What are you procrastinating on and what simple steps can you take to create small bits of momentum towards achievement or completion of the goal?
Call-to-Action:
I am looking to maintain consistency with this newsletters and a number of other creative endeavors. To help me in this, please subscribe, share, like, follow, and otherwise engage with me across the interwebs. Thanks so much in advance. My info is below. Thanks, as always, for trusting me with your email address and your valuable time.