Our Life's Window

                       Chicago foi meu lar por alguns anos, e enquanto me preparo para partir, sinto um profundo sentimento de gratidão. Embora os invernos frequentemente fossem frio demais para o meu gosto, a beleza da cidade nunca deixou de me surpreender. Da janela do meu apartamento, eu podia ver a imensidão do Lago Michigan, cujas águas mudavam de cor conforme as estações — azul profundo no verão, cinza prateado no inverno. A vista foi minha companheira silenciosa, uma fonte de calma tanto nos dias felizes quanto nos difíceis. Empacotar minha vida em duas malas pareceu surreal. Cada item cuidadosamente dobrado carregava um pedaço da minha história, mas percebi que as verdadeiras memórias viviam dentro de mim, não nas coisas que possuo. A França me espera, com suas promessas de novos começos, e tudo o que possuo pode ser levado comigo nas mãos. Parece certo, até necessário, recomeçar sem o peso físico da vida que deixo par...

Chicago has been my home for years, and as I prepare to leave, a deep sense of gratitude fills me. Though the winters often bit too hard for my liking, the city’s beauty never ceased to amaze me. From the window of my apartment, I could see the endless stretch of Lake Michigan, its waters changing color with the seasons — deep blue in the summer, a silvery gray in the winter. The view has been my silent companion, a source of calm during both joyful and difficult days. Packing my life into two suitcases felt surreal. Each item folded neatly away carried a piece of my story, yet I realized that the true memories lived within me, not in my belongings. France awaits me, with its promises of new beginnings, and everything I own that will travel with me can be carried by hand. It feels right, even necessary, to start anew without the physical weight of my past life following too closely. Chicago has given me beautiful memories. The city has an old soul, hidden behind its modern skyline....

  “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” ( Eleanor Roosevelt | by Daily Reflections ! | Medium ) This powerful encouragement from Eleanor Roosevelt sets the tone for why dreaming matters. Dreams may sometimes feel impossible, but they keep hope alive and give you courage when life feels uncertain. When you allow yourself to dream, it is like lighting a lamp in the dark: you create a pathway toward a brighter future. Never stop dreaming; your dreams provide meaning and hold the pieces of your life together. Sometimes life doesn’t go exactly as you imagine. It’s natural to feel disappointed when a dream doesn’t materialize right away. But remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s wise words: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” ( Jesuit Resource - Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes ) In other words, setbacks are just small chapters in your story, not the end of the book. Don’t let broken dreams dim your inner light. Losing hope only breeds negativ...

  Throughout life, we are constantly influenced by those around us — family, friends, mentors — but there is a special place reserved for those individuals we choose to look up to, those we call our idols. These figures, often distant yet profoundly close in spirit, shape the way we think, act, and dream. Reflecting on my own journey, I realize how much of who I am today stems from the silent guidance of people whose lives and achievements resonated deeply with me. From a young age, I found inspiration in the stories of remarkable individuals. Some were historical figures whose courage and wisdom transcended time. Others were ordinary people in my life who exhibited extraordinary kindness, resilience, or strength. These idols provided a kind of map for my own life, showing me what was possible, how to behave with dignity, and how to persevere through challenges. What amazes me is that this guidance did not stop as I grew older. In fact, it matured with me. As I aged, so did my id...

Growing older is a part of life that many people fear. Some try to fight it by avoiding birthdays, hiding their age, or even refusing to socialize because they feel they no longer fit in. Others might spend too much time worrying about wrinkles or comparing themselves to younger people. Sadly, very few people seem genuinely happy about aging. But there are those special few who find joy in getting older. They smile more, laugh often, and live each day with a sense of purpose. What makes the difference? It all comes down to mindset and having a guide to aging gracefully. We all go through the natural stages of life: childhood, adulthood, and eventually old age. Each phase brings its own beauty, challenges, and opportunities. While we can't stop time, we can choose how we respond to it. Aging gracefully means accepting these changes with an open heart and a positive attitude. It means living fully, being proud of who we are, and embracing the present moment rather than longing for...

