31Mar 2026 by CJ No Comments
A Sense of Community: Reflections on Connection in an Age of Isolation

A Sense of Community: Reflections on Connection in an Age of Isolation

Life & Living
SUMMARY: Community shaped every stage of life — from childhood neighborhoods and family dinners to school, work, and marriage, belonging provided purpose and support. That foundation has quietly eroded — evolving relationships, loss, technology-driven individualism, and materialism have replaced connection with isolation. Reclaiming community is urgent — time is finite, making it essential to prioritize and nurture meaningful relationships now. “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” — Anthony J. D’Angelo, American public relations executive and educator Throughout our lives, regardless of age or circumstances, we sometimes find ourselves immersed in a group that unites us and fosters an immeasurable sense of belonging. For me, growing up in the early 1980s in a quaint suburban town in northern New Jersey, this sense of community was…
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02Mar 2026 by CJ
Emotional Connection Has Been Lost to Progress

Emotional Connection Has Been Lost to Progress

Love & Relationships
“How someone makes me feel—that profound emotional connection—matters far more to me than any material or physical offerings they can provide. I have always prioritized affection and emotional support over being showered with something that’s fleeting.” (Anonymous) From a young age, I found comfort in moments of solitude. I consider myself a deep, reflective thinker with a vivid imagination, and I’ve discovered that having time alone allows me to process my thoughts and dive deeper into my ideas without distraction. As a child, I would spend countless hours exploring my neighborhood on my bike during beautiful summer mornings, the sun warming my skin while a gentle breeze rushed against my face. I still remember the smell of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass as I pedaled through familiar streets, relishing…
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12Jan 2026 by CJ
Stories Have to be Told to Ensure Their Memory Lives On

Stories Have to be Told to Ensure Their Memory Lives On

Love & Relationships
“Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” – Sue Monk Kidd, Author At 50 years old, I admit I’ve lived long enough to witness technology's progression in society firsthand. I remember a time when personal computers didn’t exist, the only phones available to us were permanently mounted on kitchen walls, and the sole way to conduct research on any given topic was to visit a brick-and-mortar library in your town. While I’m often critical of technological advancements over the past few decades and question how they’ve improved our humanity toward one another, I must give credit to the advent of the internet. Stories have to be told, and the internet has provided me with a glimpse…
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05Jan 2026 by CJ
The Power of Literature Opens Our Narrow Minds

The Power of Literature Opens Our Narrow Minds

Information & Education, Life & Living
“When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.” – Maya Angelou My wife is an avid reader, passionately immersed in a wide range of literary themes and celebrated authors. For anyone who loves literature, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as sharing a powerful story or a profound piece of writing, all in the hopes of sparking inspiration and a love for reading in others. I feel incredibly lucky to benefit from my wife's insatiable love for books. She frequently recommends titles that she believes I will thoroughly enjoy, and we eagerly…
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21Dec 2025 by CJ
A Childhood Memory Reminds Us to Be Present

A Childhood Memory Reminds Us to Be Present

Life & Living, Youth
Can you recall your earliest childhood memory of your parents? A moment so clear that it lingers in your mind, yet still holds a hint of mystery in the details, given how young you were. Once you reach a certain age, revisiting the past involves sifting through decades of experiences, which are bound to overshadow your earlier memories. Given the extensive work our brains perform at any given moment, it’s not surprising that older, less specific memories can fade away to make room for new ones. I’ve asked this question of other family members and friends before, and I’m often met with confused, uncertain looks, followed by a long pause as the person struggles with a question they’ve probably never been asked. Eventually, the person admits they can’t clearly remember…
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