Socializing: CANADA Day 2025 – Morning Coffee Talks

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Meanwhile, from me only the best!

July 1, 2025: CANADA Day

On Canada Day (each year on July 1^st), we pause to reflect not only on our history, but on the values that continue to shape our collective identity: inclusion, resilience and a commitment to progress.

From the ancestral knowledge of the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands for millennia, to the aspirations of newcomers building futures in cities and communities across the country, Canada's strength lies in its diversity. It is in the tireless work of educators, healthcare workers, scientists, artists and everyday citizens who strive to build a more just, sustainable and united society.

Today is not only a celebration of past achievements, but also a call to action – a friendly reminder that citizenship demands courage, empathy and engagement.
We are stewards of a nation still growing into its full promise and the choices we make together will shape the next chapter.

May this Canada Day renew our shared purpose and inspire us to build a future worthy of our highest ideals!

● National Anthem: “O Canada” – audio  

● Historic background info:

On July 1, 1867, the nation was officially born when the “Constitution Act” joined three provinces into one country: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province, which then split into Ontario and Quebec. However, Canada was not completely independent of England until 1982. The holiday called “Dominion Day” was officially established in 1879, but it wasn't observed by many Canadians, who considered themselves to be British citizens.

“Dominion Day” started to catch on when the 50^th anniversary of the confederation rolled around, in 1917. In 1946, a bill was put forth to rename “Dominion Day”, but arguments in the House of Commons over what to call the holiday stalled the bill.

The 100^th anniversary of the nation's official creation in 1967 saw the growth of the spirit of Canadian patriotism, and “Dominion Day” celebrations really began to take off. Although quite a few Canadians already called the holiday “Canada Day” (“Fête du Canada”), the new name wasn't formally adopted until October of 1982.

● My previous greetings on the same theme: CANADA Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

NOTE: Dear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed). 

JULY – the sun's deep breath

JULY (the 7^th month of the year in the Gregorian calendar) is the crown jewel of summer in the Northern Hemisphere…a season unapologetically alive, unfolding in sun-drunk hours and breeze-heavy nights. All sorts of flowers continue to blossom in such a wild manner…nothing asks for permission…everything simply blooms!

Metaphorically speaking, this month doesn’t arrive with the shy promise of spring or the brilliance of autumn’s pageant, but with a confidence that is warm, steady, and unrelenting. There’s a kind of stillness that only July understands.

"July walks in barefoot, humming something wild /
with sun-dappled shoulders and pockets full of time."

Where June teeters at the edge of summer’s threshold, July dives in fully. It begins already mid-celebration, with lots of outdoors festivals, with fireworks that split the sky and laughter that spills onto porches and piers. It is a month that invites us to slow down and stretch out, to savor more and strive less. July is a pause with a pulse.

"July is a blaze / in the middle of the year, / an exhale of light."

In July there is a rhythm of radiance; days are long…dazzlingly…defiantly…long. Evenings linger like reluctant guests at a golden-hour banquet, while the sun becomes less of an object in the sky and more of a presence, like a daily ceremony of light and heat.

Children dart through sprinklers, chasing invisible prizes, while gardeners bend low under the weight of tomato vines...melons swell in the soil, the air smells of basil and barbeque…without any doubt, there's something cute in the sweat that beads on a sunburnt shoulder.

"Sunlight pools in the hollows of trees / and every shadow speaks of warmth."

On the other hand, we could measure July in ice cream drips and pages turned poolside, in the hush of a fan through an open window, in the fireworks that echo long after they fade…there’s a generosity to it and we can easily see how July gives without holding (it holds nothing in reserve).

Some say July is a dream, but dreams fade, while July lingers its etched into memory with crystalline clarity. Maybe it's the heat that brands it there, maybe the summer typical “rituals”, such as camping trips, weddings, reunions, festivals, or even the quiet days, when nothing “big” happens, could become a milestone.

July is that perfection made tactile, the perfect blend of memory and midsummer….and yes, it is the midsummer’s peak, and we’re invited to live like poets…even if just for a season….to notice more, to feel deeper, to chase what matters and let go of what doesn’t.

