Audio for The Real GOOD Loser: Episode 5- REMARKable

(For audio: play music to Starz television series Black Sails during episode intro)

The following is a written for audio presentation of

The Real GOOD Loser

A Story That Could…

**

Start of Episode Five:

—REMARKable—

“Respect given is always remembered but not often rewarded. This makes you good person and a lion. Your time is coming. Roar.”

—A quote credited to The Real GOOD Loser posted on Facebook by AwareWolf. 

**

At Recoveryhighschool.com, the entertainment used for educational purposes is sited in what we hope to be a mutually beneficial way for all. 

Welcome Listener to the world of The Real Good Loser….

(End entrance music.)

“You didn’t really think you were a descendent of a pirate Mr. J did you?” 

Looking and sounding uncertain Nel says this to me through the computer screen in front of me. The students and I made it through the first week of remote learning and it is now Monday, the start of our second week of the 2020 school year. 

We had just begun class by discussing the article I asked them to read and reflect on over this past weekend. In response to Nel’s question I ask, “Does it matter?” 

“F*** yeah it does!” declares Lauryn from her cube on screen. Appearing to the left of Nel her eyes look at me for a real answer. “There’s no way that really happened,” she adds unbelievingly.  

The first lesson of this class is put on a t for me, and I sort of feel like Barry Bonds; preparing to knock one out of the park. Yet, I choose to respond simply and don’t make a big deal of it. “All stories are sprinkled with truth Lauryn,” I say to her face on screen, “this one included.”

Not letting it go, Pras jumps into the conversation. “Did you really think someone could have pirate genealogy though?” he asks seriously.

Pras is very intelligent. There are all types of intelligence, but here I’m referring to book smarts. I watched one of the students call him Urkel last year after Steve Urkel from the old television show Family Matters. Ever since, I’ve been unable to get the image of that boy from that show out of my head. 

Pras doesn’t wears black rimmed glasses like that character. Or suspenders. And he’s not what would be considered a dork. But because someone said Urkel last year that’s what I imagine. I loved that show. Part of TGIF back in the day; a run of shows that played every Friday night that I watched as a kid. 

Yes—Pras is black. Yes—I see color. Does thinking of him as “Urkel” right now make me a bad person?

I didn’t know much about Pras before last week, but in just our few meetings I know he is bright. Which means he is probably having a hard time believing that a teacher—me—could think that they were a pirate.    

“Why not Pras?” I ask him. “If someone had great-great-great-grandparents that were discovered to be pirates, couldn’t that person say they were a descendant of a pirate?” I do not give him time to respond, instead I continue. “Growing up I was often called gullible by family and friends, Pras. No one thought I was stupid. But gullible—definitely. Many times, over the years my gullibility made me look stupid though.” 

There is no way to explain to my students on screen how true this statement is. Saying it out loud, a motion picture of dumb stuff from my past begins to play in my head. For some reason I am thinking of that time with the remote control….

My grandparents would often have the entire family over for dinner on Sundays when I was a kid—my mother’s side of the family, the Prices. We called them our Sunday Roasts as we would often have roast beef for dinner. At one of these dinners, at the age of nine I think, I remember showing off my ability to change the channel on the television—with my butt.  

As I remember it, the audience in the living room giggled as I placed the remote vertically between my cheeks. The comfy pair of MC-Hammer pants I was wearing enabled me to get a nice secure grip on it. Once in position, I flexed. Amazingly, a button at random was pressed and on the television my butt brought us to a channel of its choosing. Enjoying the attention in the room, I did this over and over. Eventually I figured out how to move the channel up or down depending on a careful positioning of the remote. 

“Up!” I said…and flexed simultaneously. The channel moved up one. “Up! … Up!” I announced with a grunt. Flexing twice the channel moved up two times. Speaking louder, I started showing off. “Up… down… up— up…down—down…up-up-up….UP!!!” On the last one I kept my butt-cheeks flexed and watched the television scroll through a bunch of channels. 

