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Life and Media

Life and Media Why do we so badly want to be a part of a celebrity life? We watch shows that glamorize being popular. Longing to be in the in crowd. Feeling a sense of deprivation because we are not in the elite. Feeling as though we know these stars: Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Ellen, and any other that come to mind. We want to be in that club, we want to have as many followers, likes, retweets, shares, and anything that comes with it. We feel as though we should have those things it's a sense of entitlement. "Well if Ellen has that many likes on her photo then I should too." Almost missing the message of what life truly is and the possibility that we may never have those things. We may never have 1.4 million likes on our Instagram account. We may never be sitting in that chair next to Ellen. Through all of the hype and all of the buzz the one true thing that we should be ok with is ourselves. We should be perfectly content with what we have, we should be ok with in

Encouragement is like Water to the Soul, it makes Everything Grow

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In life I think back on my journey, and I think about the things that truly matter along the road thus far. I remember people along the way that have encouraged me and supported me. I think most of us in life would agree that encouragement is so important. Most us crave the cheerleaders in life that root for us along the way. Many of us have our parents that have been a source of encouragement, our siblings can often offer support. Hopefully each of you have had a teacher or boss that have encouraged you as well. Looking back on my life I have had some great support in chasing my dreams. I remember I was in the 8th grade at Mascoutah Middle School when I auditioned to host our talent show. I was truly nervous and I had some people that told me I’d never get it. I remember walking into the audition and being so nervous, filled with doubt and fear that it would be impossible to get. I remember auditioning for two grade school teachers, Mrs. Furgeson and Mrs. Bower, I remember wal

God Has Not Given Up on You

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When I think of life and I think of the struggles that each of face everyday, I often feel discouraged. I am not sure why but lately has been more tough than ever before. I’ve had multiple conversations with my friends and they are full of encouragement, and there advice truly hold weight in my heart and in my mind. There is one place however that I need to address more attention and focus to and that it my spirit. What excites me, what motivates me, and what drives me? Much of my focus can tend to be on myself and I work really hard at putting it on others. In life I am learning that it is such a balance. We must commit energy to others, but we must also make time for ourselves. I often burn myself before I realize this notion and every time I do I think next time it will be different I will catch myself before I burn. I am still working on it, but I believe I am learning through it all. What has been inspiring me as of late is the story of Joseph and also the story of Peter

Chris Burkmenn - Host of the CBEX, Hysterical Guy and Huge Dreamer!

Check out this great new article featuring me for #MillenialMonday Read it here: Chris Burkmenn - Host of the CBEX, Hysterical Guy and Huge Dreamer!

Dream Quote

"When we look back at life we realize  no true moment defined us , but in fact the events leading up to that  moment .” -Chris Burkmenn

Timing is Everything in Life

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Falling back: Harold Lloyd in Safety Last   Photo: Rex I often put pressure on myself to get somewhere, using my own strength to reach these places that "I need to get to." I put a lot of effort into working hard and pressing on. It sometimes becomes a bit much. You can burn out quickly if you are constantly working and rarely enjoying the meaningful parts of life. I was having a conversation with a friend the other day. We were talking about how we work so hard and sometimes it feels as though you are running in circles trying to get somewhere.  We were chatting about how when the most life defining moments happen, they are often accomplished with using no force. It's as though the opportunity had been waiting for us forever and we just needed to wait for that perfect timing. I am learning in life that it's all about timing (and I know what you're thinking reading this yes you are exactly right it's all about timing.) Honestly, we often say it, but

An open letter to my friends on the state of online content

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Carly Pearce and Chris Burkmenn on the set (Feb 2015) Dear Friends, I am truly grateful to have each and everyone of you as a friend. I value our relationship and truly celebrate in the moments that we have had and the moments that are coming. I wanted to take this time and share with you what it is I am doing. What my passions are and what I feel my strengths are in my life. If you didn't know it, I am an entrepreneur that has worked very hard in developing projects in Nashville. Much for our entertainment, videos for you to watch( thecbex.com ), games for you to play (#WhereinNashvilleisChris, #25DaysofEllen.) It takes a lot of work an innovation for the team that is The CBEX. We work very hard and take countless of hours producing content for your enjoyment. It's truly a passion of mine to interview new and upcoming artists in the great city of Nashville. We empower them by providing an interview and performance. These are names and faces that you may or may