This is My Story: Lewis Howes

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www.maskofmasculinity.com/
MY ENTIRE LIFE, I GREW UP AS AN ATHLETE.
I was a two-sport All-American, played pretty much every sport in high school, and went on to play arena football professionally.
My entire childhood was built on beliefs about what "masculinity" is, from being in the locker rooms, to what coaches would say to me over and over, to society, and what the media showed.
I was raped when I was five by a man that I didn't know, the babysitter's son. I didn’t tell anyone about it. I remember having all this resentment, anger, frustration and defensiveness built up inside of me.
I became so driven to prove everyone wrong, so driven to be number one and to never lose.
I was driven to be the best athlete I could be.
A lot of it came from feeling like I wasn't good enough for who I was.
People questioned my masculinity, my value, so I was very driven to achieve. And I did.
I achieved everything I wanted. I seemed to have it all: a New York Times bestselling book, a world-famous podcast, a multi-million dollar business.
At 32-years-old, I had reached the pinnacle of success by anyone’s measure.
But deep down, I felt utterly unfulfilled.
Night after night on my book tour for The School of Greatness, I would lay down only to feel deep and profound loneliness in an impersonal hotel room.
I may have reached the pinnacle of success, but I had no one to share it with.
I had no intimacy or deep connection with anyone else.
In the past, I would have ignored these emotions. "Man up," I would have told myself. "Quit being so soft." But as the book tour came to a close, I decided it was time to do things differently. It was time to take massive action.
So I went on a personal journey to find inner peace and uncover the many masks that men - like myself - wear.
I had life-changing conversations with some of the world’s best psychologists, researchers, and household names, such as Tony Robbins, Alanis Morissette, and Ray Lewis. And through it all, I discovered what it really takes to remove the mask of masculinity.
I realized there are so many men out there struggling because of these ideas of "masculinity."
The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives is the result of this transformational journey.
I know there are a lot of people talking about vulnerability, opening up, and similar topics, but as a jock growing up in America, none of my peers would've ever listened to any of those messages from those people.
I want to connect with the men who are not open to hearing this message, in a way that will resonate with them.
I want women to understand the men in their lives better.
Through entertaining stories, honest reflection, and incredible interviews, I uncovered the 9 masks of masculinity: the hidden psychological and emotional barriers that hold men back from true fulfillment. In each chapter, we explore the depths of a different mask.
For many, The Mask of Masculinity will be the start of a life-changing journey.
Many men have worn their masks for so long that they forget who they are underneath. Removing the masks, then, will not be easy.
It will be terrifying. It will be painful. But it’s in the most difficult and challenging journeys that we find the most meaning. Stripped of the masks of masculinity, men can find true fulfillment. They can love. They can connect. They can find the freedom to be themselves again.
You can follow Lewis at:
Website: lewishowes.com/
Facebook: / lewishowes
Twitter: / lewishowes
Instagram: / lewishowes
SnapChat: / lewishowes
You can follow me at:
Website: lewishowes.com/
Facebook: / lewishowes
Twitter: / lewishowes
Instagram: / lewishowes
Tiktok: / lewis
Linkedin: / lewishowes

[@OfeliaPalencia]

I really love the way you are inspiring all us. My 10 year old son showed me one of your videos and that is why I know about you. He is subscribe to your channel and watches your video. Thank you for sending a positive message. God bless you!

[@Bloquita5]

Ofelia Palencia That's awesome! At a young age, he recognizes positive influence and shares it with you who have influenced him the most. You must be a great mom! ❤️

[@OfeliaPalencia]

Mayra Esquivel Thanks for your kind words. I listen to Tonny Robins, Jim Rhon, Robert Kiyosaki, and many more, ever since he was a baby he is being exposed to these people and he really likes it. God bless you!

[@Bloquita5]

Ofelia Palencia ❤️ Thank you! You as well.

[@rosaruby757]

When someone is rude don't listen,...when someone is unkind ,walk away.....when someone tries to put you down stay firm......Don't let someone's bad behaviour destroy your inner peace.😃😇

[@maguisolares9268]

Rosa me gustaria seguir oyendo sus reflexiones son muy Bonitas...Digame si hay algunos videos en KZbin en donde se pueda Aprender de Usted y sus enseñanzas...Me gusta lo que dice...lo pondre en practica...da Fuerza y poder lo que dice... Gracias...

