24Jan 2016 by CJ

Time lost is never found

Life & Living
“The key question to keep asking is, are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have.” – Randy Pausch My typing teacher back in high school (yes, I did actually learn to type on a typewriter) used to always say, “Remember…time lost is never found so let’s not waste it!” And while I’m sure she was referring to our lack of focus during any given lesson, for me her words tend to speak more towards the lack of focus so many adults have as they journey through life. We are an impressionable society. We allow ourselves to be sucked in to the popularities our society deems important in order to be considered credible. We idolize people not because of their character, humility and contributions,…
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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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19Jan 2016 by CJ

Mistakes should never define your true value

Life & Living, Youth
“Have patience with all things, but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being.” – St. Francis De Sales No one is perfect I’m not afraid to admit, with great certainty, that I’m not perfect. While striving for perfection in our careers, our relationships and our talents is noble, it’s an unattainable reality, which has driven countless individuals mad throughout history and destroyed its share of happy homes. Looking back on my life, I’ve made a great deal of mistakes I’m not particularly proud of. I’ve unintentionally hurt people who once meant a great deal to me, allowed pride to cloud my better judgement and fell victim to jealous tendencies, which often extinguish blossoming relationships. Sadly, it’s the mistakes we inevitably remember and come…
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17Jan 2016 by CJ

Life’s scars – don’t let them define you

Life & Living, Youth
“To be alive at all is to have scars.” - John Steinbeck When we’re young - hosting pretend tea parties for your family or putting on plays with the neighborhood kids as a cast – we rarely contemplate the future or the realities that eventually plague our lives. We’re too busy enjoying life and the innocence and freedom which often comes along with being a child. There are times I truly miss those days. I can still feel the rush of a warm breeze upon my face as I sped down the hilltop of my block atop my Huffy bicycle. I could do that over and over again and never get bored. I remember spending hours in my backyard with my toy tractors and dump trucks – digging holes and…
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10Jan 2016 by CJ
In the chaos of life, find opportunity

In the chaos of life, find opportunity

Life & Living
Sun Tzu was a high-ranking and respected general in the Chinese military around the second century BC. His book, The Art of War, has become one of the most inspiring and influential texts on military strategies and tactics ever written. But beyond its invaluable impact on the military, government and businesses, many of his teachings can be effectively and prudently applied to our ever day lives. And while his writings might seem simplistic at times, his meanings are anything but. Tzu once wrote, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” Today, perhaps more than any other generation, our lives are rarely at peace. Chaos is commonplace as we all try to stay competitive in our careers, connected with family and friends and even with ourselves. Technologies have made…
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