In a world addicted to the urgent, July whispers: rest. This is the best time to take the long way home, to sit longer at the dinner table, to look up, to let time ripple outward like the lake after you dive in.

There is a humility in July’s heat, which somehow it reminds us that we are small but alive, tied though to something bigger…the sky, the sea, the sun, and….time.  In the heart of summer, even silence is golden...you, a hammock, a book, or perhaps nothing at all…just you and the great golden hush.

"Even solitude feels lighter / when the sky is this wide."

In the end, July teaches us to live without flinching; to love the heat, the haze, the honesty; to stretch toward the joy as the sunflower stretches toward the sky…deliberately, unapologetically and in full bloom.

July is also a reminder that nothing, not even summer, lasts forever and that is exactly why it matters.

A big salute to the warmth, to the wonder and to the amazing “generosity” of July!

June 24, 2025 – Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE

Each year, on June 24^th Romanians around the world observe The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse – occasion which allows them to honor more than a piece of traditional clothing…they celebrate a legacy woven into the very fabric of identity, memory and cultural resilience.

This day (June 24) is also known as “Midsummer Day”, or “Sânzienele” (in the Romanian folk beliefs).

The Romanian traditional blouse (Ro: “ie”), with its delicate embroidery and ancient motifs, is not merely an attire; it is a chronicle of history passed from mother to daughter, from village to village, from century to century, and every stitch reflects both aesthetic mastery and profound symbolism of protection, fertility, faith, and belonging. To wear the “ie” it is to wear the voice of generations. In a globalized world, where cultural distinctiveness is too often diluted, the Romanian blouse stands as a quiet act of lasting identity and national pride; it reminds us that heritage is valuable, relevant and worthy of reverence.

Let this day be a moment to reflect on the strength of tradition and the beauty of preservation.

Honoring the “ie”, we reaffirm that identity matters and that the stories we carry are as vital as the ones we choose to tell.

Astăzi, 24 iunie 2025, celebrăm Ziua Universală a Iei...un simbol al patrimoniului imaterial românesc și emblema unei identități care transcende granițele geografice. Ia nu este doar o piesă vestimentară. Este o formă de memorie colectivă, un manuscris textil în care s-au scris cu ac și ață poveștile femeilor din sate, valorile unei comunități și viziunea estetică transmisă din generație în generație. Într-o eră a uniformizării globale, asumarea portului tradițional devine un act de importanță culturală.

Alegând să purtăm ia în 2025 (fie că suntem la Vancovuer, în București, Montreal, Londra sau în satul bunicilor)

reafirmăm apartenența la o cultură care încă respiră prin simboluri cusute cu grijă și sens.

 Această zi nu aparține trecutului, ci ne invită să regândim viitorul prin prisma identității: cum păstrăm valorile autentice într-o lume conectată digital, cum recontextualizăm tradiția fără a o simplifica sau comercializa excesiv?

Ia este vie. Astăzi, o purtăm cu recunoștință.
 Mâine, avem datoria să o înțelegem, să o transmitem, să o îmbrăcăm în semnificație.

● My previous greetings on the same theme:
The Universal Day of the ROMANIAN BLOUSE – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

NOTE: Dear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed). 

PARTNERSHIP: June 2025 – The ROMANIAN BLOUSE Day

 Heartfelt appreciation to all Romanians who participated on June 21 at “ZIUA IEI 2025” event!

Although it was a cloudy day, with few brief shows, many of us went through it with glowing hearts!

Soon I will publish a detailed summary for this occasion, but until then I leave here a relevant group photo as well as the opportunity to share your comments about this beautiful event aimed at bringing to everyone's attention the beautiful cultural richness of Romania.

Also, I would like to highlight that the partners who contributed to the realization of this event are (listed in alphabetical order):

ALICE & Friends Circle™, BC Romanian Chamber of Commerce, Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver, “Dacia” group, 
Holy Trinity Church & St. George Church. Media partner: RompostTV.

It is important to emphasize that this event has been put together exclusively by local Romanians from Vancouver, for the Romanians from the Greater Vancouver metropolitan area. A beautiful group achievement, which promises an encouraging future!