Everyone was so consumed by this act of mine that my grandmother—Arline—forgot something on the stove that day and the entire house ended up smelling of burnt food. It’s one of my favorite memories of those Sunday Roasts we would have. Eventually my cheeks ached and everyone in the room had to catch their breath; as laughing so hard became exhausting—as I remember it. 

It was not until a few days later I found out that my dad was in a chair in the back of the room with a different remote. He had rushed off into another room for this different remote once I had first begun my little show in the living room. 

Upon reflection, the thought that I was in control of changing those channels as a kid was rather foretelling. As believing I was in control of events in this world would continually embarrass me well into adulthood…. 

Thinking back on this memory, I debate telling my students all this. Then, I think better of it and make the conscious decision to keep that little story a secret.

Clearing my throat, I finish my thought with Pras, “Let’s just say that for a period after my father said the pirate thing, I did really believe it Pras. Because—Why shouldn’t I have? But the whole Facebook thing was made up. I needed to entertain you all with a story to get your attention.”

—BREAKING KNEWS—

(For audio: Play scene from Star Trek Picard Season 3 Episode 4 titled No Win Scenario; length 0:40)

(For audio: The following is to be read by The Narrator)

That there was Captain Picard from Star Trek. Go watch that episode later. You’ll learn a lot. 

When a storyteller’s mind is given an idea for a story, they must decide from who’s point of view to tell their story from. Here, Jose is telling his story in first person, while I—The Narrator in these Breaking KNEWS flashbacks—am speaking to you in third person omniscient. 

This word omniscient you may think of as all knowing, as I, The Narrator, appear to know private thoughts of Jose’s. And parts of his story that you—as the listener of his tale—do not know yet. 

We will expand on that more later—to help you understand—but telling you anything now will get us off topic. So, I must hold back for now. Something that’s not easy for me to do when I get excited. Like I am now. For I often find myself acting like Chris Farley in that movie Tommy Boy: hoping to sell you some of my daddy’s brake pads. 

(For audio: Play clip from 1995 film Tommy Boy; length 1:19)

Who doesn’t love Chris Farley? I’m addicted to watching Tommy’s Boy myself right now, so I could run clips of this man for days to keep you entertained. But we have a schedule to keep. Just stacking dominoes here people. Oh, how we will enjoy watching them fall.

Remember again that we said you’d have to learn how to experience this story? The whole invention thing and such. Well, here’s a quick lesson.

In a moment we will play a song for you titled Devil Doesn’t Bargain by Alec Benjamin. To help explain how people might read into things differently. When listening to the song, consider the following question: Who is the “he” this person is singing about? 

In this song it sings: He’s ruthless, you knew this, I told you, didn’t I?

Is the person singing the song a broken-hearted lover? Referring to a boy as the devil? 

One would have questions if this were to be your interpretation. Alternatively. What if the he in this song is the devil…and it’s God singing the words? 

Listen now and see for yourself what you might hear. 

(For audio: Play song Devil Doesn’t Bargain by Alec Benjamin; end on words “I can see that you’re sure you can change him, but I know you won’t”; 0:00-1:19)

So. What did you hear? Did it stir anything up? Did you perhaps get stuck on that word “abusive” at the beginning maybe? What was that all about? 

Most will imagine that song sung about lovers. But as far as repurposing entertainment goes, one could play that song at moment of spiritual crisis in a story and imagine the he in the song is God. Like we hinted at before playing you the song.  

But what if we told you that Jose wrote that song? As a ghostwriter at some point in his endless pursuit to flip his world upside down and sideways. A ghostwriter doesn’t often take credit for their work in case you didn’t know that. What if Jose wrote that imagining three people in conversation, not two? Himself, God, and the devil. 

Being an all-knowing Narrator, we would then have to tell you that Jose originally imagined the devil was speaking to him about God. And that God was the he: It’s, useless, don’t do this, it’s hubris to try. He’s ruthless, you knew this, I told you, didn’t I?

