18Apr 2019 by CJ
Who we are is not a destination but a journey

Who we are is not a destination but a journey

Life & Living
“Somehow, we'll find it. The balance between whom we wish to be and whom we need to be. But for now, we simply have to be satisfied with who we are.” ― Brandon Sanderson, The Hero of Ages Who we are is not definitive. Unforeseen challenges and personal discoveries are a consistent part of everyone’s life, and both conspire to heavily influence who we ultimately are at any given stage. Many people believe that once you begin to figure out who you are, typically when you’re in your late teens, you’ll remain that person for the rest of your existence. Could you imagine your eighteen-year-old self being prepared for the responsibilities of adulthood without some kind of change in mind and spirit? No, you probably can’t. Which is why who we are…
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21Jan 2019 by CJ
Masculinity stereotypes are not something you’re born with, it’s something you learn

Masculinity stereotypes are not something you’re born with, it’s something you learn

Life & Living, Youth
The APA (American Psychological Association) recently did something quite historic in my opinion.  After more than 40 years of research and 127 years in existence, they’re issuing a warning against “masculinity ideology” – the misguided stereotypes parents instill on young boys during development. Entitled Guidelines for the Psychological Practice with Boys and Men, it’s the first report of its kind designed to help practitioners guide their young male patients through “social forces that can harm their mental health”. Why it’s so important Jared Skillings, a psychologist and the APAs Chief of Professional Practice says, "Masculinity ideology was important to highlight because it represents a set of characteristics that are unhealthy for men — men who are sexist or violent or don’t take care of themselves.” Before you dismiss your role in…
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07Jan 2019 by CJ
Gift me a tree and inspire hope for the future

Gift me a tree and inspire hope for the future

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb The gift-giving season is finally over to the surprise (and delight) of many. The stress of trying to find something people probably don’t need is finally over. I’ll make it easy – next year, gift me a tree. With age comes wisdom (in some cases) and with wisdom comes the understanding that material possessions start to mean less and less with the realization that life is not infinite. If you gift me a tree, it’s something I can actively nurture and grow – something that will bring great joy to myself, to my wildlife and even to Mother Nature as it grows from a sapling into maturity. Yes, trees do…
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25Nov 2018 by CJ
Heavy snowfall can produce invaluable moments of stillness

Heavy snowfall can produce invaluable moments of stillness

Life & Living
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."  - Helen Keller When I was eight years old, my sister and I – along with a family friend my sister’s age – ventured out into the neighborhood after a heavy snowfall. While meandering through the un-shoveled snow bundled up like Eskimos, we came across a large evergreen tree whose branches were burdened by the heavy snowfall. Sadly, one branch had broken off from the stress of the frozen precipitation – now sticking straight up from the snow like a sapling sprouting from the earth. The broken branch immediately reminded me of a mini-Christmas tree. Being three years younger than my sister, I asked if we could take it…
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20Nov 2018 by CJ
Thankful for all the things you can’t see or touch this year

Thankful for all the things you can’t see or touch this year

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
“Empty chairs. Missing loved ones. Lord, how their voices once filled the room, as their echoes fill it now.” - Mitch Albom During this time of year, many of us reflect on what we have to be thankful for. Oftentimes, we equate our thankfulness with “things” – tangible items we see with our eyes or can touch with our hands. While there are certainly “things” to be thankful for that fall under the category of basic necessities and even health, this year I find myself thankful for something much different – much more personal. This year, I’m thankful for something you can’t see with your eyes or touch with your hands. No, it’s something you FEEL in your heart. This year, I’m thankful for the memories. A frightening reality of…
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