Until you hear from me again, I wish you only the best!

Alice

Calde mulțumiri tuturor acelor români care pe data de 21 iunie au participat la ZIUA IEI 2025!

Cu toate că a fost o zi cu nori și pe alocuri chiar și cu ușoare averse de ploaie, mulți dintre noi am parcurs-o cu mult soare în suflet!

În curând o să public un rezumat detaliat pentru această ocazie, dar până atunci vă las aici o relevantă fotografie de grup cât și posibilitatea de a transmite în direct comentariile dv. la adresa acestui frumos eveniment menit să aducă în atenția tuturor frumoasa bogăție culturală a României.

De asemenea, doresc să aduc în prim plan că partenerii care au contribuit la realizarea acestui eveniment sunt (listați în ordine alfabetică):

ALICE & Friends Circle™, BC Romanian Chamber of Commerce, Biserica Sf. Gheorghe, Biserica Sf. Treime, Consulatul General al României la Vancouver
și grupul “Dacia”. Media partner: RompostTV.

Este important de evidențiat că acest eveniment a fost realizat în exclusivitate de către românii localnici din Vancouver, pentru românii din zona metropolitană a Vancouverului.  O frumoasă realizare de grup, ce promite un viitor încurajator!

Până la proxima revedere, vă doresc la toți numai bine!

Alice

Here is the promotional talk show that RompostTV put together for this event...enjoy!

June 21, 2025: SUMMER solstice

 Welcome, SUMMER of 2025! May you bring us joy and peaceful days!

Today (June 21, 2025) marks the summer solstice in our Northern Hemisphere, which is the longest day of the year and a quiet reminder that light, at its peak, is worth pausing for. Let it be a moment to stand still in the sun, to breathe deeply, and to recognize how far we each have come. Like the sun arcing high overhead, there are parts of our lives that are blooming now…efforts that are finally bearing fruit, warmth we've offered and received, and days that feel wide open with promise. This turning point reminds us: growth isn’t always loud or fast, but it is happening, steadily, often unnoticed. May we each lean into the light while it lasts, and carry its momentum with us into what comes next!

I truly believe that we've each got more strengths than we think & more daylight than we know!

Solstițiul de vară marchează triumful luminii asupra întunericului și ne reamintește, cu o claritate profundă, că natura funcționează după ritmuri mai vechi decât orice civilizație. Este momentul în care Soarele atinge apogeul pe cer, oferindu-ne cea mai lungă zi a anului ... o clipă suspendată în timp, în care energia, speranța și forța vitală ating cote maxime. 

Această zi nu este doar un fenomen astronomic, ci o invitație sinceră la reflecție: ce ne luminează cu adevărat drumul? 

Cum ne folosim această lumină pentru a înainta, în ciuda umbrelor?

 Într-o lume ce pare adesea haotică, solstițiul de vară ne reamintește ordinea naturală și potențialul reînnoirii.

● My previous greetings on the same theme: SUMMER Solstice – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

COLLABORATION: 2025 – “Eminescu Year”

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The “Art” of PRESENCE

I truly believe that genuine “presence” is a beautiful “art”, which allows you to journey into the “now”!

In a world that constantly urges us forward (toward success, toward the next milestone, toward tomorrow, etc.) presence is the quiet rebellion of being here, now. It is the act of choosing not to exist in a fragmented state, divided between yesterday’s memories and tomorrow’s expectations. Presence is the full embrace of this very moment, with all its imperfections and beauty.

We live in a time where the mind is seldom still, because phones buzz, notifications demand attention, thoughts pull us in different directions. Even in moments of supposed rest, we are elsewhere – either replaying to all sorts of conversations, probably pre-empting the future, or simply scrolling endlessly on all sorts of gadgets, but in doing so, we deny ourselves the rawness of experience.

To be present it is to shed the weight of distraction; it is to taste food with full attention, it is to hear the undertones in someone’s voice, it is to feel the ground beneath our feet…in essence, it is the practice of simply being.

Be still, and listen…the wind whispers your name. Everything that matters in this moment it is already here...

