Each of us participates in a variety of communities. We have our circle of friends, our work group, clubs, and church communities, just to mention a few. In each of these circles of influence we play different roles. In a sense, your identity arises from the roles you play and the communities and conversations in which you circulate. And that can get messy. Someone once posed an intriguing thought experiment: what if all the people from all your communities gathered at one party? Who would you be then? What role(s) would you play there? Would you be fully self-expressed or somewhat suppressed? Would you be empowered by the diverse aspects of your life or constrained by them?

Unchecked, our primal concern for "looking good" (wanting the approval of others) leads to all kinds of mischief. We become experts in pretense and concealment. We sacrifice self expression and our greatest dreams on the altar of others' acceptance. Since I was a teenager I've had a secret envy for the freedom of expression enjoyed by many "old" people. I imagined how liberating it would be not to give a hoot what other people think of me. I wouldn't have to explain my being in a play to my gymnastics teammates. I wouldn't have to defend my becoming an Eagle Scout to my hipster school buddies. Leading a compartmented life is exhausting!

I'm celebrating 50 years of life this April. Whoohooo! So I thought I'd throw a "virtual" birthday party and invite everyone from all my communities to come. TenPassions.com is that party. Through this website I intend to express a heartfelt exuberance for the colorful tapestry that is my life! I have diverse interests and passions and I have NO explanation for how they all fit together. I do know that in this wonderful network of people and conversations there is treasure for everyone who shows up. No presents, please, except your presence here. I appreciate that you have taken precious time to visit. So, welcome to my party! Peace, Max

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