In that interpretation, the devil would be telling Jose that God is ruthless. And hubris refers to excessive pride. So, basically, we could tell you to imagine the devil is telling Jose that whatever he wants is a sin in God’s eyes: It’s useless, don’t do this, it’s hubris to try. And that God will punish him for trying—again. You knew this, I told you, didn’t I?

Dear Listener, would that one big lie be worth telling you? As it might get people to start really questioning what’s going on here.

“Is this all some sort of conspiracy?” … “Who’s behind all this?” … “Mr. Benjamin…do you know anything about The Real GOOD Loser?”

Changing perspectives has unanticipated consequences. Consider this a heads up. Still, mostly it’s a beautiful thing. You’ll see. 

Alternatively, again. Imagine we told you to imagine Jose’s wife was listening to that song when he was in the halfway house. What would she have heard? Could the he in that song have been Jose to her. Had the devil taken Jose for good? Will he ever change? 

What would Jose’s wife had heard in this line from that song you just listened to: It isn’t worth it darling, he’s never gonna change…he’ll only break your heart again. 

We are getting ahead of ourselves, however. And so, we will stop to give you an example of how one might sneak in audio from film to bring things back on level footing with their audience when telling a story using this invention themselves someday.

Jose Julian, as you will see, is a complicated man with layers to him like an onion. Yes. One could imagine Jose has layers like an onion. Or like a cake—A cake with layers that is. You get that Dear Listener, don’t you? 

The point is this. Jose is a complicated character. So, you could imagine him as an onion. Or a cake with layers. Or an uncircumcised penis even. Anything with layers to it. Do you understand? Or did we throw you off completely with that penis comment? Sorry. Had to. Just making sure you’re paying attention. 

Those are examples of metaphors again by the way. But rather than saying all that—or in addition to saying all that—we could have just said Jose was a lot like an Oger and played a fun clip for you here from the movie Shrek. We’ll play the clip that would fit to end this Breaking Knews flashback for you in a bit. But first we have some work to do.

With this little experiment of ours we are attempting to liberate people controlled by fear, unfreeze hearts that are currently frozen, and inspire dreamers chained to a reality unsuitable of magicians. We must attempt to tame lions and dragons, talk to snakes, and whisper to giants in our attempt to help humanity choose a different path forward. 

That’s heavy, we realize, but it’s the mountain we are climbing. And you need to know. Once we are on top of that mountain everything else will become much easier, but all that is just something we had to say now. Technical issue. Let it be. Focus on your pushups people and let that mind of yours wander. It will get you to where you need to be. Trust it. 

Whether or not your past allows you to believe what we just said—about your mind and trusting it—we cannot know. But we want to believe in you. Sorry not sorry.

And with that friendly reminder, let us get back to Jose at the hallway house in October of 2017…

In the basement of that hallway house, long rectangular tables were pushed together to make one longer rectangular table in a narrow room with low ceilings. This is where the house meetings were held. 

Sitting at this table on his first night, Jose looks around at the faces of the men he will be living with. The ages of these men range from young twenties to sixty plus and Jose can’t help but wonder to himself if calling them all men is an accurate assessment. 

His eyes hurt. They tell the strangers around this table details about him that he doesn’t want them to know. Earlier—once he had put his belongings in his bedroom—the reality set it and the panic hit him. Jose reminds himself not to let anyone see who he really is and quickly lowers his eyes. 

The men talk to one another as a piece of paper is passed around the table. When it gets to Jose, he sees it is an attendance list. On it are the names of all the men in the house. Next to each name is a place to sign. Scrolling down the list of names, Jose is at first unable to locate his. 

“Hey—” says the man next to Jose; reaching over and pulling the piece of paper in front of himself. “Let me tell you a secret.” Jose raises his reddened eyes to look at this man sitting beside him. “Here you can be whoever the hell you want,” this man finishes telling Jose.

On the attendance sheet, next to the name Jules Najio, this man does not sign his name like everyone else. Instead, this man writes RON, in all capital letters. Jose immediately finds himself liking Ron. 

They talk and Ron tells Jose about the house and whispers a few secrets about the men surrounding the table. A few minutes of this pass before a councilor walks into the room; bringing silence with him.