On the other hand, presence is more than mindfulness. Presence it is a form of reverence, a respect for time itself, and for the breath we are given. It is sitting in silence and allowing it to settle; it is walking through a forest and realizing that every leaf has a story, every branch has danced in the wind.

When we are truly present, we do not live life at its surface, but we dwell in the depths, in the unnoticed spaces where meaning exists...could be the eyes of a loved one, holding something unspoken, or the manner in which the morning light filters through curtains, painting quiet gold across the floor, or just a simple deep exhale when the body is releasing its held tension.

The sacredness of presence – look, the sky does not hurry…it unfolds in softness, whispering to the earth: you too may rest!

Aside of that, I would like to bring forward the concept of presence in conversations, asking how often do we listen without formulating a response in our minds? How often do we hear beyond words (into pauses, into tones, into hesitations)?

I truly believe that presence in conversation it is not just about hearing – it is about understanding and about holding the space for others.

To be fully present with someone is an act of generosity, which is the opposite of self-centeredness. In other words, it is saying, “I am here with you, fully”. We do not rush their thoughts, nor do we impose our own. We allow silence where it is needed. We offer attention not as a fleeting gift, but as a steady presence.

 Speak to me in pauses, I will hear your quiet truth. In spaces between words, we meet.

Despite all our attempts to plan and anticipate, the present moment remains our only certainty. To ignore it is to abandon life itself. We often think of time as something slipping away, but perhaps it is only when we cease to notice the present that it truly escapes us.

Being present does not mean neglecting the future or disregarding the past. It simply means honoring what is here, it means living in a way that (when the moment passes) we do not have any regrets.

Concluding here my brief dissertation, I would like to emphasize that presence is an art, as well as a practice; it is the choice to immerse oneself in the richness of now, to see life for what it is, in all its depth and subtlety; it is the understanding that every breath, every passing moment, is a gift…the gift of “presence”.

Breathe in the now…it has waited for you…soft as morning light…steady as the tide.

Let presence be your quiet rebellion against distraction; let it be your devotion to life itself!

June 2025: Happy FATHER’s Day!

A Father's Day tribute today (15 June 2025)  to all fathers, grandfathers, and father figures – today it is about you…it's about the sacrifices you've made, about the wisdom you've shared, and about the love you've given, often without asking for anything in return.

Fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it's about presence…it's about being there in the moments big and /or small, teaching lessons not just through words but through actions. So today, we celebrate you. We honor the laughter, the lessons, the protection, and the unwavering support you provide, and….please do know that you are valued, you are loved and you are appreciated!

Happy  Father's  Day to all the incredible fathers out there! 

● My previous greetings on the same theme:  FATHER’s Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

June 1, 2025 – INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN's Day

 Each year, on June 1: INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN's DAY – it is celebrated as the International Day for Protection of Children in many countries.

We, as adults, should do our best to make sure these young souls are safe & let them enjoy their childhood with happiness & innocence as this time will never return.

Happy International Children’s Day!

La multi ani copiilor de pretutindeni!  

”Copiii sunt ca zmeiele: îi vei învăța să zboare, dar ei nu vor zbura zborul tău. 

Îi vei învăţa să viseze, dar ei nu vor visa visul tău. Îi vei învăţa să trăiască, dar ei nu-ţi vor trăi viaţa.

Dar în fiecare zbor, în fiecare vis şi în fiecare viaţă amprenta învăţăturii primite va rămâne pentru totdeauna.” (Maica Tereza)

My previous greetings on the same theme:  INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN's Day – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

JUNE…the “midsummer month”

JUNE (the 6^th month of the year) it is full of significance, both historically and culturally. It marks the halfway point of the year and it is the time when summer officially begins in our Northern Hemisphere (with the summer solstice, typically occurring between June 20-21, marking the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky).

The name "June" is believed to have originated from the Roman goddess Juno, who was the goddess of marriage and childbirth, and because of this, June has long been considered a favorable month for weddings. It is the threshold of summer – the month of ripening days and restless wanderings…it is the moment when spring lets go, sighing softly into the warmth of longer hours and fragrant air. In June, the sun lingers its golden thread stitching late evenings into the fabric of memory, and we can see that the lilacs surrender their last perfumed breath, while roses rise, unbowed.

