Moments That Define A Man...

There are significant events in life that shape who we are. For some of us, it may be a death, a new life, a career change. But there are similar events that change everyone.

1. Choosing a partner. Hillary Clinton said it takes a village to raise a child, but really it takes a team. Not only do we need a team to raise a family, but it is important to have someone on your side when there is happiness, sadness, and confusion. It is imperative that we find someone that is similar to us, but also has some differences. The person your partner with should be someone you dream about, treats you with respect, and where physical contact eases the day.

2. First major failure. This may be a loss of job, loved one, or self. These events create a rallying point for close friends and family. Failures answer questions about ourselves.

3. Losing your parents. Once our parents are gone there is nobody to obtain advice. There is nobody, but yourself, to be the leader of a family or group. There is a certain amount of your heart missing.

4. Realizing you have some degree of ignorance. Everyone should have the desire to keep learning and exploring. It is essential that we accept and know our flaws. It is imperative to test ones limits.

5. Discovery of Passion. A passion keeps us involved in life. It might not be discovered at 60, but could be found at 6. Passions create immeasurable happiness and little disappointment.

Certainly, it is possible not to have one of these moments that define who we are. There are variations of these 'moments' throughout life. We handle these situations differently, and might have these moments enter our lives with stress and confusion. But, they only make us stronger.