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…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.

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….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.

APRIL begins with a very humorous day

SPRING music for April

APRIL (the 4th month of the year) is known for its beautiful spring weather, blooming flowers and a multitude of festivals. The etymology behind the word “April” comes from the verb “aperire,” which means “to open” and it is commonly believed that the word refers to the season of trees and flowers beginning to “open” or bloom.

But, did you know that the 1^st day of April is called the “Fools’ Day”?

Yes… April 1^st is a day of big and small mischiefs all around the world, and the meaning of the tricks is to point out that you could be quite a gullible person.

It is not exactly known how it began, but most people believe that the origin of “April Fools’ Day” dates back to the 16^th century, and it came into existence when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar (the calendar switch happed on April 1, 1563).

“People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes
and were called ‘April fools’”, wrote “History” about this very day.

Aside of that, the timing of April Fools’ is suspiciously close to the Vernal Equinox – the time of the year when nature is known to play tricks on people with the unpredictable changes of the weather.

On the other hand, April is a month that feels like a breath of fresh air, and from a scientific perspective, it represents the full awakening of spring, which becomes a crucial time for all gardeners. The cherry blossoms are truly iconic for April in many parts of the world, especially in Japan, while Paris (at this time of the year) is considered the epitome of romance and elegance. Also, since this month is known for its weather fluctuations, in many cultures and traditions around the world, April represents a period of profound renewal encompassing the perfect blend of new beginnings, blossoming hope, and an invitation to embrace change. 

Spiritually speaking, Easter often falls in April, which is also a time of profound joy and elaborated celebrations for many.

So, dear friends, if the charm of the month inspires you, please try to put your thoughts on a piece of paper and let your heart deeply absorb the beauty that’s in the air....and don’t forget that “April showers bring May flowers”.

“April places the spirit of youth in everything around us.” (William Shakespeare)

MARCH into a new spring

“Spring” – by Antonio Vivaldi (classical music)

MARCH (the 3rd month of the year), marks the transition from winter to spring, bringing along a profound sense of rejuvenation and hope, when days are getting longer, flowers are budding and weather is getting warmer and warmer.

This is the first month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia and part of Africa) and the first month of fall or autumn in the Southern Hemisphere (South America, part of Africa, and Oceania).

As winter fades and spring emerges, March brings a unique blend of history, traditions and lots of natural wonders.

March and the arrival of spring always served as a powerful source of inspiration for poets worldwide and through their verses, they captured the essence of revival, rebirth and the enchanting beauty that accompanies this time of the year. Whether it is the blooming flowers, the gentle breezes, or the delicate songs of birds, their poems celebrate the magic of March and the fantastic transformative power of spring.

A new cycle of life in nature is beautifully unfolding each spring and this holds a special place in the hearts of so many for its symbolic significance and the marvelous beauty that comes with it. 

Spring adds new colors and new beauty to everything…enjoy!

May you cheerfully march into spring, dear ones, as it is the season of renewal!

FEBRUARY – perceived as the “month of Love”

FEBRUARY  (the 2nd month in the Julian and Gregorian calendars) it was originally the very last month added to the Roman calendar. Originally, the calendar was 10 months because winter was considered a dormant, month-less period. January and February were added by the Roman king Numa Pompilius to better align the calendar with the lunar year, and February was moved to its place as the second month.
February comes from the Latin word “februa” – which means “to cleanse.” It was named after “Februalia”, the Roman festival of purification, which was a month-long festival of cleansing and atonement that took place this time of year. The month has 28 days in common years and 29 in leap years, with the 29th day being called the leap day.

But why February has been so heavily associated with love almost throughout the entire world, and why so many people at this time of the year tune into love and connectivity?

Apparently, it is presumed that the association with love might’ve been originated from the popular belief that birds paired in mid-February during middle ages, and since then, by extrapolation, humanity adopted the concept.

Additionally, February has earned a steady reputation as the month of love, primarily due to the widespread celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14th.
This day is dedicated to expressing affection and appreciation for loved ones through cards, gifts, and romantic gestures.

However, the roots of Valentine’s Day trace back to ancient Roman and Christian traditions. One theory suggests that Valentine’s Day is linked to the Roman festival of “Lupercalia”, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and the coming of spring. Over time, this pagan celebration merged with Christian traditions, eventually evolving into the Valentine’s Day we know today. 
The association of February with love and romance has since become deeply ingrained in cultures around the world. It is a time when hearts beat a little faster, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of romance. As we turn the page on the calendar and step into this enchanting month, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation and excitement that permeates the atmosphere. February is also a time to reflect and emphasize love in our lives, and it can be a month for self-love and self-care, fostering relationships with family and friends, and loving others.

I’m sure that all of you know by now that each February, Romanians celebrate LOVE twice….on VALENTINE’S DAY (which is on February 14’25, this being the Western celebration of Love), and on “DRAGOBETE DAY” (which is on February 24’25…this being the ancient celebration of Love in Romania).

And as I’ve said few times by now….when we talk about LOVE, I guess the more the merrier…anyhow, I’m wishing you all a nice February, full of Love & Joy!

“Loving is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)

Thoughts at the beginning of the year (January 2025)

The beginning of a new year is a new BEGINNING for each of us – a fresh start unfolding like a brand new chapter waiting to be written (by each of us) ….we each will be the authors of our personal stories, weather we realize it or not! Aside of that, countless times, life has shown us that it is wise to further proceed equipped with the wisdom we’ve gained over the last 12 months as well as the strength we’ve each built, allowing them all to fuel our dreams and projects of the year ahead! And may we each remember that every New Year it is ours to shape, to grow, to bloom, to rise, to shine and to become….may we each embrace this concept with grace, with open hearts and widely open minds.

