28Jul 2013 by CJ

It’s time to put the past to rest

Life & Living
“One problem with gazing too frequently into the past is that we may turn around to find the future has run out on us.” ~Michael Cibenko So many of us cling to the past like a security blanket – regardless of the fact that nothing will change its outcome. I don’t know about you, but my past is littered with events I wish I had handled differently – and I’ve spent many years holding on to that pain with deep regret. I’ve replayed them over and over in my head – each time suffering the same hardship I felt on the day they originally occurred. But when all was said and done nothing had changed, and I was left to yet again grieve as I had done before. The one…
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25Jul 2013 by CJ

Are you a good listener?

Life & Living
Though this might seem like a strange request, have you ever sat back and asked yourself, am I a good listener? When someone engages in communication with me, especially from their heart, do I only hear what I want to hear – enabling me to shy away from conversations I’m not comfortable having? There’s an art to being a good listener. It means clearing your mind of all other thoughts and preconceptions and truly “hearing” what the person before you is saying. Empathizing with their plight in life and trying your best to offer constructive solutions, unconditional support or well-thought out arguments for what they’re trying to share with you. I know I make is sound difficult, but as I said it’s an art that not everyone in the world…
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18Jul 2013 by CJ

I will mourn Talia Castellano, but not Glee star

Life & Living
I’ve seen the depths of depression; I’ve contemplated the escape suicide provides. And while it’s easy to simply give up and propagate those feelings of despair, I instead reached out for a helping hand to guide me through a storm so many of us shoulder in life. It was during this time of challenges and self-discovery that I learned how valuable life truly is. Yes, it can be a daunting road to travel at times, but as long as we’re living and breathing, regardless of age, there is always an opportunity to make a positive change and re-plot the course of our journey. I’m reminded of a quote by Mother Teresa: “Life is too precious, do not destroy it.  Life is life, fight for it.” A popular headline proliferating across…
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17Jul 2013 by CJ

The only sure thing in life is everything must change

Life & Living
Musician and lyricist Bernard Ighner is credited with composing the song, “Everything Must Change”. Many performers have recorded the poignant song over the years – my personal favorites coming from R&B songstress Oleta Adams and Broadway veteran Betty Buckley.   Here’s a sampling of the lyrics: Everything must change, nothing stays the same Everyone will change, no one stays the same The young become the old, and mysteries do unfold ‘Cause that's the way of time, nothing and no one goes unchanged There are not many things in life you can be sure of, except Rain comes from the clouds, sun lights up the sky And hummingbirds do fly   This song often inspires me, especially of late, for I often tend to forget that nothing stays the same in…
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11Jul 2013 by CJ

You’re never alone in life – you just have to look around you

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
This wonderful song by Meredith Andrews is truly inspiring to me. I listen to it often lately – especially after my grandmother’s passing. Whether it’s the God you worship or the spirits from our past, I truly believe that we’re not alone in this world – even though at times it might feel that way. It’s definitely worth a listen – she has an amazing voice and the orchestration is simply beautiful (follow the link). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGNr72tB5XE Here’s hoping her song provides you with some much needed peace of mind. Enjoy! You’re Not Alone (M. Andrews) I search for love, when the night came and it closed in I was alone, but you found me where I was hiding And though I'll never ever be the same It was the sweetest…
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