Overcome Nice Guy “Fix It” Thinking

“No More Mr. Nice Guy” Story 11 of 25

When the police left, my mother turned on me. It was a night that changed everything.

Hey brother,

I’ve got a story to share today. It’s personal, raw, and shaped a big part of who I am today. I’m talking about an experience from my childhood that’s stuck with me through the years, influencing how I see myself and the world around me.

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into one of those unforgettable nights from my past.

The Storm Before the Storm

It was another one of those nights. You know, the kind where tension is so thick in the air you can almost touch it. My stepfather and mother were at it again, yelling, screaming, and throwing things around. These explosive nights usually brewed all day and then erupted in the dark, turning our home into a battlefield around 2 AM.

A Kid's Resolve

I was just a kid, but I had seen enough. Too many times, I had watched my mother suffer in silence, hiding bruises and broken spirits. The image of her eye, black and blue, was seared into my memory. It was too much. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing anymore. That night, something in me snapped. I wasn’t going to be powerless this time.

The Escape

We lived in a trailer park back then. I remember sneaking out quietly, heart pounding, as I made my way down the little road that led to the main street. At the end of that road was a laundromat, and it had one of those old pay phones. This was back when you could still call the operator for help. So, I did. I called the police and told them everything, hoping they’d come and make things right.

The Aftermath

When the police arrived, I hid at a neighbor’s place. They had a small travel trailer next to ours, and they let me in. I remember sitting there, watching Benny Hill, trying to distract myself from the chaos outside. The neighbors knew something was up, but like many others, they chose to stay out of it.

The police did their job. They questioned my mother and stepfather, investigated the scene, and wrote up their report. But then things took a turn. My mother, scared and trying to protect the fragile stability of our home, turned on me. She told the police it was all a misunderstanding. When they left, she was furious with me.

A Lesson in Shame

I was just a kid trying to protect his mom. But that night, I learned a harsh lesson. I learned that trying to do the right thing could have severe consequences. My mother’s anger made me feel like I had done something terribly wrong. It wasn’t just about making a mistake—it felt like I was the mistake.

Living with the Story

That night planted a seed of shame in me. I started telling myself a story: “I did something bad, so I must be bad.” And once you start believing that story, it snowballs. You begin to see the world through that lens, making more rules and stories that shape your life and your choices.

Challenging the Belief

It took me years to unravel that belief. To understand that I wasn’t bad for trying to protect my mom, that the situation was far more complex than my child’s mind could grasp.

Shame is powerful, but it’s also something we can challenge and overcome. We all have those stories we tell ourselves, often unconsciously. But we can question them, dissect them, and choose to believe something different.

Your Story Matters

So, what about you? What stories have you been telling yourself? What rules and beliefs have shaped your life? Let’s talk about them.

Let’s challenge those old narratives and see if they still serve us. I’m here to share more about my journey and the insights I’ve gained. I want to hear your stories, too, and help you find new ways to look at your life.

We’re not victims.

We have the power to choose how we live and how we see ourselves.

Ready to change your life?

Then take the next logical step.

SCHEDULE A "FREEDOM FROM" COACHING CALL
Schedule a free coaching call with me to share your story and discuss what you'd like be different in your relationships and life.

START THE NICE GUY STUDY COURSE
Take my Happy Man Coaching No More Mr. Nice Guy Course

The course includes private one-on-one coaching calls to help you understand the key concepts covered in the book, along with other important related concepts NOT covered in the No More Mr. Nice Guy book.

Until we talk again, be kind to yourself.

Much love, brother,

Charlie McKeever
Your Happy Man Coach
HappyManCoaching.com

"The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself." – Wallace D. Wattles, 1903

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