  At a time in life when many people expect you to slow down, sit still, and surrender to decline, I decided to do the opposite—I moved to another country. At 80, I chose to begin again: in a new land, with a new language, and an entirely new rhythm of life. Not because it was easy, but because it was necessary—for my spirit, for my growth, and for my own sense of what is possible in later life. We often associate aging with loss—of mobility, of memory, of relevance. But I see aging as an opportunity to expand, not shrink. Yes, when the body slows down, the mind can follow—if we let it. But I don’t want to let it. I believe that even in our later years, we can continue to challenge ourselves, remain curious, and stay open to connection. Moving to a new country is my way of refusing to settle into limitation. Some might call it reckless. I call it courageous. Because I’m not just proving to others that life can begin again at any age—I’m proving it to myself. Starting over at 80...

People have great fears and worries about getting old, but are these concerns valid, or are they another response to society's perception and pressure about aging? The dominant narrative surrounding aging is often one of decline, weakness, and loss. However, what if these fears are not rooted in reality but rather in a carefully crafted societal message designed to shape our expectations? As we grow older, we tend to believe that we can no longer perform life’s tasks effectively, that we are not strong enough to compete with younger people, and that we must accept a diminished role in society. But this assumption is largely incorrect. The reality is that our mental and physical abilities do not inevitably deteriorate because of age alone; rather, they decline when we internalize the negative messages repeatedly imposed on us. These messages create self-fulfilling prophecies, influencing our mindset and, consequently, our physical health and abilities. The Economic Agenda Behind Agi...

  Have you ever experienced a moment where your mind feels completely blank? You sit there, trying to think, but nothing comes to you. Your thoughts feel stuck, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to accomplish anything. This feeling of mental emptiness can be frustrating and even depressing. It can make you feel disconnected from everything around you as if your brain has shut down. These empty-minded moments can happen to anyone. They may last for a few minutes, hours, or even days. You might feel lost, unsure of what to do, and overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. It can feel as if your ideas are too weak to fill the void in your mind. However, the good news is that there are ways to overcome these moments and regain your mental clarity. Understanding Empty-Minded Moments Empty-minded moments often occur when we are mentally exhausted, overwhelmed, or stressed. Our brains process so much information every day, and sometimes they need a break. When we push oursel...

  Como se Recriar: Abraçando a Mudança e Superando Medos Recriar-se é uma jornada ousada e transformadora que exige autoconsciência, coragem e persistência. Em 2025, meu desafio é redefinir quem sou—tornar-me alguém livre do medo de começar coisas novas e eliminar comportamentos ou situações que me fazem sentir desvalorizada. Essa jornada é profundamente pessoal, mas muitos podem se identificar com ela, pois, muitas vezes, sentimos como se fôssemos adolescentes novamente, tentando impressionar os outros apenas fazer "parte to grupo". Compreendendo o Medo Humano O medo é uma resposta instintiva e natural, projetada para nos proteger do perigo. Ele está enraizado na amígdala do cérebro, que desencadeia nossas reações de luta, fuga ou paralisia. Embora esse mecanismo seja essencial para a sobrevivência, ele também pode criar barreiras desnecessárias em nossas vidas. O medo frequentemente nasce de experiências passadas, pressões sociais ou da incerteza sobre o desconhecido. Po...

  How to Recreate Yourself: Embracing Change and Overcoming Fears Recreating yourself is a bold and transformative journey that requires self-awareness, courage, and persistence. For 2025, my challenge is to redefine who I am—to become someone free of the fear of starting new things and to eliminate behaviors or situations that make me feel unvalued. This journey is deeply personal, yet it is one many can relate to, as it often feels like being a teenager again, striving to impress others just to belong. Understanding Human Fear Fear is a natural, instinctive response designed to protect us from danger. It is rooted in the brain’s amygdala, which triggers our fight, flight, or freeze responses. While this mechanism is essential for survival, it can also create unnecessary barriers in our lives. Fear often stems from past experiences, societal pressures, or the uncertainty of the unknown. For example, fear of failure may originate from earlier moments of disappointment or criticism,...

