Mature Communication

April 2, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

Mature Communication Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed Poor communication is poisonous to healthy relationships. When communication is ineffective, inconsistent, and insensitive, the listener is infected with feelings of frustration, hurt, and confusion. The emotional wounds caused by poor communication requires surgery and rehabilitation. Yes, the impact of words can cause severe injury if abused. Emotionally […]

The Profit of Travel

March 11, 2019.Reading time 9 minutes.

The Profit of Travel Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed The profit of traveling yields a significant return on one’s outlook. With each new experience added into your mental Rolodex, traveling makes you well-rounded and exposes you to different cultures, food, languages, lifestyles, and people whom you would not normally encounter otherwise. For many, the biggest deterrent […]

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

February 25, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed Self-restraint is the act of controlling one’s impulses. Honestly, I did not develop this skill until my thirties. In the past, I have often allowed my ego to take center stage. Consequently, I would regularly be found defending my point of view amongst […]

Perfection

February 5, 2019.Reading time 8 minutes.

Perfection Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed Hello, my name is Charneise and I am a recovering perfectionist. My unhealthy addiction to perfectionism far exceeded my desire to strive for excellence. There is a huge difference, I believe. I used to have an abstract perception of control? I left little to no room for error. If […]

Bittersweet Adversity

January 29, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

Bittersweet Adversity Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed One thing that is certain, life is unpredictable. That concept may be difficult to accept but nothing is permanent. In addition, you cannot control how life unfolds. “Life is like a box of chocolates,” it’s a bittersweet assortment of both good and bad experiences. We do not get […]

Keep Hope Alive

January 22, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

Keep Hope Alive Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed Martin Luther King Jr. has greatly influenced and inspired my life since I was a young child. As an elementary school student, I became well versed about his contributions to society. Growing up, my parents could easily find me in my bedroom memorizing his speeches and intently […]

Turning the Page: Next Chapter

January 13, 2019.Reading time 9 minutes.

Turning the Page: Next Chapter Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed Today is January 14th, which marks another successful revolution around the sun. Yes, on this day I celebrate my birth and the precious gift of life. Birthdays are exciting to me for various reasons but mainly because it is a gracious reminder of our purpose. […]

Unpacking 2018

December 31, 2018.Reading time 8 minutes.

Unpacking 2018 Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed Today marks the final calendar day in the year 2018. Wow! Is it just me or did this year rapidly fly by faster than usual? Well, before we move into a new year, I would like to suggest a somewhat odd concept. Let’s unpack before the move. Huh? […]

Thanksliving

November 19, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

Thanksliving Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed As a child, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday because what could possibly be better than a holiday based on gratitude and eating? As a family oriented young girl, this special time of the year allowed for me to eat until my heart’s content, have meaningful dialogue, and share memorable laughs […]

At War With Self

November 12, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

At War With Self Written by: Charneise Alston, M.Ed Today, our nation honors all of the brave soldiers who have served in the armed forces in hopes to protect our country. Your selfless act of service required a personal sacrifice that is forever honorable. Your ability to override fear, leave loved ones behind, discipline your […]