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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22Apr 2015 by CJ

Home is not a place, it’s a feeling in the heart

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
Last night, as the sun began it’s decent into the horizon, my wife and I positioned ourselves around our fire pit as the air became cool and the dark began to fall. All around us was the fragrant smell of nature – earth, mulch, freshly cut grass. A few late-night robins were out and about singing their tune and no doubt searching for a few morsels of food to fill their hunger. As the flames danced before our eyes, we both became lost in a sense of peace and tranquility. The world seemed far away from us as we basked in the warmth of the fire and the enjoyment of each other’s company. There are so few moments like that in life. Few opportunities to enjoy the here and now…
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20Apr 2015 by CJ

Decision making is tough, but it’s better than the unknown

Life & Living, Youth
“It doesn't matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions.” Jim Rohn Making choices in life is never easy. What often compounds our decision making ability is the uncertainty of those decisions and the incredible (often unpredictable) impact they will have on the course of our lives. The questions we undoubtedly ask ourselves during the decision making process can be crippling at times. They prevent us from making a firm commitment – leaving us in a constant state of limbo. While some believe living in that constant state prevents them from experiencing the negative repercussions of their decisions, all it really does is limit our opportunities. I think many of us fail to realize…
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13Apr 2015 by CJ

Keeping up appearances for the benefit of strangers

Life & Living, Youth
When I was in my 20’s, my physical appearance was very important to me. After all, we live in a society that often judges a person based more on what they look like, rather than who they are. With puberty plumping me up like the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, rendering me incredibly insecure, I became self-conscious when it came to my appearance – even after I eventually trimmed down. But today, at the age of 40, my perspective on so many things in life has drastically changed. The other day was the first time I actually stopped myself and said, “I’m okay with the way I look now.” Yes my hair is greying (though I’m happy it’s still up there); yes I could stand to probably lose a few pounds…
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