Nice work on the concept of the warrior—powerful and well-timed as we remember our fallen warriors this weekend.
We often hear there are three roles in life: sheep, wolves, or the sheepdog. For a long time, I identified with the sheepdog—always ready to protect and stay on guard.
But over the past five years, I’ve found some of my deepest healing has come not from staying in that fight-or-flight mindset, but from choosing a third way: love. We don’t always have to see others as enemies to conquer. Instead of reacting with defense, we can respond with care.
At this stage of life, I’m learning to become a shepherd—still strong, still watchful, but leading with gentleness, humility, and love.
Well said Alex. I’m with you and agree 100%. It’s amazing how much stress levels go down, relationships improve, and life satisfaction goes up via option 3. I would also say that option 3 isn’t exclusive from the others. Meaning, one can still be a sheepdog while also holding space for love. That’s a true ninja-level that many people don’t realize is possible to hold.
A powerful reframe of what it means to be a warrior. You captured the spirit of dignity and endurance that transcends job titles or battlefield credentials, and gave voice to those fighting battles few ever see. I agree 100%. Thanks Jeff.
Beautiful. Completely agrees. Words have meaning but the meaning doesn’t need to be confined in some arbitrary way, especially when it’s empowering and letting the word enhance mindset in multiple domains. Great stuff as always brother
And why are you confining "warrior " and what it means to be a "man?" I was in the Army 22 years and deployed to Iraq. I am a warrior, but not a man. Let's update the thinking here
You’re right, it doesn’t just apply to men. But in the context of that original article, I was aiming at the common conception of masculinity. That’s not to say “warrior” is only to be applied toward men. And if you read this latest article then you know the thinking already was “updated.”
Thank you. I understand you were talking about more, but words matter and that was the title. I enjoy your thoughts
Nice work on the concept of the warrior—powerful and well-timed as we remember our fallen warriors this weekend.
We often hear there are three roles in life: sheep, wolves, or the sheepdog. For a long time, I identified with the sheepdog—always ready to protect and stay on guard.
But over the past five years, I’ve found some of my deepest healing has come not from staying in that fight-or-flight mindset, but from choosing a third way: love. We don’t always have to see others as enemies to conquer. Instead of reacting with defense, we can respond with care.
At this stage of life, I’m learning to become a shepherd—still strong, still watchful, but leading with gentleness, humility, and love.
Well said Alex. I’m with you and agree 100%. It’s amazing how much stress levels go down, relationships improve, and life satisfaction goes up via option 3. I would also say that option 3 isn’t exclusive from the others. Meaning, one can still be a sheepdog while also holding space for love. That’s a true ninja-level that many people don’t realize is possible to hold.
A powerful reframe of what it means to be a warrior. You captured the spirit of dignity and endurance that transcends job titles or battlefield credentials, and gave voice to those fighting battles few ever see. I agree 100%. Thanks Jeff.
Thank you Ryan! Much appreciated!
Beautiful. Completely agrees. Words have meaning but the meaning doesn’t need to be confined in some arbitrary way, especially when it’s empowering and letting the word enhance mindset in multiple domains. Great stuff as always brother
Thanks man! Much appreciated
And why are you confining "warrior " and what it means to be a "man?" I was in the Army 22 years and deployed to Iraq. I am a warrior, but not a man. Let's update the thinking here
You’re right, it doesn’t just apply to men. But in the context of that original article, I was aiming at the common conception of masculinity. That’s not to say “warrior” is only to be applied toward men. And if you read this latest article then you know the thinking already was “updated.”