COURAGE: an inspiring virtue

Generally speaking, courage is not about being fearless, but rather about triumphing despite being afraid. For instance, one of the most common displays of courage is when someone chooses to act despite the fact that s/he feels a particular fear regarding the task that’s awaiting in front of her/him.

In life, showing courage doesn’t always have to be revealed through extreme situations…from time to time, it’s revealed even in some mundane choices people have to make….as simple as that. Courage does not always roar; sometimes it is that quiet voice you hear (at the end of a long day) whispering to your heart and mind: “Try again tomorrow.” Many times it has been noticed that in order to reach the next peak or the next destination point of the route, you need to double your courage with the willingness to put in a bit more effort – yes, that little effort combined with a little courage could get you out of the crowds and let you join the handful of people the world calls lucky.
In closing of my brief remarks here, below I’m sharing 2 short stories featuring courage, hoping that this light reading would expand perspectives. Enjoy!

Short story: The tale of a butterfly

A little boy was playing outdoors and found a fascinating caterpillar. He carefully picked it up and took it home to show his mother. He asked his mother if he could keep it, and she said he could if he would take good care of it.
The little boy got a large jar from his mother and put plants to eat, and a stick to climb on, in the jar. Every day he watched the caterpillar and brought it new plants to eat.
One day the caterpillar climbed up the stick & started acting strangely. The boy worriedly called his mother who came and understood that the caterpillar was creating a cocoon. The mother explained him how the caterpillar was going to go through a metamorphosis & become a butterfly.
The little boy was thrilled to hear about the changes his caterpillar would go through. He watched every day, waiting for the butterfly to emerge. One day it happened, a small hole appeared in the cocoon and the butterfly started to struggle to come out. 
At first the boy was excited, but soon he became concerned. The butterfly was struggling so hard to get out! It looked like it couldn't break free! It looked desperate! It looked like it was making no progress! The boy was so concerned he decided to help. He ran to get scissors, got it and and then came back. He snipped the cocoon to make the hole bigger and the butterfly quickly emerged! As the butterfly came out the boy was surprised. It had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. He continued to watch the butterfly expecting that, at any moment, the wings would dry out, enlarge and expand to support the swollen body. He knew that in time the body would shrink and the butterfly's wings would expand. But neither happened! The butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never could fly…
What the boy in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were nature's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Moral: Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If nature allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.

It takes courage, patience and discipline to grow up and become who you are meant to be.

Short story: When the river meets the sea

“FEAR” (by Khalil Gibran) – “It is said that before entering the sea, a river trembles with fear.
The river looks back at the path that has been travelled, from the peaks of the mountains, the long winding road crossing forests and villages. And in front, is the vast ocean – so vast, that to enter there seems nothing more than to disappear forever. But there is no other way.

The river cannot go back. Nobody can go back. To go back it is impossible in existence.

The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean - only then will fear disappear, because that's where the river will know it's not about disappearing into the ocean, but of becoming the ocean. "

“The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage.” (Thucydides)

Being WOMAN

Even if we are aware or not, women do play a significant role in everyone’s life and I believe that it is safe to state that without women we couldn’t describe a successful or an accomplished life.

Mothers, daughters, sisters, wives – despite the role they each play, I think we all could agree that on top of everything else women are highly responsible for the successful continuation of life on this planet.

As we all know, mostly from the history books, in the early days, women were typically engaged only in activities around the house (such as raising children, cooking, cleaning, taking care of the family members or other administrative tasks relating to the household), but nowadays many conditions have changed, and women are taking part in way more activities, other than family and kids since they are no longer confined within the boundaries of the four walls.

In today’s modern world, the social and economic status of women have soared to height, and due to their extremely versatile nature, women are progressing tremendously.

It is really pleasing to see that their empowerment opened more doors for them to thrive and shine.

Women are capable, hardworking and because of that they are engaging in different work fields in order to further explore their inner talents, while becoming more independent and able earn for themselves; they are the backbone of any progressing society, and are equally important as men are. 

