Secrets, Fame, and being Genuine

Hello, fellow thinker!

I am halfway through the 50 letters that I set out to write. My goal is to put these together and edit them out into a book called “Letters, by the Sober Thinker.” - Or something like that.. I will be looking for you to help make that a reality.

If you want to submit a letter on a topic, I may publish it under the Guest Thinker Handle. :)

Often, my readers with whom I correspond ask me how I am able to write so openly about my life. I guess it does seem strange for a person to open up like this every week about his thoughts on various topics that slowly reveal his deepest secrets.

Most people are very private and only show the personality they have constructed as an outwardly facing social member of society. This is the person people want others to see. And when they say what they want, oftentimes it’s the exact opposite of what they actually believe. It’s a lie.

I get it; it’s scary to think that people can peer into our inner being and exploit every aspect to which it may bring them benefit. Perhaps what’s scarier is that for a public persona, there is the risk of being taken down, and dethroned from fame because of a secret from the past that comes to haunt them today. In my case, if my goal of becoming famous through writing these letters is achieved, it would be due to the revelation of my secrets. It's fascinating how the same force that instills fear in revealing the truth can potentially catapult me to fame through that very act. This duality underscores the intriguing nature of authenticity—it has the power to both build and dismantle, to elevate to fame, or to bring about destruction.

To be genuine requires courage and a steadfast belief in one’s virtue.

I think the thoughts that I share with you come from a good place and for the benefit of mankind. I share this because maybe someone out there will relate to what I’m saying and make a connection that can help alleviate some pain or sorrow. I let people join me in reflection on struggles and growth.

Sharing is caring, I like to say.

One of the most cherished aspects of marriage for me is having a life partner with whom I can share everything - from raising kids to enjoying activities together as close friends, allies, and companions. I find immense joy in sharing my life with her. Even when I share my darkest moments.

This is also what drives me to share this letter with you; it gives me a way to connect and not be alone with my thoughts.

We are born alone, and we die alone, but we can share this life with each other.

We’ve all heard people say that they like genuine people; I too like them and like to be one. I am not afraid of telling the truth. And some truths are harder to tell than others. While I am not hesitant to speak the truth, I recognize that some truths are more challenging to articulate than others. In fact, there are truths that I still wrestle with, hesitant to reveal due to the inner conflict they evoke within me.

But if I am with another human, and the moment presents itself, I am known to say the truth. It may take me a second to weigh the consequences, or sometimes more.

The older I get, the less I care about hiding my true feelings and my thoughts.

The truth, however, attracts the people whom I want and helps me build strong bonds with people. I teach my kids to be honest and to stand for what they believe.

I think there’s power in that. That power can be used to make genuine connections.

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Keep thinking, my friends!

⚠️ First Time reading? Catch up on all my letters here: https://soberthinker.beehiiv.com/