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Sunday, June 29, 2025

What Do I Want? A Path Back to Motivation, Meaning, and Self


Introduction

There’s a question we’re rarely asked once we reach adulthood: What do I want?

It seems simple—but this question is often buried under years of obligations, fears, expectations, and disappointments. Too many of us have stopped asking it. Too many don’t know how to answer it anymore.

The Quiet Epidemic of Not Knowing 

There’s a widespread malaise creeping through our lives. You might feel it as restlessness, sadness, or numbness. For many, it’s a kind of emotional fog. They’re functioning—but not feeling. Achieving—but not thriving.

It’s a quiet epidemic:

The loss of connection to our own desires.

And it often sounds like this:

“I don’t know what I want anymore.”

“I used to feel excited about life, but now I just feel… flat.”

“Everyone else seems fine—why do I feel so off?”


Where Did the Motivation Go?

Think back. When you were young, you probably had dreams. Curiosity. Passion. Energy. But slowly, life layered itself on top of that spark:

  • Responsibilities took priority.
  • Fear crept in.
  • Disappointments made you cautious.
  • People’s expectations became louder than your inner voice.

Eventually, your wants got buried. Not erased—but quieted.

How to Reconnect with Yourself

1. Ask the question—every day.

What do I want right now? What would bring me peace or joy—even just for 10 minutes? Ask sincerely, and be willing to hear the answer, even if it’s small.

2. Revisit your younger self.

What did you love before the world told you who to be? What brought you wonder? Play? Purpose?

3. Get quiet, not busy.

You won’t rediscover your desires through distraction. Sit in stillness. Take a walk. Journal without judgment.

4. Allow grief for what’s been lost.

It’s okay to mourn the time you’ve spent disconnected from yourself. That grief is part of the healing.

5. Take one step toward one want.

Any movement—no matter how small—restores your trust in yourself. It says: My wants matter. I matter.

Final Thoughts

If this resonates with you, you’re not broken. You’re waking up.  And that’s a sacred thing.

Desire is not a luxury—it’s a compass.

It’s your soul tugging you back toward aliveness.

So ask yourself—gently, bravely:

What do I want?

And be bold enough to listen. 

Be bold enough to visualize options. 

Be bold enough to self discover interests. 

Be bold enough to take action even if it seems minimal.  

Be bold and see joy around you.

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If you know someone struggling with motivation, please share this article. You never know who might need to hear that they are not alone.



Friday, June 6, 2025

 

Beyond the Veil: The Intelligence Within Autism

By Anna  F. Villa-Bager


There is a veil that often clouds society’s understanding of autism—a veil woven from outdated assumptions and misconceptions. Among the most harmful is the belief that if someone does not speak, they do not understand. For non-speaking individuals with autism, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Non-Speaking ≠ Non-Thinking

We live in a world that prizes spoken language. But for many on the autism spectrum—especially non-speaking individuals—spoken words may not be accessible, even when understanding and intelligence are fully intact.

“Just because I can't speak, doesn’t mean I don’t have something to say.”
— Naoki Higashida, non-speaking autistic author of *The Reason I Jump*


Tools like letterboards, AAC devices, and facilitated communication are revealing what many families have long suspected: their child is listening, thinking, and feeling deeply. What appears as silence is often a pause—waiting for a way in.

They Hear You—Even in Stillness

Let’s be clear: they hear you. Even when a child does not respond or engage in conventional ways, even when their eyes wander or their body is still—many are aware of every word spoken in their presence.

This is why it’s vital that caregivers, educators, and medical professionals avoid discussing limitations in front of the individual. Negative labels can quietly erode self-esteem. Instead, speak of their strengths, their interests, and their potential.

Shift the Conversation: From Limitation to Possibility

If we want to help autistic individuals thrive, we must begin by shifting how we talk about them—and how we talk to them. Focus on what lights them up. Notice what they’re drawn to: music, rhythm, nature, animals, visual arts, math, or storytelling. Interests are not trivial—they are clues to cognition, passion, and capability.

Let your child’s curiosity be your compass.

To Parents: Assume Competence

Dear parents, never underestimate your child. Be their strongest advocate, but also their believer. They may not speak today, or next month—but they are listening, learning, and absorbing everything.