To start the meeting, all the men go around the table and introduce themselves in standard fashion. When it comes to Jose’s turn, he follows suit. “Hello. My name is Jose and I’m an addict.” 

This is how you introduce yourself in these meetings. The men in the room all greet Jose in unison by saying, “Welcome Jose.”  

Jose has arrived at this house on the same day as one other man. His name is Ethan. Ethan’s eyes are piercingly blue. In a previous life, Jose would have said that they look like the eyes of a drug addict; because of how much they remind him of Diego’s eyes in the movie Blow. When it gets to be Ethan’s turn to introduce himself, everyone gets a little more than they were expecting. 

“Hello everyone!” Ethan says loudly, smiling magnificently to the group. “I am SOOO grateful to be here!” 

Ethan attempts to offer the men around the table a handshake with his eyes. A gesture that is met with awkward silence. Brushing his thin, pretty hair, to the side, Ethan continues undaunted. 

“As my first words here, I’d like to offer you this…” Ethan pauses, straightens his shoulders like he is giving some important speech, and only then resumes addressing the room. “Let me be the one to bring you a warning. If you are going to ask God for his help, be wary, because He will answer you. And that answer may beat you down like an anvil until He turns you into gold. But you are all gold to me already.” Stopping to add a salesmen’s smile—and to maybe tell himself good-job—Ethan then finishes his speech. “And if no one has told you I love you lately…well…I LOVE YOU!”

Everyone takes to sobriety differently. Some people are very enthusiastic about it. Jose was once that way himself. This is obviously how you’d describe Ethan: Enthusiastic. 

Once Ethan finishes this little sermon of his, he is reminded by one of the men at the table that he has forgotten something. “Your name?” So, he adds. “Oh. I’m Ethan by the way. And I’m a grateful recovering alcoholic and drug addict!” The room responds, “Welcome Ethan.”  

That night, unable to sleep, Ethan’s words haunt Jose. Jose had recently taken up praying again, so what Ethan said at this meeting echoes in his head as he tosses in his bed. 

When he was young, Jose would say the same prayer every night: Dear God, thank you for another great day with friends, family, and loved ones. Please help me, my friends, my family, and my loved ones—and people all over the world—especially those less fortunate—to learn how to love and respect one another the way you love and respect each and every one of us. If we can do that there will be no more hate in this world, only love. Amen. 

Growing up catholic, this longwinded prayer was created by a guiltless child. And one Jose hoped would cover all his bases each night before he went to bed. 

As a child, Jose would say this prayer out loud. Not sure if he was doing it because he really thought some God was listening or because he had seen the movie Truman Show too many times and thought maybe a group of people were watching him…and judging him. Regardless, as an adult, Jose had given up on this prayer—or any other—a few lifetimes ago. 

At the facility before coming to this halfway house some man had pushed prayer as a way to stay sober. “Get on your knees and ask for help,” this man with years of recovery said. Dedicated to getting it right this time around, Jose began doing what he was told. So, he prayed. But now, all Jose says is just four words: “Please God, help me.” That’s it. Jose was told prayer could be simple.

In the silence of his bedroom that first night, Jose lays in his bed and tries to focus on his breathing…In—”Please God”—then out—”Help Me.” 

Jose repeats these four words over and over in his mind. On one of the out breaths, Jose sighs a little louder than he intended and hears a man in the room move in his bed—a reminder that he has roommates in his new home. 

The stranger’s bed creaks, and Jose can feel this man’s frustration with him deep in his soul. Jose quickly reminds himself that he is not alone in this strange place and that he is surrounded by strange men. Quieting his body, Jose visualizes Ethan’s warning from earlier. And finds himself questioning if asking for God’s help is a smart thing for him to do. 

A year and a half earlier Jose had burnt his house down—Accidently, he reminds himself silently. And before that…all that other stuff happened.

Jose rolls over and curls into a ball, unable to stop himself from thinking about all that he has been through already. Unable to stop himself from fearing what anvil might be dropped on him next….

