Blood & Ink: Friday

genuine enemies / public criticism / faceless mobs

“So few people have genuine enemies.”

In my past—and to an extent my present—I worry what the ‘faceless mob’ thinks…

What if I get criticized? What if they don’t like it? What if someone argues with me?

It’s easy to get stuck thinking your enemy is out there, lurking in the online shadows, patiently plotting your demise.

My brother, the vast majority of people are treading water, trying to survive, and get themselves to the weekend.

Most people don’t think about you at all. 

At least, far less than you imagine, and more positively than you think.

When confronting the beast of public criticism, it helps to imagine a specific person. 

“What if Person X saw this? What if they didn’t like it? What would they do?”

The answer is: they probably won’t see it, they won’t say anything anyway, and if they do, it’s not fatal.

You don’t have a mortal enemy. No one is waiting to attack you.

Herein lies your freedom.

Be who you are. Do what you wish. Take a deep breath and plunge completely into the ocean of your excitement. 

Do not fear the faceless mob.

Live fully,
Eric Brown.