Shades Talks About Sharing His DWI Experiences...

[@Yahoocommenting]

It’s all a journey. All we can do is try our best. Thanks for sharing your journey and helping others.

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thanks, Yahoo. I think I am giving it my best this time. I have been sick in bed for two days. I caught a bug at the doctor's office. I was running a 102 temperature.

[@Disappointingyourdemons]

Don't let the bastards get ya down. I haven't had any trolls yet on my stuff but honestly I really don't care what people have to say about me. They clearly have bigger issues if they're coming onto a KZbin sobriety page just to give the creator shit. Keep on keeping on shades, you're doing a great job.

[@ShadesOClarity]

The number of subs is directly proportional to an increase in the human detritus littering the comments. Be careful what you wish for...

[@gramblor1]

I came here and subscribed after finding you on LD's channel. You're a really cool guy and have nothing to be ashamed about.

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thank you for subscribing. Welcome! I appreciate you checking out the channel. I think you will like it.

[@Slayer-7373]

Don’t let the haters get to ya shades. Much love brotha 🙏

[@ShadesOClarity]

I couldn't give two O' Henrys, Slayer. Good to see you. Where you been hiding?

[@Slayer-7373]

@ oh it’s a long story, I’ve been going through a lot I won’t lie man, but I’m starting to see the light again finally. If all works out I plan to upload a video this weekend brotha!!! 💯

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@Slayer-7373 I am going through shit nobody knows about. Send me an email. It's in my description below the IG and stuff. Better still, I'll hit you up on IG. I am glad you got some sobriety under your belt finally. I know Satan has his eyes on you.

[@Slayer-7373]

@@ShadesOClarity sounds good my friend!!! And oh yea 😈 he’s watching and plotting always.

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@Slayer-7373 Yep.

[@davidlafond8327]

No worries, Shades! I think you did just fine, don't let those negative folks bring you down! This isn't exactly the easiest subject matter to discuss on the internet. The fact that you're here sharing your story and helping others speaks volumes! I don't give a F about perfection, just effort and progress!

[@ShadesOClarity]

I made peace with the person. Instead of insulting them, I just asked them why they felt the need to attack me. I invited them to check out the channel. I didn't get angry. I was just trying to understand the problem.

[@dianehodge2011]

I really liked the DUI talks. It's a hard, anxiety inducing topic. I sat with my own anxiety and listened and learned. ❤

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thanks. There it is and I'll never tell the story again. I hope I helped you in some way. Anxiety sucks.

[@stephanielake8169]

Hola, new follower here I think LD’s channel can have some trolls, I understand he tries to ignore those people too. Hope it doesn’t get you down. I really enjoyed your interview sir!

[@ShadesOClarity]

¿Que pasa? Stephanie. I am glad you came over. Can you tell me briefly your story?

[@stephanielake8169]

@ sure! I personally don’t have alcohol use disorder but I didn’t like my relationship with alcohol. Been sober about 2 years. My mom has used alcohol nearly my entire childhood and my entire adult life and I’m healing from that. My uncle passed from his alcohol use (blood clot, stroke) last year at the age of 49. Thanks for sharing your story too Oh btw, I head video that are 8mins or longer do better in the algorithm

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@stephanielake8169 I try to keep them around six minutes. Just for the attention span. Thanks. I am sorry about your uncle.

[@Laura-hk4th]

I’m very sorry that happened Bro! I appreciate all your videos! Have a fantastic weekend! ❤

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thanks, Laura. I hope you have a great weekend too.

[@kate1830]

Your honesty was admirable. I subbed to your channel late last night.

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thank you, Kate. I think you will like it. Welcome.

[@janetstadius1684]

Ignore them.

[@deniserusinski5354]

SHADES i just went through the comments of both channels, i saw nothing but thank yous for your honesty. You both are doing a service, that helps others. The glasses are in the title Shades. I saw 99% Good info.

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thanks for watching and responding, Denise. I really don't care. I just felt I needed to respond.

[@Laura-ip8nw]

I thought you were great! The fact that you have the courage to talk about personal things is amazing to me. I could never do what you do. Hold on to your dignity. You are a beautiful child of God.

[@ShadesOClarity]

That you, Laura. I appreciate you kind words.

[@Gr8Blue]

You're keeping it real🎉😎❤️‍🔥🙏 Much respect!!!

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thank you for watching and replying, Gr8Blue.

[@JackiePena-h4z]

Shades its all a refining process… I watched all of the videos. I thought they were all good 👍🏻 ❤❤❤

[@ShadesOClarity]

Well thank you, Jacikie

[@tajcoffee1908]

They didn't like it lol, how?? You were being totally honest and straight to the point based on your experience.

