An open letter by the legend himself to men of today and tomorrow, says crying does not make a person weaker. Sachin Tendulkar took to social media on Wednesday and shared a heartfelt letter where he decoded customs around manhood and revealed that certain beliefs he grew up with, needs to be changed today.
Sachin’s emotional letter
In an open letter in the continuing International Men’s Week, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has said that men from all over the world need to understand that showing emotions and crying is not a sign of weakness.
His note to the “men of today and tomorrow” begins by saying that men will soon be fathers and husbands, brothers and teachers who will lead by example. He talked about how courageous and a strong one will be having all responsibilities on his shoulder. Brave and resilient, facing all the problems. “Undoubtedly, there will be times when you fail, and you will feel like crying and letting it all out.”
“But it’s sure, you’ll hold back the tears and act to be tough. Because that’s what men do. Because that’s what we are brought up to believe – that men are not supposed to cry. That crying makes a man weak.
Sachin Tendulkar talked about the time when he grew up believing that crying is a sign of weakness, but has now realized that he is wrong. “My struggles and my pain made me who I am, shaping into a better man.”
It’s ok to cry
Recalling the moment when he retired from the International cricket, the legend said, “I still remember that day on the field. I had thought about it for a long time but nothing could prepare me for that last walk back to the pavilion.”
“With each step, it started sinking in. I felt a lump in my throat, the fear of it all ending… I let go in front of the world, and surprisingly, I felt a certain peace.”
“There’s no shame in showing your tears. So why hide a part of you that makes you stronger? Why hide your tears?”
“It takes a lot of courage to show your pain and your vulnerability. But just as sure as the morning, you’ll emerge from it tougher and better. So I encourage you to move past these stereotypes and notions of what men can or cannot do. Whoever you are, wherever you are, I wish you this courage,” he said.