[@lisleidouroucas1403]

It's so hard, Lewis. I fight with myself every day in order to push me to do what I have to do. It's just so much to juggle. I feel very lonely in the process. If I didn't hold on to life learning messages like yours to give me the necessary support and strength, I would probably have given up already.

[@amrutakawade2918]

Thankyou lewis for all the inspiration😊

[@nickidaisyreddwoodd5837]

Lean into the dream that is exactly what I was thinking last night in the garden when I was grounding my feet onto the grass looking into the night sky. I was talking in German to the wild animals in the shrubs and said that we need to lean into our own fear, lean into our own anger in quiet meditation, lean into other people's resistance because we can't change the way they feel, lean into our future dreads, lean into my doom and gloom, lean into my inner tension, lean into the now and breathe thoroughly through everything.

[@StarGirl01ish]

I am so grateful for people like you.Thank you for your love.

[@georgeb9977]

One day I dream of meeting you Lewis, you have inspired so much change in so many people. Just looking at the comments here it's obvious that you have achieved what you needed to. One day Lewis, one day.

[@taniasultana843]

There is no end! Time is the best choice!❤

[@chrisripley9495]

Lewis - Thank you for sharing your story. Sadly our stories are similar except I made myself small vs. striving for greatness. Now I am pushing to chase my dream which is also pushing me into the light and to be seen. There are many who say I can't do it because (fill in the blank) and this includes my inner voice. I will achieve my goal of helping others because of my challenges. I will coach mentor and help up lift others to be thoughtful leaders, advocates, parents, and to achieve what they see as greatness for themselves not my or others ideals for them. Thank you Lewis I needed this today. Sending you love and light, Christine

[@oktje1]

I always thought: "You are so luck to have your youth in a christian science family ... So you know the basic." I have been there for a while, followed 'class', heard a lot of miracles and saw the same back in A Course of Miracles, my basic book. But I also saw that we all are learning our own and the same lessons in life how to handle it. It is about experiencing, feeling. And our background, our knowing can help us or become a block on our leg. I am very glad you told this! I respect and love you and your videos a lot: your warmth, love, openess, respect, giving and taking this and space .... .

[@vivdoolan6846]

Thank you so much for sharing. I work with fostered children and there is a societal culture of keeping sexual abuse hush hush. Thank you for speaking up and showing that its OK to talk about this extremely important subject. Kudos to youxxxxx

[@LR-kj8ec]

So good looking and humble

[@sohaibahmed226]

Very deep man. I just read about experiences you shared in your book School of Greatness

[@kellyschwartzbauer5324]

I am so sorry for what you have been through. You have faced challenges from a young age. Thank you for being so honest. This will help others to be open & honest about their trials. A few days ago, the Lord convicted me to pray for you. I want you to know that I will be praying, the Lord (the only living God) loves you, & is calling you. You are very impressive, I encourage you to keep fighting the good fight. Megan 🏈📖

[@arcelialopez7081]

I admire your bravery to share this hard situation tthat you lived and help others at the same time to overcome similarl ones.

[@soniacutie3598]

Thank you for sharing! Wow, takes a lot to share this...congrats for excelling...👍

[@LoveMoneySecretsTV]

WOW I HAVE watched so many of your shows and never saw this one on your life story. So profound. Thank you for sharing this with us. It take a big man with a huge heart to be this courageous and vulnerable that's where your power lies.

[@DariaCallie]

You're amazing!

[@zoxyy.1x]

@Bai Please know that your worthy in the world ?

[@janekogo]

Martha and you are great people.I wish you all good the universe can offer.

[@lovellovel2415]

Such a good video ! Most men dont talk about those things ! You re really great in and out ! Thanks for this honesty! More people will start healing them self and not hurting outhers because their re hurt, if they see in people like you, that their re not alone with this and that you could heal yourself already ! Great ! Cheers from Germany

[@vanessaalexander766]

Mindset is everything. Move forward. You rock.

[@karacansayrun-thomas4287]

I am so happy that you shared this Lewis. Your testimony is beautiful! Blessings and love to you!!

[@ramenchuu]

Thank you for sharing your story! Im very sorry for the things you went through. Love what you've become!