On the other hand, respect for women is one of the greatest gifts a father cold show a son, because (after all) a woman brought each of you into this world! 

Once upon a time, Mahatma Gandhi said:
“A woman is the companion of a man, gifted with equal mental capacity.”

May we recognize and appreciate the existence of the women we each have in our lives.

“The empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description.”

Socializing: 2021 – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day

On Monday (March 8’21) we had our annual reunion celebrating International Women’s Day! Unlike the years before (when we had the chance to meet in person, enjoying as a group a cheerful ambiance, in a public space), this time we gathered ‘on line’ due to the prolonged austerity measures of the times we are living.
Needless to say that it was nourishing at least to see each other and reconnect on a subject we all hold in high regard.
This time, we opened the evening with a toast (as each invited guest, from the comfort of their own living room, was accompanied by a glass of good wine), honoring all the amazing women we each have in our life - to the women who are wise, kind, positive, compassionate, smart, diligent, resourceful, beautiful & unique!

Once more, I’m wishing all women out there the strength to continue to inspire, the strength to continue to smile, and the strength to continue to love!

Even though it was not a literary evening, but rather a social gathering, a number of significant writings featuring women have been referred to and to further uplift the understanding of womanhood, here I will enumerate a few:

Poems: “Balada doamnelor de alta data” (by Francois Villon) | "De-or trece anii" (by Mihai Eminescu)
Books: “Don Quixote de la Mancha” (by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra)
“Trecute vieti de doamne si domnite” (by Constantin Gane) | “Adela” (by Garabet Ibraileanu) | “Enigma Otiliei” (by George Calinescu) 
“Ultima noapte de dragoste, intaia noapte de razboi” (by Camil Petrescu) | “Patul lui Procust” (by Camil Petrescu)  

Also, a number of famous Romanian women have been mentioned, and here I am glad to share those names with you:
Smaranda Gheorghiu (poet & novelist), Sofia Ionescu (first female neurosurgeon in the world), Lucia Sturdza-Bulandra (a very well regarded actress of her time), Sarmisa Bilcescu (was a Romanian lawyer, the first European woman ever to obtain a license and a PhD in Law from the University of Paris), Ana Aslan (biologist & physician, founder of the first institute of Geriatric), Elena Caragiu (actress & writer, wife of the well-known actor, Toma Caragiu), Smaranda Braescu (Romanian parachuting and aviation pioneer, former multiple world record holder), Ecaterina Teodoroiu (WWI heroine of Romania), Maria Rosetti (a well-known Romanian political activist, journalist, essayist, philanthropist and socialite).

International acknowledgements featuring special women around the world (in different fields of expertise):
Appropriate for the occasion, here are few more highlights (slideshows): “Women who changed the world”, “500 Years of Female Portraits in Western Art”, 
“The most inspiring women in the world”, “The Atlas of Beauty”, “2021-Women personalities in the world“.

ARTICLES: "70 Famous women who changed the world" (listed in chronological order), "Meet 10 women in science who changed the world"

In addition, several original poems were recited, more thoughts were voiced and personal perspectives were shared, in a smooth ambiance of mutual appreciation.
We wrapped up the evening on a positive note, trusting that the coming spring will bring us renewed joy. Until next time, my warmest regards to each of you!
Alice

● Previous events I organized on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day – 2020, 2019 

● Some of my additional greetings referring to the same matter:
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day – 2021, 2020, 2019

March 8, 2021: Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day!

Each year, on March 8, the entire world is celebrating women and the variety of roles they play in our society, from their birth till the end of life. Generally speaking, from giving birth to a baby, or from keeping the home safe and clean to portraying excellent outcomes in any workplace, a woman’s contribution is remarkable, and today is a great occasion to celebrate all these accomplishments.

“You educate a man, you educate a man. You educate a woman, you educate a generation.”

Ladies, I wish you each enjoy this beautiful day and please stay safe and healthy!

