25Jul 2013 by CJ

Are you a good listener?

Life & Living
Though this might seem like a strange request, have you ever sat back and asked yourself, am I a good listener? When someone engages in communication with me, especially from their heart, do I only hear what I want to hear – enabling me to shy away from conversations I’m not comfortable having? There’s an art to being a good listener. It means clearing your mind of all other thoughts and preconceptions and truly “hearing” what the person before you is saying. Empathizing with their plight in life and trying your best to offer constructive solutions, unconditional support or well-thought out arguments for what they’re trying to share with you. I know I make is sound difficult, but as I said it’s an art that not everyone in the world…
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18Jul 2013 by CJ

I will mourn Talia Castellano, but not Glee star

Life & Living
I’ve seen the depths of depression; I’ve contemplated the escape suicide provides. And while it’s easy to simply give up and propagate those feelings of despair, I instead reached out for a helping hand to guide me through a storm so many of us shoulder in life. It was during this time of challenges and self-discovery that I learned how valuable life truly is. Yes, it can be a daunting road to travel at times, but as long as we’re living and breathing, regardless of age, there is always an opportunity to make a positive change and re-plot the course of our journey. I’m reminded of a quote by Mother Teresa: “Life is too precious, do not destroy it.  Life is life, fight for it.” A popular headline proliferating across…
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17Jul 2013 by CJ

The only sure thing in life is everything must change

Life & Living
Musician and lyricist Bernard Ighner is credited with composing the song, “Everything Must Change”. Many performers have recorded the poignant song over the years – my personal favorites coming from R&B songstress Oleta Adams and Broadway veteran Betty Buckley.   Here’s a sampling of the lyrics: Everything must change, nothing stays the same Everyone will change, no one stays the same The young become the old, and mysteries do unfold ‘Cause that's the way of time, nothing and no one goes unchanged There are not many things in life you can be sure of, except Rain comes from the clouds, sun lights up the sky And hummingbirds do fly   This song often inspires me, especially of late, for I often tend to forget that nothing stays the same in…
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11Jul 2013 by CJ

You’re never alone in life – you just have to look around you

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
This wonderful song by Meredith Andrews is truly inspiring to me. I listen to it often lately – especially after my grandmother’s passing. Whether it’s the God you worship or the spirits from our past, I truly believe that we’re not alone in this world – even though at times it might feel that way. It’s definitely worth a listen – she has an amazing voice and the orchestration is simply beautiful (follow the link). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGNr72tB5XE Here’s hoping her song provides you with some much needed peace of mind. Enjoy! You’re Not Alone (M. Andrews) I search for love, when the night came and it closed in I was alone, but you found me where I was hiding And though I'll never ever be the same It was the sweetest…
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09Jul 2013 by CJ

Getting an annual physical – giving your body some regular maintenance

Information & Education, Life & Living
Today I did something I never expected to do at the age of 38 – go for a stress test. While it was more precautionary due to family history, I have to admit I was pretty nervous. We’ve all heard stories of people going in for a simple stress test and being tossed in the hospital after just a few steps on the treadmill. But thankfully everything was fine – my ticker is in tip-top-shape. Many health insurance providers allow for yearly physicals as part of preventative care, and my wife and I have been taking advantage of that for several years now. The unfortunate reality is that many people don’t often visit a general practitioner until there’s something wrong with them. We assume if we’re young that there’s no…
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