Craig Ruvere

26May 2022 by CJ

American Extremists are Making Hopelessness a Way of Life

In this blog, I’ve always tried to inspire readers to question their habitual way of thinking and instead try to see things through the lens of compassion, equality, respect, and love. But when it comes to the topic of American extremists, my spirit is broken, and I struggle to find anything hopeful, meaningful, or positive to share about the United States of America. Though let’s be honest, there’s nothing “united” about this country any longer. I pivot back and forth between emotions of anger and frustration to sadness and despair. I try to understand why Senators aspire to such a lofty, impactful, and revered position in the United States government only to show their loyalty to American extremists who care little about anyone’s agenda beyond their own. Today, I feel…

08May 2022 by CJ

Respect Your Fellow Human Being – A Lesson American’s Still Haven’t Learned

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living

American politician and former professional basketball player Bill Bradley once remarked, "Respect your fellow human being." I've been thinking a lot about those five little words lately - respect your fellow human being. I turned 47 this year - spending almost five decades living, learning, loving, losing, and hoping that with each passing year, I might find myself living in a world where compassion, empathy, respect, and equality become the moral compass by which all of society acts in accordance with. But I have to remind myself (continuously) that America's existence continues to be plagued with hate, division, and self-serving agendas evidently found in government, communities, and organizations across the country. What's perhaps most frustrating is that those in positions of power, the so-called leaders who are supposed to set…

04May 2022 by CJ

White Privileged Men Crave a Return to the Good Old Days

Life & Living

I'm sure you're all aware of Politico's leaked Supreme Court opinion outlining the possible and probable decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. For me, this is a continuing chapter in American history where white privileged men (and in this case, a woman) are trying to drag our country backward in terms of progress and the rights of its citizens. There are many strong opinions on both sides of the political spectrum regarding the possibility of overturning Roe v. Wade, and rightfully so. That is our CHOICE as free Americans. But what I'm starting to understand is this isn't just about abortion any longer. It's part of a much more concerning movement to return to an America where white privileged men were all-powerful and controlling in the governmental offices they worked,…

11Apr 2022 by CJ

To Leave Home Means Different Things Throughout Your Life

Life & Living

“It is always sad for someone to leave home, unless they are simply going around the corner and will return in a few minutes with ice-cream sandwiches.” - Daniel Handler, American Writer and Musician. There are many reasons why someone would leave home. They’ve graduated high school and are heading off to college. They’re getting married and creating a new home with their spouse. They’re relocating for a new job opportunity in another state or country. These are but a few examples, and I’m sure you can think of many more. But perhaps the saddest reason to leave home is less a choice of opportunity and more a result of circumstance. My wife and I have a dear family friend who is 89 years old, though you’d never know it…

07Apr 2022 by CJ

To Appreciate Food You Need to Remember It’s a Blessing

Information & Education

At any given time, many of us are fortunate to be able to visit our refrigerator or pantry and find an overabundance of food options to satisfy our appetites and fulfill the nutritional needs our bodies require. But did you ever ask yourself whether you appreciate food? FeedingAmerica.org reports that more than 38 million people in the United States, including 12 million children, are food insecure, which means there’s “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.” For those 38 million people, they appreciate food much differently than we do. When your next meal is often shrouded in uncertainty, you appreciate food more than most. Especially those of us who can quickly and easily rummage through our overstocked refrigerators and…