Stress: Why You Want to Keep an Eye on MysteryShrink
The truth and a giant disclaimer. If I am to accomplish my current goal, I’m going to have to lose the sunglasses. I’m going to have to start registering using my real name. I’m going to have to take MysteryShrink into the world of social media the same way to be a responsible pet owner I drag Sammie Davis Jr. in to the vet. 
The Truth:
I’ve finally finished the book that I wanted to write when I switched from all-serious non-fiction to fiction. The book is titled The Mercy. It’s not yet available, but, since I know there are two parts to telling a story—writing the tale and finding the people who might want to read it—I recently (I know–ridiculous, but I have denial down to an art.) faced up to the reality that to find these readers I must join the progress of the human race.
Which runs counter to all I’ve known in my life. For example, when I first heard the name of the social media promoter—Constant Contact—the vertebrae in my spine fused. That have been a sign I would need serious help. 
My social goal so far in life has been to blend, to anonymously slip in and out of places and countries. And now I learn that everything I’d aimed for, the way of life that keeps me comfortable simply isn’t going to work?
Given my limited capacity for change and a Danish stubborn streak, I did what I had to do. I hired an assistant. A smart, enthusiastic, and yes, even inspirational young lady who looks me in my squinted eyes and says, “You have to put yourself out there.”
“I do,” I say.
“More,” she says.
“Oooohhhh,” I say in pain.
“A lot more,” she says.
Thus, part one of this disclaimer is to let you know that the MysteryShrink site is now a living creature as, under the gentle lash of Abby the Assistant—posts are going to come at you and the world like fire ants out of a stomped on Texas nest.
Part two is the backstory on why social media is so difficult for me and maybe for some of you.
I grew up in what I now know was an exceptionally kind family. Rule number one was “If you don’t have something nice to say about someone, don’t say anything”’ and rule one was enforced. Rule number two was “You don’t ever, ever, ever brag or call attention to yourself. Everyone comes into this world with one ticket and leaves with one ticket. Some people have advantages that may make them appear to be worth more than others, but these assets are only pretensions and misspent efforts to gain advantage.”
Okay, So this isn’t a sight about decorating yourself. At least not the usual kind.
How does this kind of rule play out? When my parents bought a car, they made the dealer take the dealership name off the back. We did not have college rings or even a ‘TEXAS LONGHORNS’ decal on the back window. Why? “Because not everyone has the opportunity to go to college. You do not need to advertise that you have attended. Behave like a civilized person and people will know who you are.”
You don’t talk about what you paid for your house or ask anyone what they paid for theirs. You don’t talk about how much money you have or your achievements. You sure as heck don’t ‘advertise’ yourself. The idea of going from being that ‘one ticket’ person to a ‘Brand’ would have been just crazy.
Disclaimers and all, though, I do want people who might want to read my story to know that The Mercy is out there (when it is) that I here publicly vow to speak through MysteryShrink without the baggage.
Upcoming:
One Minute Stories of Living in the Now
What I Learned from Elizabeth, the Woman Who Died with Millions and Was Rarely Happy.
The Stress Prone Personality.
One Minute on How to Mess Up Your Day.
One Minute on How to Mess Up Your Relationship.
One Minute on How to Push Someone Away.
One Minute on How to Recover Your Day.
One Minute on a Deeper Relationship.
One Minute on Being a Person.
Okay, that’s it for now because if I am to keep the flogging down for today, I need to avoid my usual dragging out posts before publication.
A note to my late parents. Please forgive me. Trust that I have done my best to avoid this ‘branding’ procedure and that I will not let this ride on the slippery slope lead me to buying my way into country clubs or, horrors, running for political office.
Tomorrow: One Minute on “Are You a Stress Prone Person?”
