07Aug 2014 by CJ

Self-confidence is all about trusting that you know more than you think

Life & Living, Youth
“I seek strength, not to be greater than others, but to fight my greatest enemy, the doubts within myself” - P.C. Cast I’ve always envied people who seem to have it all together. Who are just brimming with self-confidence and self-worth, which enables them to succeed in any situation or circumstance life will undoubtedly throw at them. I hate those people. Why you might ask? Because I’m NOT one of them. While I’ve made incredible progress from the days when insecurities would practically cripple me in any social or professional situation, whenever my self-confidence comes into question, I sometimes feel myself reverting. For those who’ve been at the same employer for a long period of time, have lived in the same house (and state) with any longevity, whose life has…
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05Aug 2014 by CJ

Like her or not, can we just stop with Jennifer Love Hewitt already?

Life & Living
One of the most common advantages of the internet (at least to some people) is its anonymity – allowing cowards from all over the globe to say things they would never dream of saying to someone’s face. I’m speaking of course about social media and in this case the “Comments” field at the bottom of any web page (including this one). Hurtful, hateful things which leave me shaking my head wondering what possible satisfaction would anyone receive by posting down-right rude and sometimes inappropriate comments for millions of people to read? I wonder does it make them feel more powerful in a life void of control? Does harshly criticizing another human being somehow ease their own insecurities? Case in point. This morning I was reading a popular entertainment website and…
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04Aug 2014 by CJ

As long as we’re living and breathing, you always have time to change your life

Life & Living
For many of us, the mention of the name Mitch Albom is unfamiliar – even when told he’s a celebrity all around the world. But perhaps he’s better known for his craft than his name - I’m sure you’re all familiar with the book Tuesdays With Morrie, which spent 4 years on the New York Time’s Bestsellers List - with good reason. Albom’s talent is simply immeasurable – impacting the lives of his many readers with, “An elegantly simple story about a writer getting a second chance to discover life through the death of a friend”, as stated by the Tampa Tribune and echoed through the hearts and minds of countless others. The most poignant and inspirational message to come from Tuesdays With Morrie can be found towards the conclusion.…
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29Jul 2014 by CJ

Funny how a four-legged friend really makes you smile

Life & Living
Today, while my wife and I were out for our morning walk, we encountered two very welcoming women walking a black and copper colored little dog. The one year old pup was a Yorkshire terrier named Dolly – and she was one of the most docile and affectionate little pups I’ve encountered in a long time. She immediately approached both my wife and I with a refreshing timidity – far too many dogs are only too quick to use repetitive barking to establish their dominance. But it wasn’t long before Dolly began wagging her stubby little tail – relishing the turns my wife and I were taking petting her silky smooth fur. We soon found out that the pup had only been in her new home for a week –…
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23Jul 2014 by CJ

Some differences between Colorado and New Jersey

Life & Living
Recently people have been asking me what it’s like living in Colorado after some 40 years in northern New Jersey. Well, in a word…different. And though it’s only been a month since my arrival, I’ve created a list of some of those noticeable differences and thought you’d all find them interesting and amusing. Here goes! New Jersey residents will do just about anything to avoid exchanging pleasantries with others roaming the planet - some include pretending to talk on their cell phones, staring down at their feet or hiding behind dark glasses. But here in Colorado, people just seem nicer - more neighborly. Everyone greets you with a smile and a “hello” as they pass you by. It’s nice not to be ignored for a change - what a concept!…
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