A New Year (a short poem by William Arthur Ward)

Another fresh new year is here …

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright New Year is given me

To live each day with zest …

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

“Do not wait until all given conditions are perfect to begin.
A new beginning makes the all given conditions perfect.” (A. Cohen)

The keepers of HOPE

In this troubled world where uncertainty touches every corner of our existence, blessed are those rare souls who carry the eternal flame of hope within their hearts.
Those are the beautiful spirits, the possessors of wisdom and kindness, whose goodness and compassion are “bright” enough to illuminate the paths of others lost in darkness.
Most of them are touching many hearts, in ways never thought possible!
Those are the contributors, the philanthropists, the donors, the supporter, who share with generosity their precious time and their resources in order to remind their fellows that the happiest people in the world are the givers.
This type of people are beacons of light, illuminating from far away in a world that often preaches consumerism and selfishness.

So, dear ones, as December reminds us to be good, I strongly encourage you to please do not hesitate to reach out, to share your table, to open your hearts, to be present – it costs you nothing, but it means a lot for less fortunate ones!

“In this symphony of life, let us be the notes that create harmony. Let peace flow from heart to heart, like ripples across still waters, until it touches every shore of human existence.   
Together, we light the way. Together, we heal. Together, we rise.”

POEM: “Come, Little Leaves”

George Cooper's poem "Come, Little Leaves" is a delightful and whimsical tribute to the changing seasons and the beauty of nature's cycle. 

Through simple yet evocative language, Cooper invites his readers to embark on a journey through the transition from summer to winter, told from the perspective of the changing leaves.

A classic poem that captures the autumn leaves' journey from the wind's call to the winter sleep, as well as the joy, the farewell and the beauty of nature's cycle in a simple yet suggestive manner.

 🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

“Come, Little Leaves”

~ short video clip (this poem in audio version) ~

The Beauty of Love & Trust

Upon recent observations, here I’m sharing with you all a short and very simple tale, where trust and true love are beautifully highlighted. Pleasant reading, dear ones!

STORY: Hold My Hand

Once upon a time, a little girl and her father were crossing a tall bridge. Father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river."

The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand."

"What's the difference?" asked the puzzled father.

"There's a big difference," replied the little girl…"If I hold your hand & something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go, but if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what, you will never let my hand go."

The best proof of love is trust!

About the human BEHAVIOUR

Time has showing us repeatedly that human behavior is a truly vast and fascinating subject, clearly emphasizing an intricate web of emotions, actions and reactions which in essence set us apart from other living species on this planet.

Extrapolating a bit, we could safely affirm that human behavior refers to the way people act, interact and/or react with others and with the surrounding world, aspects which could be influenced by many things, such as feelings, the environment, or past experiences (more or less significant, but with extensive ramifications).

In other words, human behaviour encompasses everything from our thoughts and feelings to our physical actions, which are often shaped by where we are and who we are with (for instance, if we are with friends, we might act differently than when we are alone).

Anyhow, clear is the fact that every day, we make choices that reflect our behavior, or choices that shape our behaviour.

Personally, I truly believe that human behaviour is an interesting blend of both nature and nurture, having on one hand the individual’s genetic predisposition, and on the other hand having culture, upbringing, as well as peer influence….all leaving fantastic and long lasting imprints on people.

The reason I’m bringing this subject forward is to emphasize how important it is for each of us to realize how much we could be influenced by others, many times without even realizing it! Human conduct is very complex and at times it does help a lot to pause, to reflect and only then to proceed (with cautious, if necessary).  

Of course, there will never be a one-size-fits-all kind of explanation for why we do what we do, but I’m confident that the ongoing research and continuous advancement in neuroscience combined with psychology’s constant achievements will keep people on the right track towards gaining a much deeper and clearer understanding of the intricacies of mankind behavioural matters, benefiting the entire world as a whole!

“With knowledge comes power – power to change patterns for better decision making, fostering healthier relationships and creating societies where everyone feels understood and valued.”

Few LESSONS life is teaching us

 We all are fully aware that life is beautiful, but definitively not always easy…it has its occasional difficulties, and the challenge lies in facing them with courage, grace and dignity! Happiness or sorrow, victory or defeat, day & night, etc. are affecting each life on Earth.

For your enjoyment, here I’m sharing the perspective of a 90 years old lady about life in general, wisdom worth pondering upon…peaceful reading, dear ones!

Thoughts

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote few lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

– Life isn't fair, but it's still good. | – Life is too short…enjoy it. 
– When in doubt, just take the next small step, one at the time.

– Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
But for sure your true friends and family will be there for you.

– Pay off your credit cards every month.
– You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

– Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
– Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

– When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
– Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

– It's OK to let your children see you cry.
– Don't compare your life to others under any circumstance.
Truth to be said, you have no idea what their journey is all about.

– If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
– No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

– Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. | – Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

– Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. | – It's never too late to be happy...it’s all up to you and no one else.

– When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. | – The most important organ is the brain.

– Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. | – Over prepare, then go with the flow.

– Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. | – Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

– Always choose life. | – Forgive, but don’t forget. | – What other people think of you is none of your business.

– Time heals almost everything. Give time time. | – However good or bad a situation is, it will change. | – Believe in miracles. 

– Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. | – Growing old beats the alternative of dying young. | – Your children get only one childhood.

– All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. | – Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. (I love this one!)

– If we all through our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. | – Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

– The best is yet to come. | – No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. | – Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.”

“Always stay strong as you live your life and always remember your blessings,
no matter what circumstances you might need to face.”