13Aug 2015 by CJ

New friendships – exciting and challenging at the same time

Life & Living, Youth
“We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.” - Unknown When we go off to college, get a new job or even move to another state, we’re given an opportunity to make new friends. While the majority of those we encounter along the journey fall into the category of “acquaintance,” if you find yourself saying things like, “gee, I could see myself being around this person on a regular basis” - chances are you’ve found yourself a new friend. I love this quote by C. JoyBell C. - “There are still some wonderful people left in this world! They are diamonds in the rough, but they're around! You'll find them when you fall down– they're the ones who pick you up, who don't…
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03Aug 2015 by CJ

Past insecurities can still plague your present

Life & Living, Youth
“Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of life contains three descriptions: could have, might have and should have.”  - Unknown For years I battled a deep sense of insecurity. Whether it was my appearance, my talents or my masculinity, I was always left with a continual road-block, which often seemed easier to turn away from than try and get over. But with the aid of a wonderful counselor, I was able to alter how I perceived myself and eventually come to appreciate the person I am in all facets of life. However, just because you learn ways to combat your personal struggles, does not mean you’ve completely overcome them. You’re provided the tools you need in order to rationalize your feelings…
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22Jul 2015 by CJ

Propaganda is not fact – you need to read between the lines

Information & Education, Youth
“The news isn't there to tell you what happened. It's there to tell you what it wants you to hear or what it thinks you want to hear.” ― Joss Whedon, Astonishing X-Men, Vol. 2: Dangerous I have a great deal of respect for journalists who’ve made it their life’s work to conduct solid reporting based on facts rather than opinions. Who’ve allowed readers to gain unbiased information and inspiration in order to formulate their own conclusion on a particular subject or circumstance. However, I have a great deal of contempt for “so called” journalists who do nothing more than inaccurately shape the reader’s perception by stretching the truth and massaging reality in an effort to fit their own agenda. Case in point. MarketWatch, which is part of the Dow…
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20Jul 2015 by CJ

Prejudices should not be something you teach your children

Information & Education, Life & Living, Youth
"Racism isn't born, folks, it's taught. I have a two-year-old son. You know what he hates? Naps! End of list." Denis Leary The other day I was sitting in traffic, when a strange question sprung to mind: is it possible to fully love someone who supports societal and stereotypical prejudices? It was an odd question I admit, but there it was with no definitive answer on the horizon. Prejudice has often been defined as “a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience”. But I think Charles R. Swingoll summed it up best when he said, “Prejudice is a learned trait. You’re not born prejudiced; you’re taught it.” For some it’s those individuals whose socioeconomic conditions pale in comparison to our own. For others it’s a person’s…
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14Jul 2015 by CJ

Leadership’s about more than saying what’s popular

Life & Living, Youth
“It is not easy to stand up against your constituents or your friends or colleagues or your community and take a tough stand for something you believe is right. Because you always want to keep working and live to fight another battle and it might cost you your career.” Caroline Kennedy Today’s society has become more sensitive and defensive than ever before. A direct result of this is much of society has become fanatical in how “politically correct” we all are in what we say and how we behave out in the world. At times I can’t help but wonder if this new normal is causing us to suppress actual issues no one wants to bring up publically. This suppression of reality is a dangerous place to be, and further…
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