05Sep 2022 by CJ
Self-Help Books Can’t Compare to the Endurance of Humanity

Self-Help Books Can’t Compare to the Endurance of Humanity

Life & Living
“If the self-help books worked, it would be a shrinking industry, not a growing one.” – Steve Maraboli For much of my adult life, my reading preferences centered around self-help books and a desire to educate and improve myself based on my flaws and brokenness. I’ve read the more famous authors in the self-help genre and lesser-known authors who were just as credible. And while I learned a great deal from these readings, I noticed that these so-called “self-help” books weren’t fully helping me. Yes, there are legions of fans of self-help books and authors who’ve achieved an almost cult-like following in society. But for me, at the end of the day, a self-help book does not hold the power to be transformative. While perhaps better represented as a tool…
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26May 2022 by CJ
American Extremists are Making Hopelessness a Way of Life

American Extremists are Making Hopelessness a Way of Life

Information & Education, Life & Living
In this blog, I’ve always tried to inspire readers to question their habitual way of thinking and instead try to see things through the lens of compassion, equality, respect, and love. But when it comes to the topic of American extremists, my spirit is broken, and I struggle to find anything hopeful, meaningful, or positive to share about the United States of America. Though let’s be honest, there’s nothing “united” about this country any longer. I pivot back and forth between emotions of anger and frustration to sadness and despair. I try to understand why Senators aspire to such a lofty, impactful, and revered position in the United States government only to show their loyalty to American extremists who care little about anyone’s agenda beyond their own. Today, I feel…
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08May 2022 by CJ
Respect Your Fellow Human Being – A Lesson American’s Still Haven’t Learned

Respect Your Fellow Human Being – A Lesson American’s Still Haven’t Learned

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living
American politician and former professional basketball player Bill Bradley once remarked, "Respect your fellow human being." I've been thinking a lot about those five little words lately - respect your fellow human being. I turned 47 this year - spending almost five decades living, learning, loving, losing, and hoping that with each passing year, I might find myself living in a world where compassion, empathy, respect, and equality become the moral compass by which all of society acts in accordance with. But I have to remind myself (continuously) that America's existence continues to be plagued with hate, division, and self-serving agendas evidently found in government, communities, and organizations across the country. What's perhaps most frustrating is that those in positions of power, the so-called leaders who are supposed to set…
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04May 2022 by CJ
White Privileged Men Crave a Return to the Good Old Days

White Privileged Men Crave a Return to the Good Old Days

Life & Living
I'm sure you're all aware of Politico's leaked Supreme Court opinion outlining the possible and probable decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. For me, this is a continuing chapter in American history where white privileged men (and in this case, a woman) are trying to drag our country backward in terms of progress and the rights of its citizens. There are many strong opinions on both sides of the political spectrum regarding the possibility of overturning Roe v. Wade, and rightfully so. That is our CHOICE as free Americans. But what I'm starting to understand is this isn't just about abortion any longer. It's part of a much more concerning movement to return to an America where white privileged men were all-powerful and controlling in the governmental offices they worked,…
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11Apr 2022 by CJ
To Leave Home Means Different Things Throughout Your Life

To Leave Home Means Different Things Throughout Your Life

Life & Living
“It is always sad for someone to leave home, unless they are simply going around the corner and will return in a few minutes with ice-cream sandwiches.” - Daniel Handler, American Writer and Musician. There are many reasons why someone would leave home. They’ve graduated high school and are heading off to college. They’re getting married and creating a new home with their spouse. They’re relocating for a new job opportunity in another state or country. These are but a few examples, and I’m sure you can think of many more. But perhaps the saddest reason to leave home is less a choice of opportunity and more a result of circumstance. My wife and I have a dear family friend who is 89 years old, though you’d never know it…
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