28Apr 2014 by CJ

Being someone’s caregiver is one of the greatest honors

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living, Love & Relationships
Being a caregiver is not easy. But it’s truly amazing what you’re capable of when you have no other choice – when reality is staring you in the face and you’re the one people turn to for guidance, support and attention. Tia Walker, author of The Inspired Caregiver: Finding Joy While Caring for Those You Love writes: “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” And while it’s not necessarily an ideal supported by American culture, many understand what a gift it is to give back to those who’ve given so much to us over the years. To accept the “role reversal” that often comes along with being a caregiver not with bitterness, but with tenderness. And while the relationship will certainly change,…
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08Apr 2014 by CJ

Charity is not about what you gain, but what you can give

Generosity & Kindness, Love & Relationships
“When you say "I" and "my" too much, you lose the capacity to understand the "we" and "our".”  Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free I think perhaps the greatest shortfall of mankind is its inability to look beyond themselves with any kind of real charity. So often you hear people saying things like “my” problems and “my” needs as though they were the only people living in society. One’s ego can easily convince us that our lives, our complaints and our problems are unique – that no other human being walking the Earth could possibly understand or relate to what we’re feeling or going through. We then turn that internal understanding into an excuse – “I” am simply too busy to do this or that; you have no…
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09Feb 2014 by CJ

A simple act of kindness is often the best medicine for everyone

Generosity & Kindness
Mark Twain once said, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” Let’s face it – we all have problems, though admittedly to varying degrees. But sometimes in order to put those problems into perspective, to grow humble, requires us to do something positive for somebody else. Your time and a few kind words are often all that’s needed to lift someone’s spirits, and I promise you in return you’ll wind up feeling better too. Because doing something for others, unconditionally and from the heart, does not go unrewarded. Simply put - doing something good is also good for you! So the next time you’re feeling down, maybe stop and think if there’s something good you can do for someone else who truly…
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06Jan 2014 by CJ

Happiness may not be infinite, but sometimes you have to help find it

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living, Love & Relationships
You learn quickly in life that happiness is not infinite. That everyone at one time or another experiences challenges and struggles that often rob a person of the ability to smile or feel great joy with any regularity. Of late I’ve been finding myself there – even though my life is filled with many wonderful blessings I should be grateful for, and I am. But lately my spirit seems to be in a bit of a funk – seemingly unsatisfied with the current state of my existence (except for my amazing wife who remains my one constant). At times I feel somewhat trapped by the complacency of my life – the routine that carries on from one day to the next. While I understand that you cannot escape your problems…
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25Nov 2013 by CJ

Practice the art of Thanksgiving all year long

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”  Theodore Roosevelt In November of 1621, after their first successful corn harvest, Governor William Bradford organized a celebration. Comprised of struggling colony’s and their Native America allies, it was a day to come together to appreciate the bountiful foods before them - during a period of time filled with unending sacrifices and personal struggles. More importantly, it was a celebration of life and the people they were fortunate enough to still have around during a break from the harsh realities they had to endure. Americans today have little understanding of what it was like to…
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