15Sep 2015 by CJ

Memories – the things you never want to lose

Life & Living, Love & Relationships, Youth
Many of you might remember the television dramedy The Wonder Years which ran on ABC from 1988 through 1993. Set in the year 1968, the series followed young Kevin Arnold as he made his way through pubescent life - dealing with typical societal issues of that time. The show was narrated by a much older and wiser Kevin, often describing what is happening and ultimately what he learned during any given situation. On the series finale of the show, as a group of young children can be heard playing in the background, the final narration is given: “Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers, the next day you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a place, a…
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17Aug 2015 by CJ

Alzheimer’s disease is not a sign to stop loving

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
It’s a miraculous and humbling sight to see a young grandmother holding her three-month old grand-daughter – especially when that grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease. It’s obvious the old instincts of motherhood (to which she is no stranger) are still very much alive and well (at least for a little while). Anyone who’s watched a loved one suddenly fade away due to this horrific illness, understands the difficulty in seeing the person you remember with your eyes, only to find a stranger has taken their place. But as I’ve come to realize (and cherish) every so often they come back to us. Maybe not 100%, but enough to remind us they’re still here, still living and still in need of our love – perhaps more so than ever before. Maybe it’s…
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10Aug 2015 by CJ

Relationships will never go unchanged

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
“Everything in life is temporary, so if things are going good enjoy it because it won’t last forever. And if things are going bad, don’t worry. It can’t last forever either.” Truthfollower.com Anyone who believes that relationships remain unchanged as the years go by is slightly naïve. Whether it’s a friendship, a romantic or familial relationship, or even a professional connection, if there’s one thing you can be certain of it’s that human beings are destined to evolve as they grow and mature. Relationships of any kind require nurturing and continual effort in order to be successful. They flourish when provided with enough respect, compassion and honesty to keep the lines of communication and affection alive and well. However practicing those character traits is not always easy or appealing to…
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29Jul 2015 by CJ

Tiny Buddha – my latest post

Love & Relationships
For the 3rd time, I'm honored to be featured on the inspirational site TinyBuddha.com. If you haven't already signed up for their daily posts, it's worth your time. There you'll find a wonderful community filled with hope, healing, motivation, love and support. Thank you Lori for the wonderful opportunity - I am truly blessed. Click Here to view my latest post on Tiny Buddha!    
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29Jun 2015 by CJ

Celebrating love – marriage equality for all

Love & Relationships
“Loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious thing in the world.” Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue I applaud the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that same-sex marriage is NOW legal nationwide. It’s about time! Yes, the rights of both gay and lesbian couples were predominantly at the heart of this enduring debate, but what I always felt was on trial was the act of true love. I’ve long been a believer that no organized government, no religious institution, no one should ever possess the power to tell someone who they can and cannot choose to legally marry. Marriage is a gift between two individuals willing to commit their lives and their hearts to something greater than themselves. To share in the joys and struggles of life together…
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