Thanks for the thoughtful comment @indigoocean!

Even when I was a kid (maybe 8-9?) I remember my godfather looking at me and trying to teach me the value of "stand tall, look 'em in the eye, and tell 'em what you know!" It felt weird; wrong, somehow.

Of course, he was President and CEO of a major insurance company in New York City... and that was his world. Mine was one of connection and compromise, centered around the idea that you often learn a lot more by opening your EARS than opening your MOUTH.

It is odd — and sad — how often society labels what is actually personal growth as untrustworthiness...

You're more than welcome to use my closing block!