The Inward Dad

• There is a difference between being a father and being a dad
• Being a dad starts on the inside
• A dad develops by being an inward dad to himself first

• Challenging ourselves as men is something we love to talk about and watch in movies, but it is hard to do in the everyday
• A man must challenge himself within
• The status quo feels safe and that is why so many men move toward it
• A dad is a man who hasn't stopped challenging himself
• As a man leads himself, he will lead his family
• Your battle to grow as a man directly impacts the kind of husband and father you will be

• Many men are living with a self-imposed green screen in their life
  • They are projecting what they 'think' of themselves or what they "wish" about themselves
• Ever man should know their real selves without their masks
• This takes self-examination (the inward journey) that few men take the time to do
• A man who is secure in himself is a better parent because he doesn't allow his kids to define him
• Some men are "mask dads" they put on a mask of the dad when other people are around
• This is "parenting for others"
• Keep growing and being secure in who you are as a man, you'll be a better dad for it

• Balancing yourself is understanding an important part of life: "Life is full of seasons and rhythms"
• As a man, You must seek to balance yourself in the midst of the seasons you are in
  • Don't allow the busy season or the restful season to define you
  • You want to be centered in your own identity as a man so you can handle the different seasons of life
• Self-Care is the energy that fuels your ability to truly care and serve others
• A balanced dad understands his need to stay strong in the seasons of life