Don't Complain and Never Explain
chapter 28 review
Welcome, and thanks for diving back into Moore to Come! It’s funny how some chapters seem to come alive at just the right moment—almost like they’re calling out to me ,reminding me of the wisdom I packed inside those pages. This week, Chapter 28, "Don’t Complain and Never Explain," has definitely been that chapter for me.
On the surface, the concept seems simple enough, but in reality It’s a whole different story. I’ve found myself getting caught up in little complaints—things I usually brush off without a second thought. Even though I hit a milestone of 200 Substack subscribers (huge thank you to everyone who’s joined!), I caught myself focusing on engagement rates and other tiny details. Complaining is something I try hard to avoid, so it was a wake-up call to feel myself slipping into that habit.
Sometimes, the best thing I can do is open my own book and take my own advice. Reading back through this chapter reminded me that life will have its hiccups and things that feel "off" or frustrating, but there’s power in not giving those feelings the weight of our words. Not complaining and not explaining lets us conserve energy for what truly matters.
Here, I'm not saying that you should bottle up your frustrations—holding everything in can actually be damaging. Trust me, the last thing I'd want is for anyone to reach a boiling point. So if you feel the need to vent, please, seek help from a therapist or someone who can support you in a healthy way. I have one myself, and it’s one of the best decisions I've made.
The reality is, while venting is necessary sometimes, complaints can quickly turn into a habit that pushes people away. Complaining too much can make you seem ungrateful or even bitter, and I admit that at one point, this week,that's how I was coming off. I lost sight of how lucky I am to be here, alive and with a renewed sense of purpose, especially after July 3, 2019. Getting a second chance at life gave me a gift that’s bigger than the small inconveniences that used to get me down.
One of my subscribers actually opened my eyes to how much I was complaining, and honestly, I’m grateful they did. That moment helped me realize how much time I was wasting on negativity instead of appreciating the blessings in front of me. This chapter isn’t about suppressing your struggles; it’s about embracing life with gratitude and recognizing that we all have the power to change our outlook.
In Chapter 28, I wanted to drive home a point that sometimes, the real strength isn't in explaining or complaining—it's in quietly doing the best we can with what we have. To bring that to life, I used Chadwick Boseman as the prime example. He embodied the phrase "never complain, never explain," whether or not it was intentional when he did this.Here he was, facing his own private battle with cancer, yet he chose to keep moving forward, giving some of the most iconic performances of his career, Black Panther,without a hint of his struggles to the public
.
Boseman could have easily chosen to share his challenges; after all, who wouldn’t have empathized? But instead, he held his head high, focusing on his work, and inspiring millions in the process. When his diagnosis was finally revealed after his passing, it left the world in shock. No one had known, and that just added a whole new layer of respect for how he carried himself.
It’s such a contrast when you think about it, right? Some people today might find themselves complaining about minor issues—like not having enough subscribers on a platform like Substack. And here was Boseman, facing a life-altering illness, yet choosing to carry on quietly. This comparison is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful statements are made without words, by simply pushing forward and making the most out of the hand we’re dealt.
To wrap up Chapter 28, here's the bottom line: life’s tough for everyone, whether it’s big stuff, little stuff, or just the daily grind. So, I’m taking a personal pledge to keep my complaints to a minimum—except, of course, for that final season of Game of Thrones (we all have our scars) and the tragic betrayal of Arizona tea prices. Seriously, .99 cents was sacred!
When it comes to explaining yourself, though, let’s be honest—are people really listening? Or are they just nodding along to be in the loop? It’s a hard truth, but sometimes explanations are more about the other person’s curiosity than about connection. And that’s exactly what I dug into with this chapter.
I’m glad you kept reading and made it to my favorite part—the breakdown of my song choice for this chapter’s Moore to Come playlist! For Chapter 28, I went with "Humble" by Lil Baby. Now, I know you’re probably thinking, Wait, this chapter isn’t exactly about humility. But hear me out! Lil Baby has that line, “I’m not looking for no sympathy, won’t cry about no loss,” and I love how he’s not looking for anyone to feel sorry for him—he just keeps it moving. That’s the energy of this chapter too. Never complain never explain I’m not here for sympathy; I’m here to keep pushing forward without letting the past hold me back.
Alright, here’s my call to action! Now, I know I said no complaints, but hey, this is a safe zone, and I’m sticking with the holiday spirit. So here’s my ask: let me know your thoughts!
The worst Halloween candy – Okay, I really wish they’d stop making candy corn. I mean, who keeps buying it
?
Drop your answers below, and feel free to vent about your least favorite treats. And if you actually like candy corn, we might need to have a chat. Looking forward to hearing your Halloween hot takes!