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MOMENTUM BLOG
Ideas, Stories & Ways To Keep Moving Forward
Explore honest insights, practical advice and stories about friendship, wellbeing, confidence, connection and life as a man.
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The Journey of Change: Why Showing Up Matters
For a lot of men, the hardest part isn’t knowing something needs to change.
It’s doing something about it.
Not because they don’t want to.
But because:
They’re unsure what it’ll be like
They don’t know anyone there
It feels slightly outside their normal routine
So the idea stays as an idea.
“I might go at some point.”
“I’ll check it out another time.”
And nothing changes.
Alan Stokes
Jul 223 min read


“You Don’t Need Therapy — You Need Connection (Here’s Why)”
When something feels off, the default advice is often:
“Maybe you should talk to someone.”
And for some people, that’s exactly what helps.
But for a lot of men, the response is different.
Not resistant.
Not dismissive.
Just… not quite right.
Because the issue they’re experiencing isn’t always something that needs to be analysed or unpacked.
More often than not, it’s something much simpler.
They’re missing connection.
Alan Stokes
Jul 153 min read


“Why Opening Up Feels So Uncomfortable (And What To Do Instead)”
“Just open up.”
It’s common advice.
Simple. Direct. Well-intended.
But for a lot of men, it doesn’t feel simple at all.
In fact, it can feel:
Unnatural
Forced
Uncomfortable
Even unnecessary
So instead of helping, it often creates resistance.
And that raises a better question:
Why does opening up feel so difficult in the first place?
Alan Stokes
Jul 83 min read


Making Friends After 30: Finding Connection in Plymouth
Making friends used to be straightforward.
School. College. Work. Sport.
You were around people regularly, and connection happened naturally.
There wasn’t much thought involved.
But at some point—usually in your 30's—that changes.
Not dramatically.
Just enough to notice that:
It’s not as easy as it used to be.
Alan Stokes
Jun 243 min read


Getting the Balance of Life Right and Making Time for You
Finding the right balance in life can feel like chasing a shadow. Between work, family, and social commitments, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters—making time for yourself. I’ve been there, juggling too many things and feeling stretched thin. But over time, I’ve learned that carving out moments just for me isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Alan Stokes
Jun 45 min read


Ways to Make New Friends with Momentum
Making new friends as an adult can feel tricky. Life gets busy, routines settle in, and chances to meet new people seem rare. But building friendships is worth the effort. It brings support, fun, and a sense of belonging. The key is to create momentum—small steps that lead to lasting connections. I want to share some practical ways to do just that, especially if you’re in Plymouth and looking for a community of like-minded men over 30.
Alan Stokes
Jun 24 min read


How to Get Over a Relationship Breakdown and Find Your Way Forward
Breaking up is tough. It shakes your world and leaves you feeling lost. If you’re a man over 30 in Plymouth, you might find yourself wondering how to move on, how to heal, and how to rebuild your life. I’ve been there, and I want to share some honest, practical advice that helped me and many others find a way through the pain.
Alan Stokes
May 294 min read


How Do You Deal With Being Kept Away From Your Children When a Relationship Breaks Down?
UK guide for men when contact stops: how to stabilise, communicate, use mediation, and record efforts—while safeguarding your child’s wellbeing.
Alan Stokes
Dec 16, 20255 min read


When Silence Speaks: What We Avoid Tells a Story
Silence tells a story. Spot the fears behind avoidance and use practical scripts to have calmer, more honest conversations.
Alan Stokes
Dec 9, 20254 min read


When Men Lose Their Role or Identity: Finding Your Way Back
Struggling with divorce, redundancy or retirement? Learn how to handle role loss, manage emotions and rebuild a stronger sense of self.
Alan Stokes
Dec 2, 20254 min read


Small Cracks, Big Impact: How Everyday Stress Builds Without Notice
Burnout doesn’t hit overnight. Spot small stress cracks in 60 seconds and use 1% habits—breath, sleep, boundaries—to feel better fast.
Alan Stokes
Nov 25, 20254 min read


How Modern Life Trains Us to Ignore Our Own Needs
Modern life pressures men to push aside their needs. Discover why it happens, the hidden costs, and how groups like MoMENtum create connection and belonging.
Alan Stokes
Nov 18, 20255 min read


The Hidden Cost of Always Saying “I’m Fine”
Discover why men default to “I’m fine,” the hidden costs of silence, and how MoMENtum events in Plymouth help men connect, belong, and thrive.
Alan Stokes
Nov 11, 20255 min read
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