June is neither a beginning nor an end, but rather a space in between – an interlude of possibilities and a summer’s overture. This month, the school bells become quiet, and somehow the city streets hum in a softer, wandering rhythm. Many gardens brim with expectations, while their roots are deepening as leaves unfold.

There is something effortless in the way June persuades – inviting us to go more often outdoors, to walk bare feet upon the warmer earth, while whispering of more and longer road trips and vacations.

In my opinion, there’s a certainty to the light in June…it arrives early & it lingers, making every shadow stretch longer, every morning softer. Also, it seems that the quality of the air itself shifts, holding promises of adventure/s, the scent of salt on distant shores & the crisp edges of impending change. This is the time of golden hours, where the world sways gently in the glow of twilight; this is a time when many conversations lengthen over patio tables, when the ice cubes are melting slowly in the hush between sentences...we watch as dusk hesitates, suspended, reluctant to surrender...beautiful moments of togetherness, having the love ones close to us.

June does not ask for urgency; it is a season of pause, of motion without hurry...the days brim with possibility, yet there is no demand.
Unlike July, with its fevered pulse, or May, which still clings to spring’s indecision, June stands confidently, balanced between what was and what will be.
It is the solstice’s quiet rebellion, a surrender to light without resistance.

June is memory before it is lived, it is the laughter carried through open windows, the scent of freshly cut grass hanging in the evening air; it is the soft unraveling of routine and the embrace of something looser – unstructured days with many moments unfolding without demand. During this time of the year, we find ourselves drawn to the simplicity of June – the ease of its warmth, the tenderness of its long-lit evenings…in this space, time is less rigid.

So, let June be what it is …an invitation to linger, a promise whispered in waves, a month that holds its breath & asks nothing but that we pause long enough to listen.

June arrives like a whispered promise, wrapping the world in golden light.

The air hums with possibility, and every sunset is a masterpiece painted in fire and rose.

Philosophers’ Café with ALICE & Friends: Spring 2025

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About the TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN BLOUSE

A traditional Romanian blouse
("Ie românească")

Dear friends, please do know that the traditional Romanian blouse ("ie" by its original Romanian name) is a significant part of the Romanian culture, not just a simple traditional peasant blouse, which these days turned out to be a symbol of Romania, proudly emphasized along with its old legends. Every "ie", along with the other items of the traditional folk costume, has its own story…metaphorically speaking, a long and beautiful journey, told in symbols, colors and magnificent embroideries, passed on from generation to generation.

This type of blouse it is entirely hand-made, from a special fabric (called approx. in English "sheer lawn"), with exquisite embroideries on the chest, back and sleeves, with designs preserved for centuries. The signs and symbols embroidered on each traditional Romanian blouse aren’t just random decorations, but each has its own significance, depending on the region, the seamstress, and the person who wore it. For example, among the symbols embellished on each blouse there could be a tree or a tree-like design, which is the symbol of life, wisdom and rebirth. The fir tree is particularly drawn on the Romanian blouse, especially in the mountain rural areas, and symbolizes the immortality, a motif seldom found in Romanian mythology.
The circle or a sunflower represent the sun, day or Divinity; in Romanian tradition, the sun was at the core of life and often associated with abundance.
Other motifs related to daily activities can be found ranging from one region to another: water (either as a river or as sea waves) and fish in the fishing villages along the rivers and sea coast, wheat or corn stems in agricultural villages, wheels or coin in crafting traders’ villages, and so on. At the same time, the colors on the blouse also vary according to the geographic region; green and gold symbolize the plains, gray, red and brown for the mountains and blue for the rivers. 

For instance, in the past, young girls from the countryside, who were not married used to wear merry colors on their blouses, combinations of red, yellow, pink & light colors, while the dark ones (brown, black, dark green) & gold were usually worn by older women, married and / or having a certain social statute.