Alright Dear Listener, that’s enough for this flashback. Before Jose continues telling you his story enjoy that scene from Shrek. Remember, for story purposes, we share this with you now to illustrate how we could have avoided saying all those words earlier. You’ll get it. And hopefully you’ll have a laugh.

(End Narrator)

(For audio: Play clip from the 2001 film Shrek; when Shrek is getting mad at the donkey after they first met before transitioning back into Jose’s story; length 2:00)

—End of Breaking Knews—

My students and I talk about the One Percent Pirate story a little while longer and eventually it turns into a discussion about the value of humor in education. Pras offers me a suggestion. “Mr. J,” he says, “you gotta watch Dave Chappelle. He gets it.” Then adds excitedly. “He’s a genius—really!”

I can’t help but laugh to myself at Pras’s enthusiasm because the person he is referring to will always sort of be a pothead in my mind. Because of that funny movie he starred in that I liked, Half Baked. But Chappelle’s stand-up act has been suggested to me many times and I promise Pras I’ll watch it. Having done so, I then ask my students on screen a question: “Does anyone here watch the news every day?” 

I ask them this to transition into this week’s topic. 

Everyone in the class “gets the news every day”, but no one can say they, “watch the news every day.” Watching the news is “Boring.” Also: Depressing—Upsetting—Sad—Scary—Stupid—Divisive—Manipulative.

This list describing the news becomes a separate document appearing on our computer screen. The list is my students’ creation, not mine. 

Respecting the power of negativity, I do not let them steer this class in the wrong direction. Once their suggestions for our list become exhausted, I take back control of the class by switching the screen we share. A separate document I had prepared for this class now appears on our screen. This document presents them with the outline for the week ahead. 

“This week we are going to discuss how fortunate we are to have so much news at our fingertips,” I tell the class. “And yes—” I interrupt myself, as I can see Lauryn wants to say something. “We will definitely discuss the negative impacts of so much news as well…okay Miss Lauryn?”

Lauryn smiles and stays respectfully silent…

The rest of Monday’s class goes extremely well. 

On Tuesday we discuss the HISTORY OF THE NEWS: An investigation into how societies got their news over time: The untold history. 

Wednesday’s topic is WORLD NEWS: An honest attempt to find reputable information about what is going on over there: With a look into the dynamics of distortion.

Thursday’s topic is NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT: Tips on recognizing the difference: How to filter out the truth. 

By Friday we are having a class titled NEWS TODAY: A conversation about the pros and cons of so much information: Are we really blessed with the wealth of knowledge today?

This last class began by looking at the following statement together: Many argue that the greatest weapon is not a gun or a bomb today, but the ability to manipulate information…that to control the world’s information is to manipulate the minds that consume it. Do you agree with this?

This entire class period has been an open discussion and I have done very little talking. Instead, I have been listening to my students talk—and argue—amongst themselves, in my vain attempt to try and understand how they see things.

Overall, the second week of the school year went as well as I could have hoped. I’ve given them another article to read and reflect on over the weekend and will start fresh next week. 

I really hope I can pull this off…. 

Week 2: Friday, September 18^th, 2020

—Article Title: REMARKable—

“How can you differentiate yourself as a ‘Class Act’ in a world where most people are unconscious and unspecial?”

—from Jack Canfield in the book The Success Principles

Are we going to be a dumber civilization in the future? Or are we going to be a more intelligent civilization in the future?

Last week I provided you all with an article that you probably found a little strange. A personal story that I wrote that you may have found unusual. “One Percent Pirate”— What an idiot I am! Or am I?

Just because I am a teacher, please do not think I am any different than you. We are all lifelong learners as far as I am concerned. Try to remember this. 

Laughing at ourselves is going to be important if we are to survive this class together. In a world that takes itself so seriously, I recognize that this is a big ask. But appreciating that we are all mistaken sometimes—and being able to acknowledge when we are—is going to be key to surviving what lies ahead. 

For the record, there is no official nationality called Pirate. A lesson I learned, but not something I initially dismissed as ridiculous, like some may think I should have. Again: I don’t know everything. (Alright, Pras?)

