There is a legend among a Native American tribe living on the edge of the forest. For years the men practiced a routine.
One by one they would sneak out of the village and follow a small path to a stream. There was a log over the water.
Looking around to make sure no one was looking, the Indian would walk out on the log. Looking down into the stream, he would see his reflection.
Then, in a quiet voice, he would begin to tell the stream all the deep things of his heart. Doing this made him feel good.
Even though all the men in the village did this, they never told anyone. However, everyone knew, only silly pride kept them silent.
According to legend, the meaning of the tale is that everyone needs someone to talk to and speak of the deep things in their heart. But since sharing such things is considered a sign of weakness, they dared not talk about it.
Humans are created with a deep need to relate and share our lives (especially our problems) with one another. Yet, our society has done a strange thing to men.
It has conditioned us to think that by sharing sensitive things with others we are displaying signs of weakness. We see “success” as the ability to go it alone, to make it without anyone’s help.
Many veterans have a strong sense of independence; and for the most part we are reluctant to ask for help. We grew up on healthy doses of “rugged individualism,”
Yet like the Indians in the story, when we are alone, we are honest. We stand on the log looking down into the stream, and there is a strong urge to speak the deep things of our hearts – maybe even about the deep secrets of wartime issues.
We need to speak them out to one another. When we finally do, we will become stronger in heart and soul.
So, avoid carrying the burdens of life alone, because there are people, many are veterans like you, who not only are willing to hear you out, but who also may need you to listen to them.
