www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 17 Paid Advertising John hadn’t eaten all day. He had a depression he just couldn’t shake, a discomfort he’d never experienced before. He wasn’t sleeping, with his mind running a million miles an hour in all the wrong directions. Life had begun to build up, with work, relationships, friends, and kids. It was becoming more than he could handle. He was doing everything he thought a man was “supposed” to do and still he felt overwhelmed. Through a friend John heard about Breakthrough Men’s Community and though he was nervous he was ready to try something for himself. With an open mind John signed up and slowly he was able to process his feelings. Working in a judgment free space, with other men there to support and listen to him, John felt like he could open up and face his worries head on. He found he was safe and supported in a way he had never experienced before. He was not alone in his experience. Over time, John gained a group of close friends who are there to support him when he struggles. Beyond that, John learned how to be there for himself and his loved ones as the best version of himself. Life got better. He learned tools and practices giving him the confidence to seek out help and support without feeling any shame. John’s story may sound intense, but it isn’t that uncommon for men to go through these processes. There can be walls built up due to societal pressures and years of putting emotions aside. It’s important for men to learn that they can face these feelings head on and work on becoming a better version of themselves. Traditionally there aren’t many places men can get together to connect on an emotional level and help each other out. Not everyone has a friend who they are able to connect with on this level. It can be difficult to find an avenue towards working on persistent challenges. Breakthrough Men’s Community gave John that space. “Our team at Breakthrough Men’s Community makes the work easier”, says Executive Director and graduate Arnold Westphal. Men learn in a safe environment how to show up for themselves and allow others to support them in return. Welcoming the men into a space where everyone shows the courage to look inside themselves is an incredible jumpstart to the process. Men learn they are not alone. What started as a small group meeting in a living room in 1987 has grown to have participants from all over the country and even internationally. The ability to participate in an in-person workshop or online workshop creates an awesome flexibility, opening the program up to those who might not have had the time or been comfortable otherwise. Ask John about Breakthrough Men’s Community and he’ll tell you, “Breakthrough gave me tools and practices that have allowed me to create more in my life. The results are beyond what you could imagine.” Breakthrough Men’s Group invites you to come and see for yourself. Attend a free informational meeting or weekly support group. Visit www.breakthroughformen.org or email info@breakthroughformen.org. Executive Director Arnold Westphal at a recent graduation night
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