In reference to the two questions about whether we will be a more intelligent or dumber civilization. I don’t think there is much debate about where we are headed if things don’t change. 

We humans suffer from desire. People say that. For example. Many of us have a natural desire for the “nostalgia of what once was”. Meaning, we humans often desire or wish for things from our past when creating the future in our minds. 

Picture, if you will, a New England Patriot fan talking tirelessly about those years we had Tom Brady. Instead of being happy for what we had, many fans obsess over how to get that magic back. Some fans get very upset about all this. Angry Elves, I call them—No offense to elves or small people…just a reference to the movie Elf that fits here. 

Identifying an anomaly in one’s life for what it is difficult. For different reasons to different people. Tom Brady made my life, as a New Englander, seem magical for a long period. Wanting that back—while understandable—is not just selfish of me but deluded. Sorry. That word is harsh, but sometimes tough love is necessary…or so I’m told. 

Don’t be offended. Think about it. How many jobs in our world rely on consumers of nostalgia? 

You don’t need to think about it. A lot is the answer.

Tom Brady won his first Super Bowl for the Patriots in 2002. This unknown kid won against an amazing Rams offense that was dubbed the Greatest Show On Turf; quarterbacked by the amazing Kurt Warner; another unknown kid once. Fifteen years later, I was living in that trailer after my house fire when Tom Brady had that magical comeback against Atlanta and Matt Ryan in the 2017 Super Bowl. Tom Brady—and Bill Belichick for those that want to have silly arguments—made life for us in New England a little better than it could have been for a long time. But getting that back is not realistic. 

This happens to us a lot in life. It’s not just football we are talking about here. Wanting things to be the way it once was can become an obsession. And wishing for our past can become our life. 

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were both outliers in what they could do as a player and a coach. Together they were a statistical anomaly the sport of football will forever remember. A combination of elements the universe only grants existence a few times. We can’t go back. Instead, we must use those memories to keep us connected while we wait for the next statistical anomaly the universe is preparing for us.

I’ve thought about this Nostalgia thing a lot and I’m rather certain it’s what the Beatles were talking about when they released that song titled Yesterday back in 1965. Which means we all should probably take a different path forward if we are still stuck on wishing things would be the way they once were. 

Let us today start this journey towards a different future together.  

“What helps you stay sober?”

This is a question people ask me from time to time. And it is a question I very much dislike as there is no profound answer that I can give. Not one that they should know at least. 

Recovery is not a vacation. It is not always wonderful. It is not always fun. It is full of difficult times that cannot be overcome with a strong ‘work ethic’ or with an unbreakable sense of ‘dedication’. 

None of this is a secret. Our brain chemistry has changed. Dopamine levels have been altered. (Please research this if you want more information) And, as many people will tell you, “The real world waiting for you after living in a mind altered state is not all sunshine and rainbows!” 

Because of all this, most of the time I have found that patience is the greatest asset one can have in recovery. Not only do I believe this to be true for someone living after struggling with drugs and alcohol, but for someone living after most traumas you can think of. 

The problem is this: In the world today, where everything is one-click-away and so much is expected of us right now, who can truly say they are allowed to be patient? 

I’m not here to provide you excuses however, so let us hit ourselves with a little reality by asking the next logical question that should come after considering this: Even if I was allowed to be patient, would I be able to?

As you think of how to answer that, allow me to move on.

I get it: “They don’t care unless we make them care.” I know: “Language is a gift we are all given but not taught how to use properly.” Yes: “Hate is an emotion that has overtaken our world.” 

News Flash: I am an addict distracted by desire and often wanting more of everything without often putting in the work. 

Is there a point to all this verbal diarrhea I’m dumping on you now? Absolutely. 

“Verbal Diarrhea” was a term I learned when being trained to answer phones for a job I had when I first graduated college. They trained us to not talk in circles to customers and to just shut up and listen. Amazing advice.

