02Jun 2016 by CJ

Appreciating what we take for granted

Generosity & Kindness
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” - Thornton Wilder I recently vacationed to a tropical resort, where the only thing my wife and I did was relax, refocus and enjoy each other’s company – and the beautiful 85-degree temperatures. At the end of a busy day lounging around in the sun or cooling off in the pool, we often sat on our fourth floor balcony until it was time to go down for dinner. One particular evening, I found myself entranced by the goings-on happening below me. There were staff members rearranging lounge chairs and collecting towels, outdoor restaurants setting up tables and preparing for the evening rush and guests still trying to enjoy the last little bit…
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06Mar 2016 by CJ

Just be happy – you have more reasons than you think

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy." - Guillaume Apollinaire I realized the other day that we spend so much time "trying" to be happy, that we forget about all the little things that already provide our lives with joy. Simple things like sitting on the back porch on a beautiful sunny day - lost in a sea of nothingness, as you allow yourself to just be happy in the wonders of nature. My wife and I did this just this morning over a cup of coffee and the sound of birds chirping in the background. Or watching a young child play superhero in the backyard - engulfed in a world of pretend, while entertaining their spirit of imagination. Watching my…
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09Feb 2016 by CJ

Appreciate the simple times that make you happy

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
“Please notice when you are happy – and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” – Kurt Vonnegut There are days when my wife and I relish simply sitting in our yard on a beautiful spring day, listening to the peacefulness of nature and basking in the amazing glow of nature’s sunlight. There are snowy nights when we sit bundled up in two or three blankets, while the glow of a nearby fire illuminates the room and two steaming cups of hot cocoa warm our souls. There are moments when the two of us are cooking together in the kitchen – me usually making a mess and cleaning it up, while she utilizes her talents to create culinary masterpieces I…
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01Feb 2016 by CJ

A life of things is no life

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
"The best things in life aren't things." - Art Buchwald My grandmother was one of nine children living in a tiny, three bedroom apartment. Few things were truly "yours" in my grandmothers household growing up. You often shared a bed with one ore two of your sisters, not to mention clothes, toys, books and anything else which could be handed down to the next oldest child. When I used to listen to my grandmother talk about growing up, while there was no denying it was hard, the sense of family and security she felt for the people living in that tiny apartment was something few of us will ever understand. As cliche as it sounds, my grandmother would sometimes tell me, "We didn't have much, but we had each other…
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21Jan 2016 by CJ

You have everything you need if you look for it

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
“We already have everything we need.” – Pema Chodron When the PowerBall jackpot was valued at $1.5 billion dollars, I don’t think there was a person alive who didn’t find themselves asking “what if”. It’s human nature to dream of the comfort, security and convenience such an incredible fortune would provide – not to mention a huge reduction in the everyday stresses we all suffer from. I admit getting caught up in the fantasy – playing out the “what if” scenario in my head like a young child who believes in magic and fairy tales. One day before the big drawing, I remember driving home from work and thinking to myself I’m pretty darn fortunate with the life I have right now. The reality is that I have everything I…
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