I've often been fascinated by great explorers of the past. Men who sacrificed the creature comforts of their day, to embark on long, arduous journeys to previously uncharted territories. Trekking the globe in the face of grave danger, they left behind family and friends in their quest for wealth and adventure. Existing for long periods without exposure to women or love, they conquered new lands out of pride, the love of their country.
These were real men, complete men, and men who lived by a code of honor that few men today would understand. These men were comfortable in their knowledge of self, but willing to share themselves for the love of the right woman. Women did not make them the men that they were. Instead, women were a complement to what they had already made of themselves.
I've learned in my own life's journey that being complete as a man has little to do with my relationship with a woman. A good woman could fulfill certain physical and emotional needs in my life, and might encourage me toward the accomplishment of my goals and ambitions. But without the internal drive and determination to pursue my life's passions and potential, I could never be complete.
At different points in my life, I have certainly been inspired by women. I have had women motivate me to sing, dance, laugh, and cry. I have had women lift me up when I was down, and women who attempted to bring me down when I was up. But no woman was able to affect me in any way that I was not open and receptive to. The greatest encouragement came from my mother, who never failed to praise my efforts, even when falling short of my objectives. And there have been other women who saw things in me that I had failed to see in myself.
I appreciate the contributions that those women made in helping me to grow as a person. But, there is currently no woman in my life, yet I am content in the person who I have grown to become. Like explorers of times past, I challenge myself to face my fears, and live to conquer new territories. I do not feel any significant need to be any more complete than I already am, but welcome the opportunity to share my life with the right woman.
The right woman can be a tremendous inspiration, and may even bring out the best in a man. But she cannot make a man more than what he is capable of being. Potential is completely up to the man. It's either in him, or it isn't. And if it is in him, then he is already complete. It's just that, like a great sculptor, a good woman can sometimes help bring out in a man what is covered under the surface. She can help mold him into the man of his destiny.