[@miriamferreira2927]

Lewis - you are such a beautiful person - I love your heart and your ability to show raw emotion. Rare! Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. I am so inspired when I hear you speak! Good luck with the new project #maskofmasculinity

[@jossgirl]

Agree!

[@rudragautam4464]

You are an amazing person despite the tragedies you faces keep it up lewis

[@nicolekay9789]

Fantastic Lewis! You are an inspiration and I look forward to connecting with you one day!

[@nicolekay9789]

Wishing you the best on your new book!

[@bushidooffaith4706]

God bless you Mr Howes I have learnt that pain will always give you gain, so long as you stand strong in the rain. You learn this lesson it will keep you sane! We all go through hard times, it makes as hard warriors, so as to win the hard battles. Good to see your winning!

[@SobrietyBestie]

You are AMAZING 👊🏼🔥❤️ I LOVE your podcasts so much... yet I think THIS is my fave video of yours. So inspiring. So raw + real. I have the chills. Thank you for being YOU ❤️❤️❤️

[@xeryficcovers8813]

After watching Dharmann I really looked for your name and now, I’m one your subscriber ❤️🥰

[@Kickingitwithkeila]

Keep inspiring people! I'm in the beginning stages of living out my dream and I feel so much happier!

[@natalyam411]

I have seen quite a few of Lewis's podcasts now, and he comes across as such a nice, cool man that I was so shocked to learn that he had actually had to go through so much pain to get to this good place that he is at now. Even more respect now for you, Lewis!

[@jimmyjoejeeter2366]

What a story! You sure have come along way! I bet everyone who knows you, is so proud of you. I'm almost done reading your first books. Both books have giving me hope at 66 years old to re-invent myself, and to chase My dreams, with being older now they are not as big as they were when I was younger, but I'm starting to dream again! Lewis, Thank you for writing both of your books and giving people hope, even at my age.

[@southafricangirl1698]

Your courage is inspiring.....your searching for truth is inspiring - thank you for sharing!!

[@happilydivorced3235]

The last part got me😭😭😭😭I’d rather explore every dream my heart desires. Whether I achieve it or not, that’s not important. As long as I tried. LISTEN TO YOUR HEART ABD LEAN INTO THE DREAM.✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@lewishowes]

Absolutely!

[@AngelaG2015]

The people’s champ! You’ve given me so much. Thank you!!! God bless!

[@lize-mariras5795]

I can only imagine the bravery it must have taken you to tell the world your story. I Hope to have an interview with you soon on my IGTV channel :)

[@johnbasedow]

Empowering story.

[@giselagilbert1741]

Just beautifully expressed, sooo true, listen to your heart. I am a passionate Yoga teacher and massage therapist and that's what I do, listen to my heart! I do follow your shows very regularlary, the only regular show that I follow...

[@easyogini]

This is so beautiful I am crying as I watched this video- thank you Lewis Howes for sharing your LIFE.

[@monapenn-jousset4203]

Lewis, this was particularly powerful stuff. "Lean into the dream" Nice. Thank you for having the courage to share your story. Well done, Lewis ❤️

[@debgaudin8862]

Your voice is new to me, but I'll never let you go. Thank you so much for sharing your words, which help so much.

[@JonGabbVlogs]

Lewis, thank you for sharing that personal chapter of your life with us. You don't realise how powerful that can be to some people. Been listening to your podcasts for quite some time now and I just wanted to say keep it up. I know you must read thousands of messages like us, but it's crazy how much people like you can change peoples lives. Hope you have a great weekend. Mia-

[@NatalieNumie]

Love him. Thanks for being vulnerable.

[@fayejansen8710]

Thanks so much for sharing this Lewis. You don't know how much this helps me move forward.

[@nataliegwin6330]

I’m a single parent. My son is only 1 years old, but I think about how I can help him be kind and live a fulfilling life. I’m glad you are sharing intimately your life and pursuit of fulfillment, because there are many boys and men out there, who need someone to look to, giving themselves permission to be kind and permission to seek fulfillment. You are a light in the dark. Thank you for your work.

[@anaaskar9016]

Love you so much, Lewis!! Big, tight hug for you! Thank you for sharing and giving us so much value, trust, love!

