Finding comfort in nostalgia: A reflection on man flu
By Luke Newman, Founder of ‘For Men To Talk’ Men’s Peer Support
This week, I found myself battling the infamous “man flu.” Amidst the aches, sniffles, and general discomfort, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, and all I craved was the comfort of childhood. In moments of weakness, the desire to revert to a simpler time becomes undeniable.
As the man flu took its toll, I longed for the presence of my Mum. It’s been nearly 19 years since we lost her to Ovarian Cancer, leaving an irreplaceable void. Strangely, it’s during these moments of vulnerability that the absence of her is even more painful. The innate yearning for maternal care and comfort resurfaces with an intensity that transcends time.
In sickness, there’s a profound desire to regress to a state of innocence. At such times, all I want is to be six years old again – clad in pyjamas, nestled under my Postman Pat duvet, sipping on soda stream cherryade. The soundtrack of my recovery would be the familiar theme of “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” a show that defined my childhood. Oh, how I long for the simplicity of those days!
The culinary remedy for any childhood ailment was my Heinz Tomato Soup paired with buttered bread. The mere thought of it triggers a comforting nostalgia, a yearning for a time when the world was smaller, and a mother’s touch had the power to heal all wounds. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of maternal care, even when the source is no longer physically present.
It is precisely during such moments that the importance of creating spaces for men to talk and share their vulnerabilities becomes apparent. The societal expectation for men to suppress their emotions is deeply ingrained, but moments of illness often peel away the layers of stoicism. ‘For Men To Talk,’ the peer support initiative I founded, aims to provide a platform where men can open up about their struggles, seek understanding, and find solace in shared experiences.
As I navigate through the challenges of man flu, I’m reminded of the universal need for connection, understanding, and the comfort of shared nostalgia. It reinforces the mission of ‘For Men To Talk’ – to break down the barriers preventing men from expressing vulnerability and to foster a community where healing can begin through open dialogue. In our pursuit of strength, let’s not forget the power that lies in acknowledging our moments of weakness and finding strength in shared experiences.
By the way, man flu is real!