Author: Rich Gorecki

The MANual to Downshift and Refocus

January 4, 2021 2 Comments

As we enter a new year, it’s time to refocus on what’s important. It’s time to change the pace of life by “downshifting”, per se, in order to focus on becoming a more godly man. This year, I’m asking you to join me on a journey of intentionally pursuing God and the good life He offers. In Reflections on Year 2 of God Buddies, I explained how the first 12 months of writing this blog to refine my thoughts about why men need deeper, more authentic friendship. Of course, last year was unexpectedly different for most due to the coronavirus pandemic. This led to last year’s posts about adjusting to change, the emotional and physical health of men, and how God Buddies support each other during a really tough year. So this year is about focusing on our journey as men. Like fixing a car or putting something together, it

Reflections on an “Upside-Down” Year 2 of GodBuddies

December 28, 2020 No Comments

This year was certainly one we will remember for decades. In many ways, it was “upside-down”. I pray it also caused enough change that people reassess their priorities and return to what’s most important in life. As I reflect on my second year of writing for this blog, I’m even more convinced that men need God Buddies to help them through tough times like these. So here is my annual reflection on helping men become better men, A Year Like No Others This year’s coronavirus pandemic certainly helped us realize that no one should do life alone. Even though we were asked to stay away from others, isolation caused problems for many people. Our socially- and physically-distanced life behind N95 masks forced us to slow down, take care of ourselves and our loved ones. We needed to invest time in our most valuable relationships. This unprecedented year also showed why

The Chains of Addictive Behaviors

December 21, 2020 No Comments

This series about how organizations like Movember and No-Shave November “change the face” of men’s health issues continues with one more post. In Men and Addictions, and in this post, I describe the stimuli that typically cause our addictions, another major concern for men. My hope is that this series helps us understand how addictive behavior impact our relationships with both family and friends. The Stimuli that Cause Addiction This post and the last one include information from The Addictive Brain, a Great Course taught by Thad A. Polk, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan who has done significant research into addictions. The CDC reports the COVID-19 pandemic is causing a rise in uncertainty, fear, anxiety, isolation & loneliness, and economic repercussions that will likely increase the reported cases of substance abuse, along with mental & physical abuse. Polk says addiction affects roughly 1 in 4 Americans. He