New Experience

Went away with some guys I know this past weekend and had some fun and a new experience. We did some shooting of sporting clays or what I would refer to as skeet shooting.

I have not had much experience shooting rifles and have never shot a pistol. This weekend we used a shotgun and it was fun and a good experience although it didn’t start out well because I couldn’t get them targeted in but eventually I was able to hit the clays pretty consistently. It was a good feeling and I am looking forward to doing it again.

This was just one thing we did but we had fun with a number of activities and games that I think most guys would enjoy.

The real value in the weekend was in getting to know the other guys better through interaction and discussions. These guys have been meeting together for a couple of years and have great bond of friendship. Although I know each of these guys, some better than others, I have only been attending the weekly sessions for about 5 or 6 weeks.

During the weekend there was a time with a serious discussion and there were times of just having fun and joking with each other and sometimes challenging each other.

One interesting aspect of the weekend was that there was no real ultra competitiveness expressed or evident. There was some trash talking but it wasn’t crazy and guys were more interested in having fun as far as I can tell. There was a level of respect and appreciation for everyone that made the weekend enjoyable.

These types of experiences are available to other men but I’m not sure many men are interested in participating. You might ask, why not.

After working with men closely over the last few years I think there are several reasons.

o Some guys are shy and because of this are very uncomfortable in this kind of setting especially if they are encouraged to meet other men or to express their thoughts or opinions.

o Some are insecure and think everyone is looking at them and judging everything they do. But in reality almost everyone else is only worried about themselves and they don’t care about others and what they are doing.

o Some are prideful and think they have it all together and don’t need or want that type of experience. In fact many think they are much better than the guys who are involved in that group and so don’t need that type of thing.

o Some guys don’t want to think about attending and participating because this allows them to avoid the decision.

o And some guys don’t go because they have obligations they can’t get out of, like work, family or other commitments. Although I have expressed in other posts that many of the things we do can be postponed and rescheduled many times we just don’t choose to do that.

If you haven’t thought about improving yourself as a man or in your relationships with other men then that is most likely a reason why you don’t go to these types of events that are typically called retreats. I have been to many men's events both large and small and usually gain something that helps me to be a better man.

As men we all need to improve because we aren’t great or even good at everything and it takes a conscious decision and effort. Your family will appreciate it if you make this effort because as you become a better man you become a better husband, father, employee, manager and /or friend.

Don’t let any of the reasons above stop you from going or getting involved with a group of guys. Do yourself a favor and get involved with a group of guys, or talk with the guys you are already meeting with, and start to plan a weekend away each year to have some fun and get to know each other better.

Interestingly, during the weekend the guys were making suggestions of things we could do next year.