Alice’s Book Club – SUMMER session of 2024

On Friday (September 20, 2024) I was glad to organize the summer book club session for my Circle, focusing on a very interesting theme: Human behavior – the importance human social conduct of vis-à-vis of knowledge. Needles to say that all my Canadian friends invited to this event were so inspirational in their deliveries.

As usual, respecting the privacy of the matters discussed, here are few useful concepts emerged from our conversations, which might be of interest to you:

– Human behavior is profoundly shaped by social interactions and the expectations of collective life

– The importance of human social conduct lies in its ability to foster cooperation, trust and empathy among individuals, ensuring societal stability and cohesion

– Polite communication, ethical decision-making and respect for shared norms cultivate environments where collaboration thrives, and conflicts are minimized

– Social conduct influences learning, emotional well-being (even physical health), highlighting the interconnectedness of personal actions & communal outcomes

– By prioritizing ethical and responsible behavior, humans sustain relationships, build communities, and advance cultural and moral development, underscoring the essential role of social responsibility in daily life.

In closing, once again, my most sincere appreciation to all my friends who were able to join me this evening, wishing them each a wonderful rest of the season! Until we meet again, my warmest regards to all!

Alice 

”We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” (Aristotle)

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.”

August 31, 2024: ROMANIAN LANGUAGE Day

August 31^st highlights the ROMANIAN LANGUAGE DAY, which offers Romanians (around the world & in the country) a new occasion to honor their roots.

May we each take a moment to remember Eminescu’s comment vis-à-vis of this, which says: “The language is the very flower of Romanians' ethnic soul”. 

”Cine nu gândeşte în limba maternă şi-a uitat drumul spre casă.”

● Academia Română (follow the link to learn more about the Academy.... Romanin Academy) – Sesiunea festivă „Ziua Limbii Române“ (video clip)

● Historic background info:

Romanian Language is mother tongue of around 30 million individuals, taught as a foreign language in universities, in 45 countries.

Romanian Language Day is “celebrated nationally on August 31, starting from the year 2013 when the law establishing this holiday was enacted. The programs and cultural-educational events, with evocative or scientific characteristics, dedicated to this day emphasize the importance of the Romanian language not only as a means of communication but also as a repository of history, culture, and national identity”. (Source: Business Reviews News)

● My previous greetings on the same theme: ROMANIAN LANGUAGE Day – 2023, 2022, 2021

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). 

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.”

Socializing: Summer Picnic 2024 & Travel Stories

 The complete briefing will be available soon. Thank you!

Meanwhile, please continue to enjoy the ongoing summer!

Warm regards,

Alice

Summer vibes of 2024

As these days I’m taking my time to enjoy every summer day more intensely than ever before, I realized that I’ve become even more observant of my surroundings, of my neighbours, of my friends, of all the people we meet along the way during our walks in nature – my conclusions are truly astonishing, but what I find really interesting is the fact that people sense the presence and the authenticity in a very pleasing manner.

Usually folks love to be at the center of the world, but I would rather prefer a peaceful corner where my entire world could be.

Generally speaking, you may think that you are not important at all in this world, but actually you are because your thoughtfulness, your compassion, your positivity, your genuine amiability leave behind fragrant echoes of kindness, which is quite marvelous!

Just think about these…if someone drinks coffee every morning from the favorite cup you gave them,

Or if someone heard a song on the radio that reminds them of you,

Or if someone is reading a book you recommended and it's stuck in their head,

Or if someone remembered a joke of yours and smiled coming home from work in the evening,

Or if someone now loves themselves a little more because you gave them a nice compliment, you really brought a certain amount of kindness into this world.
Never think that you don't influence anything, because it is impossible to erase the beautiful traces you leave behind, even with small deeds.

Dear friends, I wish you  enjoy the ongoing summer - flower by flower!

“Summer time” – by George Gershwin (classical music)