Build on their interests. Offer choices. Invite their voice—whether through movement, typing, art, or music. Let your home be filled with possibility, not prediction.

In Closing: The Silent Flame

There is a flame within every person, and in some, it burns silently. But it is no less bright.

Speak love. Speak belief. Speak to the heart. You never know how much of your voice becomes their strength. #autism #autismawareness #creativity #creativearts #silentcommunication 

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Choosing Light: Lifting Our Spirit Through Life’s Storms

Friends,

There are moments in life when the ground shifts beneath us—unexpected challenges, heartbreaks, losses, or uncertainties that leave us feeling unsteady. In those times, it’s easy to spiral into fear or frustration. But I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that the energy we choose to carry with us can shape the path ahead. And more often than not, choosing positivity—even a sliver of it—can be the lifeline we need.

Focusing on the light doesn’t mean we ignore the dark. It means we acknowledge the pain, we feel it, but we don’t allow it to consume us. We remind ourselves that we are not defined by the storm—we are defined by how we walk through it. When I’ve faced difficult moments, I’ve found strength in the simple things: taking a breath, reaching out to someone I trust, creating something with my hands, or just stepping outside and feeling the sun. These small acts help lift my inner spirit, reminding me that there is still beauty, still meaning, still hope.

We each have a quiet power within us—a light that might flicker, but never fully goes out. By choosing to focus our energy on what uplifts us, even when it’s hard, we give ourselves a gift: peace in the chaos, clarity in the confusion, and the courage to keep going.

So, as we step into uncertain or difficult seasons, let’s lean into grace. Let’s be gentle with ourselves. Let’s believe that we are strong enough, that joy is still possible, and that by lifting our own spirits, we can lift others too.

We rise, not because everything is perfect, but because we choose to meet life with heart.

💜 Anna

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Lighting Up the Spectrum - World Autism Awareness Day & Autism Awareness Month

Friends and Colleagues                                    

As we mark World Autism Awareness Day and step into Autism Awareness Month, we are reminded of the vibrant tapestry of individuals who color our world, each thread unique and invaluable. Autism Spectrum Disorder touches many, each person with their own challenges, triumphs, and journeys. At MarbleJam Kids, we see these individuals' potential, passions, and contributions to our community.

Autism Awareness Month is more than just a time for recognition; it's a time for action. It's a call to all of us to foster environments where everyone can thrive and share their talents regardless of their place on the spectrum. At MarbleJam, this ethos is at the heart of what we do. We provide creative, therapeutic, and educational interventions in the arts for children and adults, supporting them in succeeding and excelling in their personal and social environments.

This month, as we shine a light on autism, let us ignite a fire for change and inclusion. Join us in celebrating the diversity and capabilities of individuals with autism. But let's not stop at the celebration; let's commit to making a difference. Here's how you can help:

  1. Educate Yourself and Others: Share articles, resources, and stories about autism. Understanding leads to acceptance.

  2. Participate in Community Events: Whether virtual or in-person, community events are vital for raising awareness and building supportive networks.

  3. Support Inclusive Programs: Programs like those at MarbleJam Center are essential for providing artistic and educational opportunities tailored to the needs of those with autism.

  4. Donate: Your donations allow us to continue our mission. Funds go directly to art supplies, program development, scholarships for those in need, and much more.

  5. Volunteer: Give your time and skills. Volunteers are the backbone of our efforts, helping us to expand and enrich our programs.

During this special month, let's pledge to be more than aware—let's be active participants in creating a more inclusive world. Every story shared, every dollar donated, and every new volunteer helps us weave a stronger, more supportive community at MarbleJam Kids.

Consider attending our event on May 9th! MarbleJam Celebrates 18 Years! Honoring Michael Tozzoli, CEO of West Bergen Mental Health Centers 

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can make a world of difference.

Donate Today 

Friday, February 7, 2025

Creativity and the Brain - by Anna Villa-Bager

Engaging in creative activities has been shown to enhance brain function, particularly for individuals with neurological differences. Research indicates that creativity fosters unique patterns of brain connectivity, which can lead to improved cognitive abilities and overall mental well-being.