 Somos parte da natureza—nossa respiração e nosso espírito estão intrinsecamente conectados a ela. A natureza nos envolve com sua beleza em cores, formas, aromas e tamanhos, muitas vezes além do que as palavras podem descrever. Do sussurro do vento nas árvores ao suave murmúrio de um riacho, cada aspecto da natureza nos convida a pausar, refletir e nos reconectar com nosso verdadeiro eu. Os povos indígenas sempre demonstraram profundo respeito e reverência pela natureza. Suas vidas estão intimamente ligadas aos seus ritmos e ciclos. A natureza influencia todos os aspectos de sua existência, guiando suas práticas espirituais, físicas e culturais. Essa conexão profunda é um testemunho do poder de viver em harmonia com o mundo natural. Da mesma forma, sinto que a natureza tem um impacto profundo em minha vida. Quando me sinto sem energia ou sobrecarregada pelo estresse, uma simples caminhada no parque faz maravilhas. Abraçar uma árvore, um ato que pode parecer incomum para alguns, re...

  Society often categorizes people by age, prescribing unspoken "rules" for behavior, appearance, and even aspirations. This approach can be limiting and diminish the individuality and potential of each person. These societal expectations often create a framework that confines us, suggesting what we can or cannot do, wear, or pursue at different stages of life. But the truth is, it’s never too late to break free from these age ‘manuals’ and live authentically. Breaking Free from Age-Based Expectations "It’s never too late to start something new – a hobby, a project, or even a career!" This simple yet powerful statement serves as a reminder that our lives are ours to design. Whether it’s learning a new skill, dressing in a way that expresses your personality, or pursuing a long-held dream, there’s no expiration date on self-expression or self-discovery. Age should never dictate our choices or limit our potential. Yet, society’s fixation on age-based "guidelines...

Every year, I take the time to write down my New Year’s goals. This practice has become a vital part of my life, helping me create a clear vision for the year ahead. As I prepare for 2025, I ask myself: Should I make resolutions, or should I focus on setting specific goals? The choice comes down to how detailed and actionable my plan is. To succeed, it is crucial to be specific and set a realistic time frame to accomplish what you aim to achieve. Any plan that lacks clear descriptions and timelines is likely to fail. Well-defined goals provide a roadmap to achieve what you envision. While resolution is a general idea of the change we want to make in our lives. To create a solid New Year’s plan, it’s essential to blend your reflections on the past year with your drive for continuous growth. Reflection allows you to identify what worked well, what didn’t, and what you want to change. Your drive for growth ensures that you stay motivated to take actionable steps toward improvement. How...

I’ve often asked myself:  "What does old age mean?" Is it determined by how you look, how your body feels, or how well your brain functions? Perhaps old age is tied to the way you remember things or manage your daily activities. Despite my searches, I have yet to find a satisfying article explaining what old age means. Are there any rules to define old age? In the United States, a person is often considered "old" at the age of 60. But how was 60 determined to be the marker of old age?   It’s difficult to define aging because so many factors contribute to how we age and how we feel about it. Our physical appearance, the quality of life we experience, our mental faculties, and even our genetics all play a role. Defining old age by a number is an oversimplification of a complex process. For instance, while middle age is generally considered to be between 40 and 60, aging is so much more nuanced than simply reaching a particular age milestone. Why? Because many of us ca...

  It's entirely natural to have a fear of getting older. In fact, this fear is quite common, as aging brings many uncertainties. Concerns about health, financial security, loneliness, and the ability to manage daily needs often come to mind. These worries can feel overwhelming, but the key to dealing with them is to face them head-on, rather than allowing them to spiral into anxiety. By acknowledging these fears and having an honest conversation with ourselves, we can realize that the likelihood of these scenarios happening is often slimmer than they appear—especially if we take the time to prepare properly for our later years. One of the most effective ways to address the fear of aging is to understand that it’s largely about the unknown. The unknown can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. By taking a proactive approach to our future, we can mitigate many of the fears that come with aging. The first step is recognizing the specific fears that bother us most and ...

No one wants to feel alone or socially isolated, but as we age, many of us lose friends and family and sometimes end up alone. Our social conditions significantly influence our relationships. Factors such as limited resources, lack of public transportation, absence of parks, or living in an isolated area far from the city can contribute to social isolation. Many people prefer to live far from large cities, where there is a lot of hustle and bustle, so they decide to live in isolation, far from their families, which leads to loneliness. Studies show that this lack of social connection can negatively affect our health. People who live alone have difficulty reintegrating into the community and believe they are happy living without social contact. This is a significant problem. Interestingly, social isolation and loneliness are not limited to the elderly. In today's society, young people, especially those between the ages of 18 and 22, often live alone and choose to stay home after wor...