[@ShadesOClarity]

The video looked kinada weird. My face was low in the frame because I was using my work computer HD cam. Also, the sunglasses may bother people especially if they have a glare in both lenses.

[@tajcoffee1908]

@@ShadesOClarity I think you looked fine. I myself use to wear sunglasses all the time because I got occular migraines and the sunglasses helped with that but fortunately those stopped. People are so hyper critical and it seems like people forget these are recovery channels and not perfection ones, but that is my take on it. Continue the great work. You kind of replace Sober Slayer and Soberdelic James for me and you have great advice. Btw regarding the driving suspension, perhaps save up for a really good attorney and they can probally get you back on the rode without all this hassle that you are dealing with, have you thought about just getting this stuff expunged from record??

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@tajcoffee1908 I don't know. I might have other plans. That interview kind of messed with my head a little bit. It's not the people that said crappy things, it was repressed anger, sadness and hopelessness that shot through me when we were doing it. It's not L.D.s fault. It's nobody's fault.

[@CMoore8539]

Thumbs Up 👍 and Shared Out.❤ I noticed a couple of messages over there and I reported one. Some people have no clue how hard it is to speak about these things. You’re doing a great job Shades!!❤

[@ShadesOClarity]

Like I said, the comments puzzle me. I guess there is no logic behind them. I don't know if it did damage to L.D.s channel. I haven't talked to him. Time will tell with this channel as well. I am barely motivated to continue it. Crossroads time. I might just abandon it at some point and go do something else. I have two other channels.

[@majorproblem35]

I thought that you did very well on LD's channel the 90's were a long time ago I think even a sober person would have a cloudy remembrance on experiences that many years back. As far as you wearing your glasses while doing your videos that is your choice it's actually not anyone's business what your preferences are. I wear my aviators all the time and will wear them where ever and when ever I wish. LD is a great guy and does put his heart and soul into helping and supporting anyone with the ball and chain of addiction sharing his personal experiences just as you do. Instead of ridicule the viewers and subscribers should be grateful that there are some people in this world that care enough about others enough to offer them the support and tools that could change their lives for the better. It takes dedication and great concern for others when offering your time and support to hopefully help them reach true sobriety and fight the demons of alcoholism and addiction. I admire and thank you and LD both for the unwavering commitment to offering help and support to those in need! Don't change a thing keep moving forward Job Well Done! God Bless

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thank you Dwayne. That reply was thoughtful. I appreciate it.

[@eugene1983-n3s]

I appreciate your channel and you.

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thank you, eugene.

[@robkule424]

I thought the interview was great. Don't listen to the trolls, you did great.

[@ShadesOClarity]

Like I said above, I made peace with at least one of them. I didn't understand their reasoning. They apologized and that's fine. I didn't want L.D. to cut the thread because it mended a fence and broke down a wall.

[@Jesse-0008]

Keep up the good work!

[@Micru866]

Shades we all have a story. Regardless of the severity of your alcoholism or the consequences as result, you’re sharing to help others. There are plenty of people that hide behind a screen to just criticize and bully others. I know freedom of speech but rude is rude! Keep moving forward and continue to share your experiences because we all should be learning from each other not trying to break each other down. That’s how I live my life others can do as they want. We all are fortunate to have freedom of choice. If I don’t like someone’s channel I just don’t watch but first I try to understand. Hope you have a great day.

[@ShadesOClarity]

You have been with me a long time, Micru. Never a bad word have you uttered toward me. Like I said, I don't give a s·#t about the haters. They really should just get off the internet or have the guts to start a channel then come after me. I would respect that. Thanks for watching and replying as usual.

[@Micru866]

@@ShadesOClarityI’m with you on that…I don’t give a crap what people think about me either. Not everyone is going to like me, words my mom told me growing up. I just don’t like cowards. Like you said, if they can do it better then bring it but to put hateful comments into the world just because, yeah I have a problem with that. I usually ignore it because if I can’t have an intelligent exchange then why bother but it reminds me of high school. I stood up then and will always stand up.

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@Micru866 Word.

[@Slayer-7373]

@@Micru866 exactly micru!

[@Micru866]

@Slayer-7373 hey there, nice to see ya my friend. You’ve been in my thoughts. Hope you’re doing well.

[@RonsMom40-pu1en2gj4p]

Whatever happened to "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"! Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. You know...the red one with a pitchfork? Just keep moving forward.

[@ShadesOClarity]

I needed to talk about why that interview was difficult. I really like L.D. He's a good friend now and he allowed me to talk about this crap. We knew the intent of the video was a cautionary tale. What blows my mind is what he has to deal with having so many subs and the trash he has to take out. He told me about some really negative stuff people have said to him. So people sub to a recovery channel for what purpose? I did because I am an alcoholic and am "working to get my stuff together." Why sub and then say negative stuff to a guest who shares the same disease? There is a possibility they were drunk when watching it. If they were and if they could barely see then I probably was ugly and creepy to them.

