Brian Christiansen

My name is Brian Christiansen. I'm 76 years old, and the Men’s Shed is what kept me going these past few years. I spent my entire life in sales, often out of town every other week. When I retired, I was eager to spend more time with my family, but by then, they had grown up and moved away to start their own families. My wife and I had plans to enjoy our retirement together, but in 2013, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and by 2016, she required full-time care. She passed away in 2022, and it's been a long, lonely journey since then.

Despite the support from my two boys, who call and visit often, I still miss the physical presence, the shoulder-to-shoulder contact. Someone suggested the Men’s Shed in 2018, and I thought I’d give it a try. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and relaxed. The Shed has been a perfect group for me, helping me help others and, in turn, myself.

The Men’s Shed is an incredible organization. It’s a place where men can come together, share their stories, and support each other. Through the Shed, I’ve met some amazing people. One of them was Mark, a little guy with a big spirit who wasn’t afraid of anything. He embraced the Shed wholeheartedly and taught me so much about resilience and positivity. Sadly, he passed away on Christmas Eve, but his legacy lives on in the lessons he imparted.

The Shed operates on the principle of "health by stealth." You don’t realize you’re being helped until you walk out of a meeting feeling better than when you walked in. There are no professional counselors, just regular guys helping each other out. The connections you make are deep and meaningful, revealing that everyone has their struggles.

Before joining the Shed, I was, admittedly, a shadow racist. I didn’t understand Indigenous people and held prejudices against them. But the Men’s Shed changed that. Through conversations and shared experiences, I came to understand the depth of their stories and struggles. It opened my eyes and made me a better person.

I wish I could go back and thank the person who introduced me to the Shed. It has been a lifeline, giving me purpose and a sense of community. Without it, I’d probably be a grumpy old man, sitting at home and watching TV. Instead, I’ve found a place where I belong, where I can contribute and grow.

To anyone out there feeling isolated or lost, I want to say, don’t give up. Find a community like the Men’s Shed. It’s never too late to learn, to change, and to find joy in the company of others. 

Life has its ups and downs, but with the right support, you can navigate through it all.