02Jun 2015 by CJ

Time to heal – the only way to positively move forward

Life & Living
“Just like there's always time for pain, there's always time for healing.” ― Jennifer Brown, Hate List One of humanities greatest challenges seems to be our inability to accept the drastic changes our lives are plagued with – cognitively allowing ourselves the proper time to heal. We do our best to try and suppress our injuries, disappointments and regrets within the chambers of our heart – conducting our lives in a manner which provides others with an unrealistic perception. I learned a very long time ago that you can’t run away from what you’re feeling, let alone try and deny the existence of those feelings. Some turn to drugs and alcohol, others simply “pretend” that everything is fine and a few try and engage in a lifestyle that is outside…
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29May 2015 by CJ

Impression Management – influencing what people see?

Life & Living, Youth
Some of you may be familiar with the theory of “impression management”. It’s been defined as, “the effort to control or influence the perceptions of other people. This could be their perception of a certain person (this includes you!), a material possession, or an event. The theory goes on to explain that we try to make the perception consistent with our goals.” I’m sure this is a very relevant theory for celebrities trying to balance a life of normalcy with the downfalls of stardom. But for ordinary, humble Americans, it’s not often something we think about. I’ve been told lately that I need to brag about myself more in my career. That one of the only ways to get ahead is to focus on impression management as often as possible.…
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26May 2015 by CJ

Social media posting – some things deserve a little privacy

Life & Living, Youth
Here is another example of just how crazy the world of social media has gotten. It appears that the Today show is under fire because of comments made by hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. The subject was woman posting themselves openly breast feeding their children on social media platforms. Gifford said, "There are two types of people, Hoda -- those who feel the need to share their most precious moments and those who'd like to keep it private like I prefer." Kotb responded, "I say breastfeeding is beautiful and natural, but sharing it on social media: TMI." As you might expect, breast feeding mothers everywhere became infuriated with the comments – even staging a “nurse-in” outside the studio. Sensitive subjects such as this are often taken out of…
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21May 2015 by CJ

Let go of your age – hold strong to your ideals

Life & Living, Youth
“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” -Leroy "Satchel" Paige This April I turned (gasp) 40. The event passed with little fanfare, mainly due to my reluctance to acknowledge that number with a unique celebration often fitting this milestone. And though it’s been over a month since my 40th birthday, today was the very first time I actually admitted my age to the people I work with. The words seemed strange being uttered from my mouth. My age is something I try and keep to myself – not because I’m ashamed of the number (or the gray hairs littering my scalp), but rather what I haven’t yet been able to achieve in my career at this stage in my life. For anyone…
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15May 2015 by CJ

Tell people you care – never assume they already know

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
This is a post from a year ago, but I feel it needs repeating in this world of uncertainty.   Regardless of your age, we’re all still students in the classroom of life. The learning process is never over, unless of course you choose to ignore the lessons that are often presented to us on a daily basis. Something I’ve learned of late is that society has a very difficult time showing their appreciation – sharing a simple “thank you” to those who’ve unconditionally offered their kindness. While there might be an unwritten code that the actions we take in life should be for our own personal fulfillment, and not because we hope to reap something in return, every human being wants to feel appreciated for their generosity. G.B. Stern…
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