There are a million things for us to discuss in a class I’ve chosen to title Emotional Intelligence. That being the case, maybe you are thinking back to last week’s article—One Percent Pirate—and wondering why it was simply one long joke? Well, the answer is simple: I needed to create something “REMARKable.”

Let me explain.

As you all know, the title of this class is EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. It is a class I had been working on putting together for quite some time. Early on I realized that this title was very intimidating to people. After many failed attempts to get public support, I accepted that timing would be critical, so, I had to become patient. 

NOT EASY TO DO!

While I waited, I researched. I read. I listened. I watched. I thought. I dreamt. I just tried to survive to be honest. 

The question that troubled me the most was this: With so many people vying for your attention—so many worthy voices wanting to be heard—how could I present something REMARKable? 

Meaning: What could I do that would be worthy of someone making a remark about on social media? Because if people aren’t talking about you there, how much of a difference can you really make these days?

Honestly, that took me a lot longer to accept than I wish to remember. As expecting friends and family and loved ones to understand or support a vision they labeled “delusional” led me down a very sad, dark, and difficult path. Though I haven’t yet figured out how to make that big dream of mine a reality, I’m here now. And lives that inspire never expire. So, don’t grow tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up. For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the most appropriate time. That’s what I like to tell myself at least. 

Doing my research, I came to the realization that what got people’s attention most today was Money, Power, and Sex. Unfortunately, I had little money. No power. And I understood clearly that no one would want to see me naked. And so, I settled on the fifth best thing: Humor. 

Drama/conspiracy/mystery was ranked fourth on my list by the way. 

That is why I began this class by telling you a funny story. Hopefully this approach worked. Hopefully you are still paying attention. But, if I have failed, and I am on the verge of losing you, I now need to do something REMARKable to keep you engaged in this class of ours. 

I’ve decided to tell you a secret about myself. Something that will make you say: “HOLY SHIT! Can you believe he just told us that?”

This secret is something I have kept private my entire life. Close friends that know about this secret of mine tease me as if it’s some sort of joke. This secret made me different from them and so it made me their punching bag in a way, but truthfully, I’ve become a punching bag for many other reasons and have learned to take punches with a smile—it’s my gift. 

Growing up, this secret made me feel alienated and uncomfortable with who I am. It has caused me to be self-conscious, paranoid, and riddled with anxiety and shame at times. My hope is that this secret will serve as a reminder that people you meet are fighting battles you know nothing about. 

If I’m wrong about what is happening here though—and my future is not what I expect it to be—telling you this secret will forever haunt me. But life is not worth living unless we take risks… right?

So, here goes nothing. Here is my secret. I hope you are ready: “I am (BLANK).”

Okay—so, unfortunately, I have decided that right now I cannot risk telling you my secret. If this class is a success, I promise to fill in the blank at the end. Let’s hope it’s the showstopper this class needs. (Drama/conspiracy/mystery—CHECK!)

And with that disappointing end, class here is dismissed for the day. I look forward to seeing you all next week. 

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:

Do you agree with the statement that Money, Power, and Sex is what gets peoples’ attention most in our world today? Why do you think that is? Or, why do you disagree?

The Teacher’s Playlist

Song title: Hold My Hand by Lady Gaga

“Everything will be okay.”

(For audio: play 1:19 of this song from The Teacher’s Playlist to end episode.) 

This concludes episode five of The Real GOOD Loser Experiment. And Phase One, as we are calling it. Starting May 1^st we will release one episode every Monday at Recoveryhighschool.com until this experiment of ours ends in September of 2023. 

Now is the time that we begin assembling our crew. So…all you wannabe Pirates: Assemble! Like in the Transformers movie. Because we will be attempting to transform our reality. Get it? 

Don’t forget to join us on Facebook @TheRealGOODLoser where we will be tracking growth over time. We started this experiment with 35,000 followers. How many will choose to join us? That’s on you Dear Listener…as you are now part of the show. Thank you for your inspiration and support. And, as always, may the force be with you.

(Click here to continue your journey; Episode 6 is next)

Follow us on Facebook: @TheRealGoodLoser
Read our story at: RecoveryHighSchool.com