● My previous greetings on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's Day – 2020, 2019

March 1, 2021: “Mărțișor"

Life as I know it….on March 1^st is “Mărțișor” and again, here I’m sharing with you all this old spring custom that is very near and dear to my heart…I wish the day would find you happy!

Also, since the spring time is around the corner, I’m sending along my best greetings to each of you for a safe, healthy and peaceful season!

RO:
Dragii mei,
Cu această ocazie vă trimit în dar la fiecare câte un Mărţişor însoţit de gânduri bune pentru o primăvară deosebită, plină de soare, pace şi multe bucurii alături de toţi cei dragi vouă!

Ghioceii – simbolul curat al primăverii

● My previous greetings on the same theme: 
"Mărțișor" 2020, "Mărțișor" 2019

February 24, 2021: “DRAGOBETE” Day

An old Romanian custom featuring Love 

While Valentine’s Day is mostly related to people (a well-known saint and those he helped) and their actions in the name of love, “DRAGOBETE” is a very old and truly beautiful Romanian festive holiday associated with the arrival of spring as well as romantic love.
While no one really knows exactly when "Dragobete" started, it is believed to go way back to ancient Romania (aka "Dacian Kingdom").
In early myths, "Dragobete" is the son of Dochia and is seen as somewhat of a Divine God. He was often said to be seen riding a flying white horse during daylight hours and is considered a symbol of spring and light. It is said that his magical presence could make the trees flower, insects, and birds to multiply and can turn men and women into lovers. He is the Romanian version of Cupid – bringing love and life with him.

Celebrated each year on February 24^th, this holiday is linked to the time of the year when birds build their nests and mate, being mostly connected with nature. As the first signs of spring begin to show, nature & man begin a new cycle of life and love. What better reason to celebrate nature, new beginnings, hope, joy, while singing, dancing & hugging your loved one?

Wishing you all a beautiful day & a great spring!

● A previous post I've created on the same theme, featuring this old tradition: ”DRAGOBETE” Day – 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). 

Love and few highlights of the coming spring, in 2021

~ Romanian literary evening featuring Valentine’s Day, “Dragobete” & “Mărțișor” ~

On Sunday (February 14’21), I was glad to be able to organize a gathering together with a handful of close friends meant to celebrate Love and the coming spring, while emphasizing three seasonal holidays that are near and dear to our hearts, such as: Valentine’s Day, “Dragobete” & “Mărțișor”.

On the other hand, as the entire worlds continues to observe a large variety of restrictions concerning the ongoing pandemic, we are proceeding with our events adopting for the time being the ‘on line’ approach.

At our evening together, I was welcoming my guests with a short fragment from a well-known Romanian classical masterpiece, called “Crai nou” (composed by the Romanian Ciprian Porumbescu, who was one of the most celebrated composers of his time, 1853-1883). Why this musical piece? I chose it because "Crai nou" in Romanian language (colloquially speaking) means "new moon", and on February 14^th (astronomically speaking), it is new moon in our part of the world.  
After everyone settled in, I began the evening with a concise slide show (published below), just to briefly refresh some facts pertaining the discussion points covered by the chosen theme. For your reference, here is some additional background info:

Valentine’s Day (February 14):
Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. This originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
“Dragobete”  (February 24):
“Dragobete” is a spring festival celebrated in several parts of Southern Romania, and in recent times it has been rekindled (after having been ignored during the Communist years) as the traditional Romanian holiday for lovers. The holiday is named after a character from the Romanian folklore, named “Dragobete” (who is believed to be son of Baba Dochia. In Romanian mythology, ‘Baba Dochia” is an old figure identified with the return of spring).
The date of this spring holiday used to vary depending on the geographical areas, but nowadays is commonly observed on February 24^th.
“Mărțișor” (March 1)
The name “Mărțișor” (mərt͡siˈʃor) is the diminutive of “Marț”, the old folk name for March (“martie”, in modern Romanian language), & literally means "the little March". As I’ve mentioned few times before, the actual “Mărțișor” is made of a small decorative object, tied to a white & red string, with two hanging tassels, which is offered customarily on the 1st day of March to girls, women & men (in some parts of the country) as it is believed that the wearer will stay strong & healthy throughout the entire year ahead. In the old times “Mărțișor” was regarded more as a protective talisman, but in modern days, &especially in the urban areas, most of its talisman properties got lost and “Mărțișor” became more of a symbol of friendship, love, appreciation & respect, as well as a symbol of the coming spring.

