CMO 99: Personal Reflection.

 

Welcome to Coffee Break: Sharing Life, Faith, and Friendship

Gathering in Gratitude, Love, and Story

Hey there, Coffee Breakers! Pull up a chair and settle in with your favorite cup, because you’ve just entered what I like to call “the best virtual coffee shop in America.” I hope your weekend was refreshing—whether you spent it in laughter with friends, in the embrace of family, or quietly surrounded by the beauty of nature. Most importantly, I hope you remembered to pause and connect with God through prayer, feeling His presence in those little moments. That’s what I did, and honestly, it was wonderful.

Let’s Coffee Break!

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Hello again and welcome back to our Coffee Break Short Break. I’ll keep it quick, precise, and on point so you can get on with your day, but I hope you’ll linger for just a moment to share in this warmth.

Last week brought its share of challenges, but the true reward came in the time I spent with God—out in my backyard, beneath the open sky. It was perfection, especially when my son Matthew joined me for those quiet, holy moments. And speaking of blessings, my other son—God bless him—came to Mass with me for the second time. He thinks he’s there to protect me, but I like to believe it’s the Lord answering prayer, gently guiding his heart. Of course, don’t tell him that! I want him to discover and love the Lord in his own time. Your prayers are always appreciated.

The community at Mass filled my heart yesterday. I wished I could run up and hug everyone—especially those wonderful Sally Sisters. There’s something special about that family, and I don’t always know why, but simply loving them is reason enough.

Now, let me share something my dear friend Leda, Choir Director at St. Thomas More Tulsa, said that truly rocked my socks off. We were talking about that sacred time back in 2017, during Holy Week, when Jesus invited me to return to Him. I was in the middle of living far from grace, and yet, as Leda perfectly put it, “He came to where I was.”

No fuss. No big entrance. Jesus just quietly met me where I was, inviting me back—through His Mother, whom I love, and through His Church, which I also cherish. There was no judgment, no pointed fingers, not even a question. Just a gentle invitation, and without hesitation, I said “Yes!” Since then, the love and friendships I’ve gained have filled my life beyond measure.

I’m reminded of the wisdom from someone I admire, Chris Stefanick, founder of Real Life Catholic and the Anchor newsletter. In his “Daily Anchor: Lessons From A Shuttle Car Driver,” (2025), he shares:

·         Be grateful! Every moment, in every setting, is a gift. A man who spent 27 years in prison knows that. It’s heartbreaking how often the rest of us forget—even me.

·         Wherever you find yourself is your mission field. It’s the place God sent you to be a blessing. You’re not just a teacher, driver, parent, or anything else—you’re a missionary of joy!

·         Never pass up an opportunity to ask someone about their story. I’m so grateful I asked; what a gift it is to listen and connect.

I’m always sharing my story, but now I want to hear yours. It doesn’t matter if you’re Catholic, Protestant, somewhere in between, or just figuring out your path. Let’s bring Christ to where you are, together. What’s your story?

Drop me a line, open your heart—no judgment, just love.

My email address is carlosmichaelcommunications@gmail.com

Until next time—God bless, Coffee Breakers.

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Thousand Mile Walk

If I walked 1000 miles east of Victorville, California, where would I be?

To determine where you'd be if you walked 1000 miles east of Victorville, California, let's break it down.

Victorville, California is located in the Mojave Desert, San Bernardino County. If you walk 1000 miles east from Victorville, you'll cross into several states, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Here's a rough estimate of your journey ¹:

• Starting point: Victorville, California (34.5361° N, 117.2919° W)
• Direction: East
• Distance: 1000 miles

After walking 1000 miles east, you'd likely end up in the central or eastern part of Texas or possibly in western Louisiana or southern Oklahoma, depending on the exact route taken.

Some possible locations could be ¹ ²:

• Cities:
• Amarillo, Texas: approximately 960 miles from Victorville
• Lubbock, Texas: approximately 970 miles from Victorville
• Wichita Falls, Texas: approximately 1000 miles from Victorville
• States:
• Texas (likely in the northwestern, western, or central regions)
• Possibly Oklahoma or Louisiana, depending on the route

Keep in mind that walking 1000 miles east from Victorville would require a significant amount of time and planning. You'd need to consider factors like terrain, climate, roads, and accommodations along the way ².

Sources

1 Distance Calculator - Calculate Distance Between Two Cities Places ...

www.distancecalculator.us

2 Driving Calculator - Travelmath

www.travelmath.com

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Schizophrenia

What are the chances that a 33 year old diagnosed with schizophrenia can have a normal life?

The chances of a 33-year-old diagnosed with schizophrenia having a normal life depend on various factors, including:

1. Treatment adherence and response
2. Support system (family, friends, therapy)
3. Lifestyle (diet, exercise, stress management)
4. Symptom severity and frequency
5. Access to healthcare and rehabilitation services

With proper treatment, support, and self-management, many people with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling lives, maintain relationships, work, and engage in activities they enjoy. However, it's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan.

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Here are some key points about schizophrenia treatment and living a fulfilling life:

Treatment Options

1. Medications: Antipsychotics can help manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
2. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and group therapy can be beneficial.
3. Rehabilitation: Programs focusing on social skills, vocational training, and independent living can help.

Living a Fulfilling Life

1. Support network: Building and maintaining relationships with family, friends, and support groups is crucial.
2. Self-management: Learning to recognize and manage symptoms, as well as developing coping strategies, can help individuals take control of their condition.
3. Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, healthy diet, stress management, and adequate sleep can help alleviate symptoms.
4. Meaningful activities: Engaging in hobbies, creative pursuits, or volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Resources

1. Mental health professionals: Working with a psychiatrist, therapist, or counselor can provide ongoing support and guidance.
2. Support groups: Joining a support group can connect individuals with others who understand their experiences.
3. Online resources: Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) offer valuable information and support.

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Living with schizophrenia requires a comprehensive approach to manage symptoms, maintain relationships, and find fulfillment. Here are some aspects to consider:

Daily Life

1. Routine: Establishing a daily routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
2. Self-care: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as meditation or yoga, can be beneficial.
3. Social connections: Building and maintaining relationships with supportive family and friends is crucial.

Managing Symptoms

1. Medication adherence: Taking medication as prescribed can help manage symptoms.
2. Coping strategies: Developing techniques to manage stress, anxiety, or hallucinations can be helpful.
3. Seeking support: Reaching out to mental health professionals or support groups when needed can provide valuable guidance and encouragement.

Finding Fulfillment

1. Meaningful activities: Engaging in hobbies, creative pursuits, or volunteering can provide a sense of purpose.
2. Goal-setting: Setting realistic goals and working towards them can help build confidence and motivation.
3. Self-advocacy: Learning to communicate needs and concerns effectively can help individuals with schizophrenia navigate various systems and services.

Resources and Support

1. Mental health professionals: Regular check-ins with psychiatrists, therapists, or counselors can provide ongoing support.
2. Support groups: Joining a support group can connect individuals with others who understand their experiences.
3. Online resources: Organizations like NAMI and SARDAA offer valuable information, support, and advocacy.

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God’s Love.

I learned something at Monday’s “Prayer and Life Workshop” that truly resonated with my soul…

” We need to allow ourselves to be loved by God.”

 God needs no reason to leave us! He loves us because He loves us…period!

Until next time!

--Carlos Michael