Why Here? Why Now?

I've been asked to write. I've never been much of a writer, actually.  More of a reader.  However, some of my friends and colleagues find my philosophies strangely entertaining, and believe that they should be shared.

Our marketing manager down at Glass Doctor, John, continues to insist that there's enough people who want to understand Edward J. Barton that I should open up the curtains and let light into my philosophies. I've opposed this approach for several years.  The opposition was rooted in the belief that no good could come of it.  Transparency of thought and feeling generally gets you more ridicule than praise, and I have plenty to ridicule. 

Interestingly, it is only after a lot of airplane rides in the last few months, coupled with some personal and professional challenges, that I realized that even I don't have a firm grasp on what those philosophies are.  I certainly seem able to articulate them subject to subject, but have been challenged to pull them together in a well defined holistic worldview. So, this forum may be able to assist in that endeavor.

One of the elements that has changed over the last few months - or perhaps really the last two years - has been a drive to be both transparent and comfortable in my own skin.  My philosophies don't always match my friends and family.  In fact, from a business, political and spiritual component, I am definitely feeling on the outside, looking in.  I have "conflict avoided" these tough discussions and conversations, acting as a chameleon to my surroundings.  However, I found that changing colors becomes tiring, and sometimes I can't quite remember what color I am supposed to be.

Tired of being tired, recognizing the risks of finding a color and sticking to it, and surrendering the need for universal acceptance in exchange for greater self acceptance, I will write.

What you will find here are various thoughts on various topics - many will be related to business and management, but you may also find a fair number of political, spiritual or interpersonal items.  Some will be boring, some controversial, some emotional. Welcome to the blog.  Enjoy the pursuit!