Craig Ruvere

25Nov 2012 by CJ

Where has the time gone – life never slows down for anyone

Life & Living

Where has the time gone? Another Thanksgiving is in the history books and I’ll admit I’m a bit of a hypocrite. I’m quick to point out that it’s far too early for Christmas decorations, and yet as I write this post, my own Christmas tree is meticulously decorated and illuminated in my front window. It had to go up at some point, right? Time goes by so very quickly. I feel like not so long ago I was complaining about how hot it was outside, and now the air has turned cold and holiday songs and movies can be seen and heard 24 hours a day. My sister-in-law and her husband live in the mountainous state of Colorado, and just a few short weeks ago they welcomed an adorable little…

21Nov 2012 by CJ

What are you thankful for in life – you probably have more than you think

Generosity & Kindness

I recently came across an article where the writer challenged readers to spend a few moments thinking about and then writing down a list of 10 things they were truly thankful for in life. While we all talk about what we’re thankful for, especially during this time of year, I don’t think we ever fully understand the magnitude of those blessings until we’re actually asked to write them down on paper (or typed on the computer, as is the case here). I suspect many of us believe that in order to be thankful for something, it has to be grandiose in nature. But truth be told, it’s often the little things – the ordinary things - that are the most meaningful in life. And so I challenge you all over…

19Nov 2012 by CJ

Seeing others make food donation shows people do still care

Life & Living

Today was the day I dropped off my Thanksgiving food donation at the Center for Food Action (CFA) in Englewood, NJ. As I pulled into the parking lot filled with average cars driven by average people, I found myself truly inspired at the site of so many individuals who still understood what it meant to be compassionate in this world. The food donation seemed to be endless that day. Just when I thought humanity couldn’t care less about their fellow man, here was a small but clear sign of hope. But sadly there are still many people who fail to understand the value of giving back to those less fortunate. Too often we forget there are no guarantees in life. Our reality could change in a moment’s notice without any…

18Nov 2012 by CJ

Thanksgiving Day, don’t leave out a portion of gratitude

Generosity & Kindness

“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” ~E.P. Powell Growing up as a boy, my Thanksgivings were always large family gatherings filled with relatives we often only saw but once a year. I guess you could say there’s a lot of catching up to do with such limited face time. Truthfully, many of my holidays as a kid were just the same way – an abundance of food, lots of family and an abundance of food (what can I say, I’m Italian!). But nothing stays the same in life – families increase, people move away and eventually divide. Suddenly your traditionally Thanksgiving, filled with so many family members, is…

16Nov 2012 by CJ

When we try to control things we only alienate others

Life & Living

Have you ever found yourself around people who need to control everything? They ask for your opinion and even your assistance, only to turn around and do what they wanted to do all along. Seems like an incredible waste of people’s time, don’t you think? I never really understood where this need to “control” things comes from. Does it stem from personal insecurities or from a need to always prove that you’re better than everyone else? It seems a sad life really – a life void of any connections or collaborations for fear that someone else might upstage or outshine you. Teamwork breeds wonderful ideas. That sharing inspires creativity, passion and enables you to learn something you might not have known before. Remember, “When we try to control, we become…