02Oct 2016 by CJ

Jacob Hall taught us lessons even at a young age

Youth
When I was 6-years-old – a kindergarten student at Roosevelt Elementary School – the year was 1981. At that age, I still considered school a fun place – filled with discovery, imagination and hope for the future. It was a place in which I felt “safe” – protected both emotionally and physically by a staff who genuinely cared for each and every one of us. Whether in the confines of our classroom or the grassy fields of our playground, I never found myself worrying about the dangers, which no doubt were in existence even back then. I’m sure Jacob Hall was no different. Hall was the South Carolina boy who sadly passed away on Saturday after complications from being shot on his elementary school playground earlier in the week. His…
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19Sep 2016 by CJ

Piece by Piece – moving on from abandonment

Love & Relationships, Youth
When I first heard Kelly Clarkson’s song Piece by Piece, I found myself listening to it over and over again. I rarely define a style of music I listen to, mainly because I’m often attracted to amazing lyrics more than anything else. And Clarkson’s song certainly delivers. Here’s how her musical journey begins: And all I remember is your back Walking towards the airport, leaving us all in your past I traveled fifteen hundred miles to see you Begged you to want me, but you didn’t want to It’s the real-life story of Clarkson’s absentee father, and how her husband eventually was able to pick up the shattered pieces of her life and reaffirm there are still men out there who know how to be caring; know how to be…
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20Jul 2016 by CJ

Genuine character is lost in a sea of sameness

Youth
“The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back.” ― Abigail Van Buren A person possessing genuine character is hard to come by in society. Often ego, competitiveness and insecurities make it nearly impossible to encounter individuals on our daily journey who retain either of the unique qualities I reference above. Sameness is easily achieved You begin to realize the reality of this when you find yourself in new surroundings and begin to understand how society is inundated with carbon copies. Everyone is trying to be what’s fashionable and popularly accepted in society, leaving those searching for originality wandering through a sea of clones. Perhaps what’s most troubling about all of this is if you’ve been…
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18Jul 2016 by CJ

Don’t let life pass you by without seeing what’s in front of you

Youth
Many of you might be unfamiliar with the name Mitch Albom, regardless of the fact that he’s a celebrity all around the world.  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. And with good reason. Albom’s storytelling ability in Tuesdays With Morrie is truly immeasurable and inspirational – impacting the lives of his readers with, “An elegantly simple story about a writer getting a second chance to discover life through the death of a friend.” (Tampa Tribune) Don't let life pass you by In my mind, the most poignant lesson from this writing comes near its conclusion. “None of us can undo what we’ve done, or…
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27Jun 2016 by CJ

Gender stereotypes do not equal parenting

Youth
“There is a time in a boy’s life when the sweetness is pounded out of him; and tenderness, and the ability to show what he feels, is gone.” ― Norah Vincent Working in an office environment can be very enlightening. I’m often amazed at how much people are willing to reveal about themselves – especially regarding stereotypes, which continue to proliferate throughout society. I present the following example. While searching through a library of stock images, I came across a photo of a father and son (who was around 8 years old) walking on a golf course – see photo below. What I perhaps found most compelling about the image was how the father held on to his young son’s hand as they made their way to the next hole.…
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