It's Also True I'm Disappointed

Am I allowed to say that?

Ever Get Home launched two months ago today. Thanks for being here. Thanks for your support. We’ll be celebrating with a little bit of merch, and yes Gracie will be making her merch debut. That is coming super soon.

When it comes to mental health and preventing suicide, hope is a significant piece of the puzzle. In my work before To Write Love on Her Arms, I was a sales rep for Quiksilver and then Hurley. I represented those brands. As the guy who started TWLOHA, I suppose I spent the next 15 years representing hope.

There is a responsibility that comes with the unique work I got to be part of, and the part I got to play—knowing my words and choices could at times make a difference in the life of someone struggling. That felt true when I was with TWLOHA and it still feels true today. In this new solo chapter I still want to be an encouragement. I still want to point to ideas that are bigger than me. Even the simple truth that people need other people, this suggests my life is more than just my own.

I’m definitely a fan of hope. What I’m not a fan of is toxic positivity. For one I believe it’s false. Life isn’t always awesome. We aren’t always happy. Toxic positivity doesn’t leave room for us to be honest about the human experience.

It’s easy for me to say I don’t like toxic positivity. What’s less easy is knowing if I can be honest about my struggles. Is it helpful for me to share my questions and depression? Is there a place for my disappointment?