[@Piru_Upnorth]

🖕what they think. I like your content and your approach on things. I've had 4 DUI's myself and it is hard to remember certain things. People suck in general dude and they always got something to say.

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thanks, Piru. You seem like a nice dude. I can tell from the style of the comment you are a dude.

[@kathrynminnick8986]

Yeah, I second others' comments. Don't worry about the haters and also don't worry about subs. It doesn't help to compare oneself with others even just in the privacy of one's own mind. I have sometimes unfavorably compared myself to others and felt really depressed-even started entertaining the proverbial "dark thoughts." We're all different-with different virtues, skills and stories. You be you! Every voice speaking out against alcohol and alcohol abuse is a useful and needed voice. You may reach someone that another person can't. Just do things your way and see where it takes you. Also, try not to be despondent about the driver's license matter. I know it's easy for me to say, since I have a license. But it's not worth being despondent over. I'm sure you have many things others would be envious of. Try to focus on your "glass half full" gifts and advantages. 😊

[@ShadesOClarity]

Thanks, Kathyrn. I was off the computer for about two days working and had some funk going on. I don't care about these people. Are they even people?

[@grizzergreeen]

This is the 2nd video I’ve seen from you where you seem very concerned about the subscriber count and comments. I’d recommend either disabling comments altogether or simply just don’t read them - a lot of KZbinrs do that. LD is the only KZbinr I watch that actually goes through every comment. If your channel is about your own sobriety (which is most important) and helping others then do what you do and ignore subscriber count and comments, otherwise you’re just going to end up telling people what they want to hear and not being true to yourself. People struggling watch and listen to these videos for help and hope not for who is most popular.

[@ShadesOClarity]

My point was it hit 500 and did not move. I thought I had been shadowbanned possibly from a comment I put on a true crime site about the murderer. If you notice, I do go through every comment. If you think this is about a popularity contest, you are wrong. I didn't mention that. Anyway, Thanks for watching and replying. I feel like I am repeating myself, but I'll say it again. The count doesn't really matter. Is that me telling you what I want you to hear or me just blowing smoke into the air?

[@Mmoose712]

I watch several channels that aren't addiction related, and they get the trolls too. Even more than the addiction channels. Some people are just determined to spread misery

[@ShadesOClarity]

Well. I think it's time to put all this to bed and move on. When stuff goes sideways you just pick yourself up. I think I'll stay put from now on.

[@hardknoxtalkspodcast]

If everyone likes you, you probably aren't living your best life. Keep going man, god bless the trolls.

[@ShadesOClarity]

I am not living my best life. I don't really understand this comment. I appreciate you watching and commenting, however.

[@reinhardt3293]

​@@ShadesOClarity Trolls prefer to target people who don't seem to be in a cesspool of negativity in life like them. That is the part of the psychology of a troll. If looking at it that way, trolls showing up sometimes is a good thing.

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@reinhardt3293 I used to troll sometimes and it was fun. Then I asked myself, "Why am I doing this?" It was moronic so I stopped. I found it was just screwing with people out of boredom. Karma has me.

[@reinhardt3293]

@@ShadesOClarityThen all the more reason to let them roll off your back or look at them in a positive way as the OP said as well as myself 🙂

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@reinhardt3293 Agreed.

[@bman-jy3gh]

you don't seem creepy to me, grats on sobriety

[@ShadesOClarity]

I don't think I am creepy either. The person who said that remark isn't an alcoholic and apologized. They said they lost somebody and watches these videos to try to understand our addiction. It's possible they subbed. I don't know. I just try to understand and help people.

[@AddictedToMore_]

Hahaha dude! I just put up my video about trt on Reddit and I got hammered by the Reddit replies. Gotta just ignore them. They were so mean 🤣

[@ShadesOClarity]

In one eye and out the other. Plus, my shades are supersecret idiot smashers. It hyperfocuses my brain and puts my knee-cutting wit to cut and chop in full afterburner. However, I held off and just let it go. One even apologized. Thanks for watching, ATM.

[@AddictedToMore_]

@ never lose the glasses. Keep the mystery alive

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@AddictedToMore_ All hail the creepiness!

[@AddictedToMore_]

@ ahahahaha thanks man. Yeah it’s all good, I get lots of comments like that

[@ShadesOClarity]

@@B_DOGG905 Jesus. Always "creeped out" by something and then these broads wonder why we want to stay away from 'em and be left the hell alone. BTW, I am a North Carolina surfer DuDe. Hehee.