Feeling | Letter to a Friend #4

Hey Friend,

Today has been weird. I made a video yesterday that was definitely my most emotional yet. It is a response to another video that has intensified the already-toxic tribalism of crypto culture, which has reminded me a lot of the extremism I experienced through my dad and his conspiratorial beliefs, and how much suffering this mindset of "You're either with me or against me" has caused in my life.

In the video I share a bit of my story and the pain it has caused me, and I offer a heartfelt plea to the viewers not to succumb to the destructive polarization that I'm witnessing.

I didn't expect to get as emotional as I did about it, and I was scared to post it. However, I've been meaning to include more of my story into my videos and overall presence online because, whether I like it or not, it is a big part of who I am, and not acknowledging that would be ignoring a big part of myself.

Ultimately I did post it and so far it has received about 20x the views I normally get. I've also received more hate than I normally get, and expect more is on the way.

I have a lot on my mind with this whole experience - definitely to much to get into here. However, if there's one takeaway I have so far, it would be this: An uninvolved life, while more comfortable, is ultimately less meaningful than an involved life.

I used to despise the idea of getting involved in cultural issues. "Just let me do my thing, you do yours", I'd think. But I've realized that even if your own life is perfect, this doesn't compare to knowing that, despite the pain it may have caused you, your actions might have helped someone else.

This realization is reinforcing my intention to not be solely concerned with optimizing my own life. It's a cliche, but helping others truly is the most meaningful thing we can do, despite the pain it might cause us.

True leadership is sacrificing one's own comfort for the benefit of others.

Where can you be a leader? I encourage you, as I'm encouraging myself, to take the torch and lead the way despite the fear, knowing that in the end, you'll be damn glad you did.

Hope you have a great week. Until next time.

Much love,

Ryan