Generally speaking, this traditional Romanian blouse ("ie" – pronounced "ee-eh") is a pretty simple blouse, commonly worn by Romanian girls and women, but has overcome its historic peasant confines, and it became an important source of inspiration for many fashion designers (ranging from less known to very well known) in Romania and abroad (for instance, high-ranking names, such as Tom Ford based his 2012 collection on the Romanian traditional motifs). 

On December 1, 2022, (on Romania’s National Day), UNESCO has decided to inscribe
the Romanian traditional blouse on their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and on the same list, in 2017, “Mărțișor” was added.

Since 2013, on each June 24, Romanians around the world celebrate The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse, occasion which allows them to bring forward the richness of their cultural heritage, their traditional customs, and the timeless wisdom of their ancestors as well as their Romanian beautiful identity outfit – “ia”.
This type of celebration it is a good opportunity for all Romanians around the world to further promote this old and beautiful Romanian cultural artifact.

The tradition is alive, and the story goes on....

Symbols represented on the Romanian traditional blouses

The Romanian blouse, known as "ie," is adorned with a variety of symbols and motifs that hold a deep cultural significance. These symbols are often linked to the region of Romania where the blouse originates from and they can represent various aspects of life, such as age, marital status and social standing.

For your convenience, here are:

1) Few EVENTS I personally organized at my Circle, featuring the traditional Romanian blouse – 2023, 2022, 2021

2) The 1^st event organized in partnership with few other groups from Vancouver, featuring the Romanian blouse – 2024

3) Few promotional GREETING cards I’ve put together featuring the Romanian blouse – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

May 2025: “Happy MOTHER’s Day!”

Today (May 11, 2025) we celebrate the love, the strength and the endless support of all the incredible mothers out there – the quiet warriors, the tireless nurturers, the everyday heroes. Today, we celebrate you – the ones who gave us love before we even knew what it meant… who stood by us with strength, warmth, and endless patience. Whether you're a mom, remembering a mom, a grandma, a mother figure, or celebrating a mother figure in your life, or someone who’s poured love into others – this day is for you.

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers out there! 

● My previous greetings on the same theme: MOTHER’s Day –2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

7 Years Anniversary of ALICE & FRIENDS CIRCLE™

 The complete briefing will be available very soon. Thank you!

Meanwhile, please continue to enjoy and appreciate this beautiful spring!

MAY….we be happy!

MAY is the 5^th month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars (it length is 31 days); it is a month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and a month of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

The spiritual meaning of May encompasses themes of renewal, growth, fertility (alongside love and relationships), abundance, and prosperity celebrations, while honoring old traditions in various cultures around the world.

May it is seen as a time when nature fully awakens – the blossoming of so many flowers, the emergence of new leaves, and the return of wildlife all serve as powerful reminders of the cycle of life (the cyclical nature of life) and the interconnectedness of all living beings. These interpretations reflect the month’s vibrancy and importance in contemporary life.

On the other hand, the month of May isn’t just a transition into summer; this period invites us to connect with nature and to embrace the dynamic energy of change (it could serve as a catalyst for personal transformation).

Many view this month as an opportunity to set fresh goals, to embrace change, and to foster self-improvement. May’s vibrant energy invites us to celebrate renewal and growth in our own lives.
It’s a perfect time to embrace change (to change what needs to be changed) and to reflect on our personal journey while appreciating the beauty around us. Activities like gardening and nature walks during May allow people to connect with the earth and promote mental clarity. For instance, starting a new exercise routine or picking up a hobby aligns with the season’s spirit of growth. Many can also benefit from the various workshops or community events, fostering not just personal advancement, but also social connections.

This month it is also marked by few important celebrations, 

such as International Workers’ Day and Mother’s Day.

Whether you’re honoring your mother or participating in cultural festivities, May offers countless opportunities to connect with others and nature. As you enjoy the blooms and longer days, remember to take a moment for yourself – set new goals or just simply enjoy the present moment.

MAY is all about fresh beginnings and deepening relationships,

so let its spirit inspire you to cultivate joy and gratitude in your everyday life!

The relevance of staying connected

Social connections are an important part of living a healthy life, and mostly refers to our relationships with the people in our network.

