29Dec 2016 by CJ

The year 2016 wasn’t as bad as we think

Life & Living
The year 2016 is coming to a close. Countless posts on social media have revealed that many plan on “flipping the bird” to the outgoing year at 11:59 PM on December 31st.  Why you might ask? Because they feel it was a year of disappointment, hate, violence and despair. It was a year when American’s lost all hope. Sorry to rain on your pity parade, but the only way hope can ever be abolished from our lives is if you allow yourself to kill it. Hope is something that lives in all of us and should never be so easily cast aside like many Americans have done.  Marianne Williamson once said, “We can always choose to perceive things differently. We can focus on what’s wrong in our life, or we…
Read More
26Dec 2016 by CJ

Being taken for granted is tiring even for good people

Generosity & Kindness
“If they don't appreciate your presence, perhaps you should try giving them your absence.” - Tinku Razoria The year 2016 is coming to a close. As is customary, I often find myself pondering the challenges and discoveries of the last twelve months. Today, as I sit here writing this post, I find myself reflecting on the people of 2016. Most notably, those selfless individuals who continually find themselves on the receiving end of being taken for granted. Some might argue that those who find themselves in such circumstances are in fact the ones to blame. That their good-natured, compassionate behavior is often the reason why they’re exploited by those who are more self-serving. My grandmother was a wonderful person – raised to be caring, selfless and available to offer assistance to…
Read More
20Dec 2016 by CJ

Social media I think it’s time we break up once and for all

Life & Living
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” ­­­– Steve Jobs The world of social media. I lived through its advent, yet know very little of its history. After some research, I learned that one of the first social media sites was called Six Degrees created back in 1997. It allowed users to upload a profile and ultimately make new friends right from the comfort of their personal computer. Soon others came to market offering similar connection opportunities – MySpace and LinkedIn in the early 2000s; Facebook and Twitter in 2006. I believe social media has evolved into nothing more than a platform for perpetual propaganda and opinions aimed at instigating a negative response. Social media gone wrong Case in point. Famed entertainer Bette Midler…
Read More
13Dec 2016 by CJ

Sounds of the Christmas season are my favorites by far

Youth
Throughout December, reminders of the holidays captivate our senses. We marvel at the sights of dazzling twinkling lights, relish in the smell of freshly baked cookies and hum along to tunes we remember from our childhood. For me, the sounds of the Christmas season have always been my favorite. As a young child, I remember listening to songs about a magical snowman, and a one horse open sleigh. But as an adult, I find myself drawn to musical themes which many times parallel the realities during this time of year. One example came to me while driving on a roadway lightly covered with the season’s first snowfall. It was called Home On Christmas Day. One of the truest sounds of the Christmas season. The song was penned by talented songwriters Jay Landers…
Read More
04Dec 2016 by CJ

Is there really a Santa Claus?

Youth
The internet is like a treasure trove of information. Forget that recipe for gingerbread cookies? What about the best way to clean red wine off your beige carpet? How about the population of the United States back in the early 1850's? Or even, is there really a Santa Claus? In a matter of minutes, you'll have answers to all your questions and still have plenty of time to check your local weather. But we all know there's a dark side to the internet, even though some recently polled college students proclaimed it was "as important as eating and breathing." Some examples would include cyber bullying, child pornography and Santa Claus. If that last one has thrown you, let me clarify. Many young children today are more computer savvy than some…
Read More