I am the king… of Shit Head Letters—a title I wear with a mix of humor and humility. Allow me to explain.
Much like my latest project Stupid Shit, due to release soon, there’s a catharsis in writing these letters. When the world feels upside down, and someone you care about has poisoned the well with their grievances—whether over something significant or trivial—it’s easy to let emotions take over. But I’ve learned that going to bed angry or upset only deepens the chaos. Much like the butterfly effect, our words and actions ripple outward, shaping the world around us. So, what do I do with these letters?
I write them. I pour every ounce of frustration, every unspoken word, onto the page. But here’s the key: I don’t send them. Instead, I let them marinate. Over time, those raw, emotional drafts are massaged into something kinder, gentler, and more reasoned. They become a reflection of understanding rather than anger.
Why Not Lash Out?
It’s tempting, isn’t it? To tell the world how ignorant someone is because they don’t agree with you. But before I do, I ask myself:
“What if I’m wrong?”
What if my feelings are based on someone else’s misguided messaging? What if I’m reacting to a misunderstanding rather than the truth?I remind myself of this:
Words are powerful. Use them to build bridges, not walls.
The Power of Words
In a world where opinions often clash, it’s easy to let emotions drive our responses. But hateful rhetoric doesn’t solve problems—it creates them. When we attack others out of anger, we risk escalating tensions and deepening divides. Hate speech, whether online or in person, has been linked to real-world harm, including violence and discrimination. Is that the legacy we want to leave behind?Hate doesn’t just hurt the target—it hurts you, too. Studies show that hateful content can lead to psychological distress for both the sender and the receiver. It damages relationships, reputations, and mental well-being.
Pause Before You Post
Before you hit “send” or “post,” take a moment to reflect:
- Is this constructive or destructive?
- Am I speaking from a place of understanding or anger?
- Will this help solve the issue or make it worse?
Let’s Be the Change
Instead of spreading hate, let’s share ideas, listen to others, and build a community where everyone feels valued. The world doesn’t need more division—it needs more compassion. If you’re angry, write it out. Pound the keyboard until there’s nothing left but exhaustion. But don’t send it. Let it sit. Let it breathe. Until you can address the issue without emotions clouding your judgment, leave it alone.
I believe we can find common ground with anyone. Even if it’s as simple as agreeing on the color of the sky, there’s always a place to start. Let’s agree to disagree when necessary, but let’s also strive to find common ground where we can.
Much love,
A fellow human navigating this messy, beautiful world.