Extrapolating further, we can safely imply that social connections are truly about connectedness – the extent to which we engage with important, supportive people in our lives in ways that heighten our sense of belonging and well-being. 

Many scientists believe that the need to connect with other human beings is programmed in our DNA and we are “wired” for social connection.
Since prehistoric time, people have lived together in (larger or smaller) groups where they found protection, help, support, common identity and shared knowledge.

Throughout history, families lived under the same roof, where the young would look after the infants and the old ones, incapable to care for themselves. 

However, our gregarious behavior changed with the development of big urban centers, frequent job changes, family disintegration or physical distancing, progress of technology, hectic lifestyles and intense work schedules and demands. 

These days, we are more “connected” than ever via social media (for example WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.), but we lack connectedness or a sense of belonging to a group or community. Plenty of research documents show that many adults feel more isolated and lonelier than ever. Sadly, loneliness and isolation can create a reinforcing cycle that makes meaningful social connection and a feeling of connectedness harder to achieve. This slowly, but steadily, takes a toll on our physical and mental well-being. The negative effects show up in the performance at work, in people's personal lives, and in the ability to handle disruptions, uncertainty, and setbacks. 

It isn’t so much the struggles with external factors that bring people down as it is the sense of facing difficulties alone versus being in it together. 

Medical science has been writing for years about the importance of social interactions as a critical component for health, happiness and longevity.

The effect of social connectedness in our lives is so strong that when we feel rejected or suffer some other type of negative social interaction, our brain feels “hurt” in the same way than when we feel physical pain. Social pain is more similar to physical pain than we think. 

To give you an idea of how to stay connected and prevent loneliness, consider the following suggestions, highly recommended by many specialists:

- Start with yourself…becoming aware of why you act and react in certain ways may be helpful for developing more healthy ways of interacting with others. 

- Watch for your thoughts….decreasing negative self-talk will help you have a brighter outlook for life and attract people you want to interact with. 

- Say “yes” more often……participate in social events (even the online ones) or activities that interest you. 

- Get outside of your house and your head….go for a walk or run at a local park; start talking to people...you’ll make an acquaintance and possibly a new friend.

- Be proactive…even if you are an introvert; make a list of people you care about and reach out...don't wait for others to initiate contact.

- Be friendly at work….work relationships can be a source of care and comradery and a place to get support when setbacks happen. If you work in a physical office, be open to chatting for a few minutes with whomever you encounter at the water cooler or coffee machine; consider making a habit of eating lunch together each week instead of working through it.

- Be present…whenever possible, shut your computer down and meet a friend or an acquaintance for a coffee or a drink; face-to-face communication, eye contact, a smile, and closeness have amazing benefits. 

- Stay close to your inner circle….having a group of close friends promotes mental health and a quicker recovery from physical illness. It also could enhance your quality of life with good conversations and feeling supported and understood.

- Speak regularly to immediate or extended family…these are people who in some ways know you best and often will help you in challenging times.

- Spend quality time with your loved ones….organize a weekly Zoom movie club spanning 3 generations of your extended family, where each one selects a movie that everybody has to watch with a discussion to follow. 

- Prioritize social connections in your schedule…set time each week on your calendar to connect with people you care about whether personally or electronically.

- Remember the “little things”….sending a quick birthday note or a congratulation for a happy event make people know that you care about them.

- Re-establish past social connections….reliving experiences and events is a great tool to be more resilient and emotionally healthy.

- Maintain present social connections….relationships go through periods of ups and downs; however, you can keep them alive by being more patient, less judgmental, and giving people the temporary space they need.

- Join a formal group….consider enrolling in a new class, join a book club, volunteer, chat with or help a neighbor. If you are a foreigner living in an adopted country, join an expat group. There are plenty of them that cater to all ages...personal and professional interests. 

Finally, remember that life teaches us every day that our most wonderful, inspiring, happy, funny, sad, or dreadful moments have to do with people in our lives.
What keeps us healthy, meaningful, and fulfilled in our life is not money, power, or fame, but the quality of our social ties.

Making an effort to nurture and strengthen our relationships
will have the most impact on our lives and the biggest return in our happiness.