kingeggygodly. that’s my xbox gamertag. i’m an xbox guy - primarily because all of my nearest and dearest guy friends are also xbox guys. it allows for the compatibility. that piece of technology is responsible for revitalizing our brotherhood bonds, as hopeless as that makes us seem. turn the xbox on and we welcome an evening of jokes, sports talk, banter - all while playing some of our favorite games together. it’s more than just the addictive gaming. there’s a social component. trussssst me.

the other night, amidst our usual NBA and NFL talk, we struck up an interesting conversation regarding solidarity. I don’t mean living in isolation, so to speak, but choosing moments to be alone. the typical scenarios for isolation came up: lunch by yourself, time at home by yourself - but how about the movies on your own? I was the lone advocate here. to my pals - the idea was asinine.

here’s my logic. regardless of who sits beside me in that theater, I will watch the same movie and internalize it the same way every time. It doesn’t matter if my girlfriend is next to me, or if that guy who snuck into his second movie of the night is seated next to me. my experience will be the same. but why go alone? is any one movie so important that it needs to be watched even if there is no one able to accompany you?

I argue yes. in fact, I argue that the next movie you’re planning to go watch is one you should go and watch solo. here’s why.

we are our truest selves behind closed doors. your character is not who you show your neighbors you are, it’s who you are when the doors are closed behind you. the music you most enjoy is the music you allow to play when no one else is listening. the activities you most enjoy doing are typically those things you do only when you get a moment to yourself because, chances are, others won’t always do them with you. you may not even desire the company.

for once, prioritize who you are. get to know yourself better than anyone and fall in love with what you find. write your thoughts down and get to the bottom of how you think and why you think the way you do - what the patterns are. and trust your instinct. when you find your flaws, strengthen your weaknesses. reach a personal space that is so comfortable and so genuine that even the harshest of critiques won’t phase you because you’ve established your list of priorities and concerns as an individual.

& then, when you fall in love with what you find, take the biggest step. dare to showcase that person to others. I assure you — if you can’t help but admire who you are, others will find the same difficulty.

even if it’s that stranger next to you who snuck into his second movie of the evening. he’ll admire you too.

enjoy the show, folks. and remember - only dead fish go with the flow.

if you want to be notified the next time we gather here for another (b)lesson, don’t forget to subscribe. i’ll always be looking forward to having you back. I can’t tell you what we’ll be talking about next time you’re here, but I can assure you it’ll be a good, quick read.

all love - love always, E.