A study published in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that exceptionally creative individuals exhibit distinct brain connectivity patterns compared to less creative peers. These unique connections are believed to facilitate innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Further research highlights the role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in creative cognition. The PFC is crucial for functions such as planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. Functional imaging studies have demonstrated that engaging in creative tasks activates the PFC, suggesting its involvement in fostering creativity. 

For individuals with neurological differences, such as autism or ADHD, participating in creative endeavors can offer significant benefits. Creative activities provide alternative avenues for expression and communication, helping to bridge gaps that traditional methods may not address. Moreover, the process of creating art, music, or writing can serve as a therapeutic tool, aiding in the development of fine motor skills, focus, and emotional regulation.

Incorporating creativity into daily routines can also enhance neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for those with neurological differences, as it supports learning and the acquisition of new skills.

In conclusion, embracing creative activities not only enriches cultural and personal experiences but also plays a vital role in enhancing brain function. For individuals with neurological differences, creativity can be a powerful tool to improve cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

This video was a collaborative project between our film and art departments. It uses film distortion, music, and actual artwork created by our students. The result is Transcendence. 



Resources: 

https://www.psypost.org/neuroscience-sheds-light-on-brain-mechanisms-underlying-exceptional-creativity/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00761/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-07007-6


Friday, March 5, 2021

 

FILMJAM SUMMER INTENSIVE - NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS
With award winning director Raul Barcelona
Teens & Adults ages 13 & Up - limited enrollment
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION- 201-497-6512 or email info@marblejamkids.org
NJ DDD & NJ DCF Authorized

Description: In this workshop, students embark on a filmmaking journey, exploring, along the way, all phases of production. Through a series of hands-on projects, students practice storytelling techniques, gain an understanding of film language, acquire technical skills in shooting, editing and performing. The workshop culminates in a final project in which students work together to develop and a produce a short narrative film. Overall Schedule: Week 1—Silent Film & Music Video Production
Silent Film & Action Driven-Storytelling
The Language of Film Shots
Basic Editing
Remixing and Editing to Music
Week 2—Short Narrative Film Production
Pre-production: Brainstorming, Scripting & Storyboarding
Production: Acting, Shooting & Sound Recording
Post-Production: Editing (May be finished after camp if necessary), Adding Music, Graphics & Sound FX
Target Skills:
  • Visual and Verbal Communication
  • Social Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Storytelling
  • Computer File Management Film
  • Language & Grammar
  • Creative Expression
  • Research and Troubleshooting Skills
Brief Project Descriptions: Silent Film:
Students shoot a simple 1 minute action sequence using only non-moving, static shots to tell the story of a continuous action.
Music Video:
Using only the 1-minute footage from another classmate’s Silent Film project, students create a short music video by remixing and editing this footage.
Final Short Narrative Film:
Having produced a silent film, students now collaborate on a narrative film they will produce through three major stages:
  • Pre-production: Brainstorming, Scripting & Storyboarding, (Minimal) Set Design & Costumes
  • Production: Production: Acting, Shooting & Sound Recording
  • Post-Production: Editing


HACKENSACK, NJ, MARCH 4th, 2021 - MarbleJam Center for Creative Arts & Enrichment is pleased to announce the publishing of a new website www.marblejam.org. The new website supports a paperless campaign with a more comprehensive view of program and service details as well as news and events postings. The site will include an online shop of beautifully designed merchandise inspired and created by some of the students from fine arts canvases, photographic prints, to uniquely designed clothing and accessories. All merchandise will support the students, their portfolios, and aid in the fundraising efforts of the organization.


'We are excited to finally provide a website that truly represents the excellent programs and classes we offer.' - said Maria Trice-Jenkins, Advisory Board Member & Administrator.

About MarbleJam Kids Inc.

MarbleJam Kids Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and center for the arts and enrichment located in Hackensack NJ. Instructional art classes, creative arts therapies, and educational enrichment programs are provided to individuals of all ages both with and without special needs. Programs are housed in a fully ADA compliant facility equipped with studios for dance, fitness, music, art, drama, yoga, and educational enrichment. Therapists, special educators, teaching artists, and qualified support staff provide the optimal approach based on each individual’s needs in an environment designed for success.


Learn more by visiting www.marblejam.org or click on the social media site links below for more updates and postings.