This morning I woke to Danni’s piece, *Good Men*, and sat with it longer than I expected. I don’t walk around thinking I’m a “good man.” I think most of us are just trying—failing, learning, standing back up. What moved me was her willingness to see the men writing their pain here and call out the goodness anyway. That takes a good woman.
Recognition matters more than we admit. Especially when the conversations in your head are louder than the applause outside.
Maybe it’s not about good men. Maybe it’s about good people—showing up, imperfect, but still choosing value over noise.
Thank you Marc. Yes, I also love John's words. He is wonderful. And... I am allowed to tell my story... so self-caring and freeing. Sending love and gratitude. 💕
Beautiful Danni. I also loved the quote from Albert Einstein! The men in my life unfortunately have been mostly disappointing and not very kind, but I have a wonderful soul brother who is my best cheerleader, and a friend who leaves soup and quiche outside my door and he is just the kindest human being! So yes, good men do exist and should be celebrated!
Imola, sometimes one really amazing human being is enough to remind us of the good. Sometimes it takes us seeing the good to help the good to arise. I know it is often not so easy. But I tend to see underneath the bad. As if there aren't as many bad men or humans as there are bad histories, attachments to labels, bad ability to respond. Maybe this is a defect of mine. I want to see the possibility of good. I need to believe that transformation is possible and that maybe the goodness in me can help it along for someone, maybe just one person. I used to have higher expectations, especially for finding love. I used to be so caught up in the fairytale. We did have a fairytale beginning afterall. But it made me push my husband away. I was seeking perfectly loving. And he was so far from that. Because he is so intense. So diificult sometimes. So the opposite of me. But I am not perfect. I cannot always give him what he needs. So I decided to soften. Love all of him. And I believe this softened him. He feels more accepted. More loved. And I see the love more... he is so loving. As he always has been. And he is so vulnerable too. Like all of us. Maybe what I am sharing with you as I remind myself is that the good (and the love) always begins with us. I wish many good men to enter your life, but in the meantime celebrate the one that is and most of all conrinue to create the goodness in yourself. You are wonderful. Often girlfriend, we know that this has to be enough. Good men, good humans or not, this life is beautiful. It is worth celebrating always. Love you. xo
Very humbled to be included in your list, Danni. I’m very fortunate to have had models of good men in my life who encouraged me and spoke into my life. I still do. I’ve discussed the importance of choosing love first with several men online and we all agree that leaning into love is the best way to live. Apparently others see the goodness in you when you live loving first. Thank you for this wonderful post.
Steve, I always love to read your essays: story, emotion, wisdom. From the first time I read one of your words, I felt a beautiful connection with you. I felt your authenticity, your humility, your desire to spread love. So I thank you for being an example of the type of man and human being that this world needs. Love spreads love. I have zero doubt. xo
Lovely to see you pay homage to the good men as I know they are out there, and as you say, Danni, : “good men are fully human.” That’s all we ask. Not perfection.
Amy, I know that you agree that we are all in this together - we are mirrors for one another, we are anchors, the salvation of humanity requires us to support one another. I love women and I love men - the good ones! Love you girlfriend xo
🟧 Substack Post: Good Men, Good People
A reflection on being human
This morning I woke to Danni’s piece, *Good Men*, and sat with it longer than I expected. I don’t walk around thinking I’m a “good man.” I think most of us are just trying—failing, learning, standing back up. What moved me was her willingness to see the men writing their pain here and call out the goodness anyway. That takes a good woman.
Recognition matters more than we admit. Especially when the conversations in your head are louder than the applause outside.
Maybe it’s not about good men. Maybe it’s about good people—showing up, imperfect, but still choosing value over noise.
Thank you, Danni.
John, this tribute would not have been complete without you. I am so grateful for the human you are. Keep holding us up. All my love.
Grateful to be included. Loved John’s quote so much.
Marc! Don’t fight the truth. You are a good man.
Thank you for supporting this thought. ❤️
Thank you Marc. Yes, I also love John's words. He is wonderful. And... I am allowed to tell my story... so self-caring and freeing. Sending love and gratitude. 💕
Beautiful Danni. I also loved the quote from Albert Einstein! The men in my life unfortunately have been mostly disappointing and not very kind, but I have a wonderful soul brother who is my best cheerleader, and a friend who leaves soup and quiche outside my door and he is just the kindest human being! So yes, good men do exist and should be celebrated!
Imola, sometimes one really amazing human being is enough to remind us of the good. Sometimes it takes us seeing the good to help the good to arise. I know it is often not so easy. But I tend to see underneath the bad. As if there aren't as many bad men or humans as there are bad histories, attachments to labels, bad ability to respond. Maybe this is a defect of mine. I want to see the possibility of good. I need to believe that transformation is possible and that maybe the goodness in me can help it along for someone, maybe just one person. I used to have higher expectations, especially for finding love. I used to be so caught up in the fairytale. We did have a fairytale beginning afterall. But it made me push my husband away. I was seeking perfectly loving. And he was so far from that. Because he is so intense. So diificult sometimes. So the opposite of me. But I am not perfect. I cannot always give him what he needs. So I decided to soften. Love all of him. And I believe this softened him. He feels more accepted. More loved. And I see the love more... he is so loving. As he always has been. And he is so vulnerable too. Like all of us. Maybe what I am sharing with you as I remind myself is that the good (and the love) always begins with us. I wish many good men to enter your life, but in the meantime celebrate the one that is and most of all conrinue to create the goodness in yourself. You are wonderful. Often girlfriend, we know that this has to be enough. Good men, good humans or not, this life is beautiful. It is worth celebrating always. Love you. xo
Love you back Danni!
Just wow! Such beautifully tender and empathic piece! It’s absolutely stunning! I’m honored to have been mentioned!
Duane, thank you. Much of my faith for this world is based on the good men. Keep loving. Keep spreading goodness. It is truly a service to all. 💕
Much appreciated! <3 <3
Very humbled to be included in your list, Danni. I’m very fortunate to have had models of good men in my life who encouraged me and spoke into my life. I still do. I’ve discussed the importance of choosing love first with several men online and we all agree that leaning into love is the best way to live. Apparently others see the goodness in you when you live loving first. Thank you for this wonderful post.
Steve, I always love to read your essays: story, emotion, wisdom. From the first time I read one of your words, I felt a beautiful connection with you. I felt your authenticity, your humility, your desire to spread love. So I thank you for being an example of the type of man and human being that this world needs. Love spreads love. I have zero doubt. xo
Thank you so much for your kind words, Danni, and likewise.
Thank you from by heart, Danni.
Thank you truly. 💞
Lovely to see you pay homage to the good men as I know they are out there, and as you say, Danni, : “good men are fully human.” That’s all we ask. Not perfection.
Amy, I know that you agree that we are all in this together - we are mirrors for one another, we are anchors, the salvation of humanity requires us to support one another. I love women and I love men - the good ones! Love you girlfriend xo