Chapter 2: Certifiable

If you were to ask any of my work colleagues, how would they describe me, they would respond, “Carl is easy to get along with, he is a world traveler, completed several certifications in coaching and leadership development, loves to learn, great listener, owns two homes, and is a successful human resource professional.” Everything that could be listed on a job application. On the other hand if you ask that same question to a friend or family member, they would say, “He has a heart of gold, generous, successful, a frequent traveler, ambitious, and you better not push him too much or you may experience his temper.” Anything that could be listed in a single’s ad. If you compare these descriptions of me, you will notice that neither contain anything truly intimate or personal. And that is how I’ve lived for most of my life until now. Friendly and agreeable, yet distant and unknowable.