24Feb 2014 by CJ

Why do we hold on to the pain?

Life & Living
Life is funny – the more space you have, the more things you collect. I’ve noticed this lately in my own home, where some early spring cleaning has revealed that while I need things to be organized, I also have difficultly letting things go. I wouldn’t classify myself as a pack rat necessarily, but when it comes to paperwork… well let’s just say I’ve cut down my share of the forest. But what alarmed me most while going through a few folders buried in a desk drawer were its contents. While there were many wonderfully positive things I still find worth saving, there were also a sprinkling of negative things I’d chosen to save for some reason. Personal and professional correspondents that were littered with defamation and even hatred and…
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17Feb 2014 by CJ

We all deserve to speak highly of ourselves

Life & Living, Love & Relationships, Youth
If somebody said to you… “Look how fat you are.” “You haven’t a thing to offer a new employer.” “You’re so dumb you’ll probably say the wrong thing.” You’d be highly insulted – and rightfully so. You might point out their rude behavior – maybe even say how inappropriate their comments were. At the very least, you’d expect an apology for these actions, right? But what if it’s not another person saying those things…what if it’s YOU! Far too often that’s exactly how we talk to ourselves. Some call this “negative self-talk” - and I’m just as guilty as anyone. This inner critic isn’t something we’re born with - it’s developed from our day to day environments. Maybe it’s the sting from the bully on the playground, a domineering relationship…
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10Feb 2014 by CJ

Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be celebrated only once a year

Love & Relationships
Today I made plans for my wife and I to see a dear friend of ours this coming Friday. She reminded me it was “v-day” as she put in her text, and admittedly at first I had no idea what she was talking about. V-day could mean the global movement to end violence against women, or the political campaign organized by Beppe Grillo in Italy years ago. But the “v-day” she was referring to was Valentine’s Day – the supposed day of love. Anyone who knows me is well aware that my wife and I do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many will spend far too much money trying to convince their significant other how their love can be measure in overpriced dinners, flowers and gifts, we refuse to adopt…
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09Feb 2014 by CJ

A simple act of kindness is often the best medicine for everyone

Generosity & Kindness
Mark Twain once said, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” Let’s face it – we all have problems, though admittedly to varying degrees. But sometimes in order to put those problems into perspective, to grow humble, requires us to do something positive for somebody else. Your time and a few kind words are often all that’s needed to lift someone’s spirits, and I promise you in return you’ll wind up feeling better too. Because doing something for others, unconditionally and from the heart, does not go unrewarded. Simply put - doing something good is also good for you! So the next time you’re feeling down, maybe stop and think if there’s something good you can do for someone else who truly…
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03Feb 2014 by CJ

Technology has made applying for a job more difficult than ever

Information & Education, Life & Living
Most people will tell you that technology has revolutionized the way in which we live our lives. But I’m not most people, and while I do believe our lives have benefitted greatly from technology it hasn’t made everything easier. For example, ask anyone who’s applied for a job lately and they’ll probably mention the introduction of online forms. Years ago you could easily print out a cover letter and resume, fold it, seal it in an envelope and have it dropped at the nearest post office in no time flat! You could efficiently send out ten resumes in less than ten minutes – leaving you with a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth over the possibilities in your hands. But no more. Today applying for a job is a time consuming,…
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