On Transparency

In this era of Social Media there has been a lot of talk about personal branding, how much is too much information and the role transparency plays in business. I've adopted a very simple rule when it comes to my activities on the different social media platforms. Don't put anything online you wouldn't want your Grandmother to know.

With that being said, I whole heartily believe in being as transparent as possible. If you have nothing to hide and are willing to be held accountable where's the harm. I am fully aware that I am not every one's cup of tea. As a matter of fact I liken myself to Scotch in that I am an acquired taste.

I have a very defined set of personal standards and beliefs that I am not easily swayed from. I know exactly who I am and what I stand for, and as the song goes "you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything." I love Aaron Tippin's music. As such I am more than willing to accept the consequences of my thoughts, words and actions be they good or bad. To many that I encounter this a source of amusement and perplexity.

I should qualify this with the fact that I was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps, so concepts of Honor, Integrity and Commitment are guiding principles. It is odd to think that such traits are considered to be out of step with contemporary society. I have actually had people react negatively to my holding my ground and not compromising my own morality and ethics. Many making defamatory and honestly hurtful comments because this is so foreign to them.

Don't get me wrong, I have never been one to give much credence to what others think of me. Lincoln said it best when he made the statement, "you can't be all things to all people." At least I believe it was Lincoln that said that. The point of all of this rambling is simply this. Be true to who and what you are. Don't worry about what other's will say as there will always be critics.

I say this from first hand experience. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and vocalize my intentions. This can be both a blessing and a curse. I recently fell for an amazing young woman I met through the social media community here in Seattle. It wasn't something I was looking for, and shocked me as much as anyone else. The intensity of the feeling was overwhelming and just being around her was intoxicating. I made it known quite publicly how I felt about this woman. One small snag, the feelings were not mutual.

In an effort to win the object of my affection I attempted in vein to mold myself into the person she wanted me to be. This only served to exasperate the situation and cause me a great deal of frustration. It was not her fault, as I am the one that made the choice to follow my heart despite the logic of the situation. We were simply in different places and I still care for her and believe her to be an amazing woman.

In my zeal to obtain the object of my desire I did some things I am not proud of. Not the least of which is betraying her trust and confidence. For that I sincerely apologize and I hope in time she may forgive me and we can resume our friendship. I've since moved on and resumed dating, but she still holds a special place in my heart. The woman I am currently seeing is amazingly supportive and has been very patient with me while I make this transition.

Thank you for indulging me once again. I hope my confessional was helpful to you in your life somehow, and I would welcome any comments you may have.