13May 2015 by CJ

Trusting others is never easy – no matter your age

Life & Living, Love & Relationships, Youth
"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters." --Albert Einstein When I was in my early 20’s, I was far too trusting of people – sharing personal emotions, experiences and opinions with little concern about the credibility of the person I was revealing them to. But once that trust was violated, I eventually grew to become incredibly guarded – remaining superficial when it came to interacting with acquaintances around me. At this stage in my life, I trust few people with the internal workings of my heart and mind – protecting myself from those who have a difficult time simply being a listener. But the other day I let my guard down. As we form new relationships in life, we all possess and…
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05May 2015 by CJ

Characteristics of those with down syndrome – they know how to live

Life & Living, Love & Relationships, Youth
Life at times can be daunting. An endless journey filled with one insurmountable challenge after another. From our homes to our businesses to the world going on all around us – it’s often hard to stay focused on the proverbial “big picture” when faced with a continuous sea of unknowns. I present to you the following story – words once spoken by the late Fred Rogers as only he could. “There was a story going around about the Special Olympics. For the hundred-yard dash, there were nine contestants, all of them so-called physically or mentally disabled. All nine of them assembled at the starting line and, at the sound of the gun, they took off. But one little boy didn’t get very far. He stumbled and fell and hurt his…
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29Apr 2015 by CJ

Protesting is not an excuse for violence

Life & Living
I’m sure many of you are aware of the recent protests taking place in Baltimore, MD. Tempers have yet again been fueled by the death of a young black man in police custody. While the circumstances of his arrest and the specifics of his death will continue to be debated, thousands took to the street in protest over what is being called “police brutality”. I learned a long time ago not to make assumptions until all the facts have been revealed to me, and this unfortunate case is no different. I wish more people would do the same instead of turning to violence, which solves nothing. What I will talk about is the word protest. I looked up the word “protest” in many resources and as a noun it means,…
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27Apr 2015 by CJ

Compromising your principles won’t lead to happiness

Life & Living
“Do not compromise yourself and put your goodness in the same impermanent category as whatever circumstance happening. Be the best you in every circumstance.”  ― Steve Maraboli Impressionable teenagers are often guilty of compromising who they are and what morals and principles they hold dear in order to gain acceptance amongst a demanding group of peers. If you think back to your own high school experience (hopefully as a wiser adult)  I’m sure you could identify instances when you turned your back on the “real” you in order to be invited to a party or social gathering or to seem “cool” to the girl sitting behind you in Algebra class. We’re all human, and part of that very awkward period of life known as “adolescence” is struggling to “fit in” to…
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23Apr 2015 by CJ

Insecurities ruining your relationship? Make a change.

Life & Living
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. I’m often amazed at how socially inept we as a society truly are. Be it at work or in our personal relationships, far too many of us simply have no idea how to communicate effectively with each other in a respectful and constructive manner. The problem, as I see it, is that much of society is searching, longing for acceptance. Caused by an increasingly complicated and competitive society, those who are struggling with their own perception of themselves are often burdened with insecurity and anxiety. It’s that insecurity which breeds a need to feel superior and dominant over others - all in an effort…
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