[@DougieForlano]

Love it Lewis! Thank you what a powerful distinction in following your dreams and how others might not be there and that's ok

[@andreasholzner-sportperfor611]

I am completely overwhelmed, totally amazing video! Greetings from Germany

[@andreasholzner-sportperfor611]

I think what stood out most was the story about the fight in the basketball court. I also had situations were I allowed my anger to take controle over the situation. To hear your story made me realize that it is not essentiell to let anger controle the situation or anything else in life. Thank you for sharing your story! I hope someday we can meet each other and talk about "how sports improves your daily life and what lessions you have learned by doing sports on a regular basis" Would be great :-) Really looking forward to read your new book, greetings from Germany Andi

[@basmafayez1324]

I saw this video multiple times whenever I feel down you’re so inspiring and I can’t wait to read your book , Thank you Lewis

[@KrystenJanzen]

Wow Lewis ❤️ thank you for sharing! Don't ever stop inspiring 💯🙏🏻

[@Iamkennedyt]

THANK YOU!!! This was amazing. 💜💜

[@MetaMM]

A true role model. Turning the negative into positive and moreover, reached the height of where and who you are today is something amazingly commendable! Life well done!

[@kylelougnot3765]

Wow! Lewis, that takes some serious guts for sharing this. Thanks man! God bless!

[@kylelougnot3765]

Will do!

[@AshleyGalvan]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO, LEWIS!!!! So empowering, inspiring & encouraging to me. 🙏🏼

[@MysticButterfly]

Lewis, you are an inspiration to many. Beautiful soul and a person!! Thank you for sharing your truth 😊🙏🏻

[@NobodyNN659]

Thank you for sharing that. You are amazing, and you help a lot of people.

[@c.g.272]

You are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@lewishowes]

🧡

[@kimwoobin5517]

Wow! This is super inspirational to me! I have been following you every where and this just got me boom! Knowing the other parts of old you and how you have overcome all those hardships and set yourself as a true icon for greatness! Hats off to you! Thank you for constantly motivating us! Every words you have spoken has a lot of take away lessons! We’re all same human being who desire for happiness and not suffering! We are who we choose to be! School of greatness is a wonderful always and I love listening to every podcasts series! It gives me a wider perspective on all things and definitely makes my day a brighter and a lil more productive than yesterday! Thank you Lewis! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Anacecyoficial]

Thank you for sharing your story 🙏🏻❤️

[@anoopka8882]

It’s so inspiring,your videos makes me confident.I’m a great fan of yours.

[@ironempath7261]

Absolutely bless you every day, thank you so much for your honesty and love for humanity. I survived serial ostracism from narcissistic abuse by my sister. I'm leaving it all behind and starting over, and this was exactly what I needed to hear right now. Absolutely bless you every day ♥. Thank you for your encouragement!

[@Lukaplaysminecraft]

You are amazing. Truly inspirational. Thank you♥♥♥

[@stellar3491]

I can relate to the childhood incident. It severes your connection to your family, you don't belong anymore.

[@MATZ302]

first thing i watched this morning... you are the man lewis, no doubt about it keep being so great

[@septamush]

I have done a marathon of all your interview here on KZbin and every one is amazing! Golden nugget filled video! I wonder if you had podcast interviews too? I would love to hear you in Tim Ferris show and on Pioneers of Insight, audience there would really love to hear your inspiring story.

[@MissMeditata]

Your story is very inspirational! I applaud you for your honesty, openness, authenticity and positive energy. And for staying so humble and true to yourself, regardless of the abuse and darkness you had to experience. Thank you for being a true example for all the men out there who are suffering in silence and by inspiring them with your message, that’s the only way to peace is through letting go of it all! Much Love to you. Keep up the great work with your podcasts! 👏🏻💛🙏🏻

[@lewishowes]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

Lewis Howes = Ambitious. Brave. Courageous. Gifted. Humble. Loving. Kind. Talented.

[@jocampbell6962]

Wow! Amazing. THANK YOU LEWIS💫

[@balajijayaraman5584]

Hi Lewis, you are doing good job by positive videos which would help people to become better in their life.Please continue to post positive videos . Thank you.

[@michelerich3242]

Wow. A deeply moving story.This is powerful. This is empowering.

[@bexaidacandelaria5128]

Wow , I know how that feels So glad you made it as a person and man Congrats on your personal success I will pray for your contentment to continue My best for you snd yes let go of the funky messes we go through

[@anneleen4232]

This blows my mind. Love you, Lewis.

