06Jun 2013 by CJ

Learning the importance of education from our first teachers

Information & Education, Life & Living, Youth
I’ve always believed that a successful education, regardless of geography, is contingent upon the commitment of three groups: teachers, students and perhaps most importantly, parents. Now I’m sure you’re all scratching your heads as to why I’d say “parents” might just be the most important part of the educational equation, but think about this. Our parents or guardians are our first “teachers”. They provide us with a logical, behavioral and moral foundation we then apply to every facet of our lives. They guide us in making decisions, ground us to what’s truly important in life and support us in following our dreams. If you’ve taken the time to truly “parent” your child, rather than be their “friend”, they will undoubtedly learn the importance of equality, compassion, charity and education. If…
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03Jun 2013 by CJ

A message for this year’s graduates

Information & Education, Life & Living, Youth
Isn’t it funny how time always seems to escape us? Case in point – this June marks 20 years since my high school graduation. Two decades have passed by – and while filled with memorable highlights, it still surprises me that so much time has elapsed. I’ve come to understand that in our youth we’re determined to prove to everyone that we’re independent and wiser than our years might suggest. But as I sit here today at the age of 38, I can tell you that there is no greater value in life than learning from the experiences of those who’ve come before us. I’ve told this story before, but it begs repeating during this graduation season. While watching a documentary focusing on the familial bond some animals have in…
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02Jun 2013 by CJ

What is the true measure of a man?

Life & Living, Youth
What is the true measure of a man? I myself have pondered this question for years and years now, and I’m still trying to determine the real qualities and attributes that comprise the male species. Like so many, my research often turns to societal stereotypes, which somehow have become the deciding factor – the judge and jury for the true measure of a man. Entertainment platforms also add their own spin on the subject – though it often strays little from the stereotypes so many of us are all too familiar with. What I’ve come to discover from being a “man” myself and living in a world filled with them is that men feel as though they always need to defend and even prove their masculinity to everyone around them.…
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29May 2013 by CJ

Setting aside your pride

Life & Living
Pride has been defined as “a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority” – and whether we like to admit it or not, we all harbor this unflattering quality in varying degrees over our lifetime. It seems to creep up on us in our families, at our jobs and even amongst friends, especially when we’re faced with the reality that we’re not the perfect person we thought ourselves to be. But there is no one perfect person roaming the earth – no matter what people might tell you. We all have our share of faults, though many of us fail to fess up to them. So what’s my point? Life is too short to allow the trivialities of life to become huge issues because of…
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08May 2013 by CJ

There’s a time and place for being funny

Life & Living
Growing up I learned that there’s a time and place for everything. As an insecure adolescent, I tried to be “funny” all the time in order to gain acceptance and attention from my peers. But this continual attempt at trying to ease my insecurities, sometimes blurred the lines between when being “funny” was appropriate, and when it wasn’t. I’m happy to say that as an adult, I’ve grown out of the need to be “funny” for acceptance. While I still consider myself a fairly humorous individual, I understand the importance of always remembering there’s a time and place to be funny. But sadly I still see grown adults who can offer nothing more than a “funny” comment or reference in any situation – almost as though they’re incapable of carrying…
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