At our gathering, our dear friend Dorina read us a fragment from an essay she wrote (circulated by "Observatorul" from Toronto, & with Dorina's permission, the entire essay is published in comments section), which we all enjoyed as she mentioned a number of famous love stories belonging to Romanian history.

Next, Teodor recited few poems (personal compositions) and delighted us with few songs (also, personal compositions).
Then all my guests highly spoke about love, heart-warming memories were shared, while lots of (national & international) traditions and legends were reiterated, more poems were recited and few additional songs were interpreted – individually and as a group….needless to say how much fun we all had!

Yet again, the time we spent together flew by very fast, but it left behind such a pleasant and relaxing feeling of “joie de vivre”. 
Definitively, a beautiful evening filled with lots of special moments and for these I’m sending along my most sincere appreciation to each participant that night.
Until next time, best wishes for a peaceful rest of the season and a fragrant spring to come!
Alice

"LOVE is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend." 

This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture. 

● Previous events I organized on the same concepts: Love, Spring &“Mărțișor”– 2020, 2019

● Some of my additional greetings referring to VALENTINE's Day – 2021, 2020, 2019 

"Mărțișor" – 2020, 2019   | "DRAGOBETE" – 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). 

February 14, 2021: Happy VALENTINE’s Day!

Dear friends, may the day find you close to those you love!

Plant Kindness, Grow Love 

● My previous greetings on the same theme: VALENTINE's Day – 2020, 2019

Clearly focus on what really matters

As time goes by and life continues to unfold on front of our eyes, a fairly large spectrum of situations emphasizing the 'art of living' are occurring...from small and trivial to big and significant...some of those inspire us, while others make us more vigilant or attentive, but all together (if we choose to pay attention and care) help each of us distinguish and objectively prioritize the most important matters in our personal, professional or social lives.
To further emphasize the point I intend to make, below I'm sharing with you a very popular story, which I'm sure most of you already know, but worth reviewing. Enjoy it!

Story: "The jar of life - rocks, pebbles and sand"
A philosophy professor once stood before his class with a large empty jar. He filled the jar with large rocks and then asked his students if the jar was full. 
He then added small pebbles to the jar and asked again, "Is this jar full now?"
The students agreed that the jar was indeed full. 
 The professor then poured sand into the jar and asked them again if the jar was full.
The students agreed that the jar was finally full.
The professor went on to explain that the jar signifies one's life.
The rocks are equivalent to the most important things in your life, such as family, health and relationships. If the pebbles and the sand were lost, the jar would still be full and your life would still have meaning.
The pebbles represent the other things that matter in your life, such as your work, school and house. These things often come and go, and are not permanent or essential to your overall well-being. And finally, the sand represents the remaining small stuff and material possessions in your life. These things don't mean much to your life as a whole and are likely only done to waste time or get small tasks accomplished.
The metaphor here is that if you start with putting sand into the jar, you will not have room for rocks or pebbles. This holds true for the things you let into your life too.

Moral:
Things and people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, and when you figure out which it is then you will know exactly what to do.
Aside of that, it helps to be reminded that only when you let go of what doesn't bring you joy any longer, you could create space for better things to enter into  your life. 
Elders often used to say that it is important to do well for yourself without harming others, but also equally important it is to make sure you help others without harming yourself. 
To be happy you must let go completely of what's gone, be grateful for what remains and with lucid positivity look forward to what is coming next.

High performance in life always begins with clarity.