[@lukejbonner]

Love you, brother. Thank you.

[@iloveBigTits]

What a Beautiful "MAN" Lewis is!...inside and outside!!! 👍🏾😁👊🏾

[@amyperaza1766]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ all respect and love for you sir 🙏🏽✨ you are light

[@PaulaD613]

So Sorry. You are truly amazing,...Brightest Blessings to you...

[@anythingunderthesun7414]

Nice story ❤👍. Everyone has experiences usually bad experiences and in that we have wisdoms to share to millions of people. Those experiences become the best version of yourself now. There are times that we become the person we want because we want to be better than others, to get ahead of them. The attachment with the desires the reason why we suffer. - Michael Stephen said " Desire is enevitable but attachment is a choice.

[@salvadorchavez8386]

Thanks for sharing Lewis 🙏🙏✊🏾👏🏼

[@jamief8836]

Lewis, I listen to a hand full of pod casts and I enjoy them but you my friend are the MOST humble, gracious and authentic. Thank you for loving yourself and allowing others to see it's possible to be worthy, awesome, kind and super dope!!!!🤙

[@jamief8836]

Lewis Howes Something about you seems very authentic and vulnerable but carried out with such strength and confidence. Very self aware....

[@editabart3540]

Thank you❤

[@andrebalietto]

Great video man, thanks for sharing!!!

[@Maddy4u]

Lewis, you are such an inspiration!

[@mshell1959]

You inspire me, my friend!

[@a7dv7en7t]

God bless you, Mr. Howes. Thank you for everything you do. You're an inspiration

[@lewishowes]

Thank you so much!!

[@AuthenticSelfGrowth]

Powerful. Thank you!

[@julienbongo1300]

Thank you for sharing ypur amazing experience. Very helpful.

[@SouthGarden77]

Marta and you are very inspiring! Perfect for each other. Fight for your love guys even after the honeymoon phase, and I wish you all the happiness, health, prosperity, and abundance!

[@Brian-vb7rq]

When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful. - Malala Yousafzai Great Video Lewis! Subscribed!

[@shayankhatibi4246]

Mad respect, thank you LH!

[@5422074]

Thank you, Lewis!

[@marylee2732]

I’m sick & almost a senior citizen but I still believe my dreams will come true.

[@BendyTheInk_Demon]

When i was 5 my dad was an alcoholic who could never control his anger now-a-days i am more agressive and stronger and ready to take back the pain and should have done 13 years ago where i should have fought back anyway i also used to have anger issues and would think its ok to take my agressivness on other 8 yr olds thinking its fine now i know showing my anger is not the key to happyness

[@hida1406]

You're amazing❤❤❤

[@aynuraydemir6686]

You are simply Amazing! Just stumbled upon your channel and I have been watching an interview daily! Thank you and God bless you thank you for sharing such an intimidate detail of your life with us❤️🙏

[@lewishowes]

You're welcome,thank you for being here 💜

[@rhiannonkeams2122]

I finally put in my notice at a job that isn't for me. I'll be leaving to North Carolina to clear my head and to figure out what to do next. So thank you for this video! It confirms a lot of what I believe and need to do.

[@catalinagomez3554]

You are so inspirational to me. I watched a lot of the interviews on your channel but this is such an inspirational video. I loved the transparency and excitement in it!!!

[@catalinagomez3554]

No, I didn't know about it, I've just followed your KZbin Channel feed, but I'm glad to check it out!!!! Thanks for your reply!!

[@gineisab9240]

Bravo pour ce que tu es, une personne inspirante et magnifique 💖💖💖

[@daniellehill431]

You are so inspiring

[@jonasrochalima4355]

I just want to say THANK YOU!

[@sonmiwithnature3789]

Lewis, I cried over your story…. Thank you so much for sharing it with us! As I have been feeling that your energy is so beautiful since I found you on Instagram few months ago, I have been learning from your Instagram/Podcast/KZbin/Book! I am reading your book, The School of Greatness, right now… I will continuously learn from your depth of your life, Lewis🙏✨ Thank you for being in this world!

[@lewishowes]

Thank you so much for your feedback 🙂

[@sonmiwithnature3789]

@@lewishowes You are so kind, Lewis😢 I read your book for an hour this morning…so wonderful👍 Thank you always🙏