I wrote this at 2 in the morning, and I was in pain. My kidney — I’ve named the bastard Brutus — was acting up. I had taken a Dilaudid (opioid) and a Trazedone (sleep pill), but because I’m on 60 mg of Predisone (steroids) I couldn’t get to sleep.

So I was already agitated. I read the quote now, and I’m like “Brian, this wasn’t even a big deal.”

However, I really couldn’t get into the book before the quote. The “self help” books I listed were the ones I read when I was anxious, depressed, and suicidal all the time. I mean I was cutting and abusing Klonopin and Xanax at the same time, and even my Trazedone to an extent because I just needed an escape.

So now I don’t really search for self help books anymore, because I’m in a much better place. I am so grateful I read these books when I did because they helped me hold on long enough to get to where I am today.

Storytelling will always be a big part of my life, and anyone that can’t see the power in it isn’t worth my time. I write for you all — the people that read my work. When I’m writing, I feel like I’m talking to all of you.

I can confidently say I love writing more than video games. I wasn’t sure until I started walking away from my console to write full pieces. I wasn’t convinced until I started pausing the game no matter what was going on because I had an idea that had such a strong hold on me.

I rambled, but I’m confident you put up with it Chris Cohlmeyer. I really appreciate your support and responses, even if I don’t respond. Please know that I read it and it made my day. It’s one of the main reasons I keep going.

-Brian ❤