Category: Uncategorized

The Power of Gentleness

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In a world that often celebrates assertiveness and dominance, gentleness can be overlooked or even misunderstood as a sign of weakness. However, gentleness is a profound strength, offering a compassionate and thoughtful approach to interacting with others and ourselves. It involves patience, understanding, and a willingness to listen and empathize. Gentleness is not about being passive or submissive but about choosing to respond with calmness and care, even in the face of provocation or challenge.

A gentle approach helps to diffuse tension and conflict. By responding calmly, we can navigate stressful situations more effectively, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious environment. Gentleness allows us to be more in tune with our emotions and those of others. This emotional intelligence helps us manage our feelings better and respond to others with empathy and compassion.

Choose your words carefully and speak with kindness. Give others space to express themselves without interruption or judgment. Put yourself in others’ shoes. Try to understand their perspectives and feelings before reacting. This empathetic approach can transform interactions and resolve conflicts. Engage in small acts of kindness daily. Whether it’s offering a smile, holding the door open, or simply saying thank you, these gestures of gentleness can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect of positivity.

Love,

Carmen

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Happy Mother’s Day

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Dear Friends,

As the sun rose on this seemingly perfect day, I couldn’t help but think of Ion Creanga’s words about his mother. His description of his mother in “Childhood Memories” was so beautifully crafted and it stirred up conflicted emotions within me. Memories of my own childhood and relationship with my mother came rushing back, both happy and painful.

“Asa era ea mama in vremea copilariei mele, plina de minunatii, pe cat mi-aduc si eu aminte. Si-mi aduc bine aminte, caci bratele ei m-au leganat cand ii sugeam tata cea dulce si ma alintam la sanu-i, gangurind si uitandu-ma in ochi-i cu drag! Si sange din sangele ei si carne din carnea ei am imprumutat, si a vorbi de la dansa am invatat. Iar intelepciunea de la Dumnezeu, cand vine vremea de a pricepe omul ce-i bine si ce-i rau.”

That’s how my mother was during my childhood—full of wonders— as far as I can remember. And I remember it well because her arms rocked me as I fed and cuddled at her sweet breast, babbling and looking into her eyes fondly! And blood from her blood and flesh from her flesh I borrowed and speaking also from her I learned. And wisdom from God I received when the time came to understand right and wrong.

Ion Creanga, Amintiri din copilarie (Childhood Memories)

There comes a time when we must stop criticizing our mothers. It seems that we never stop blaming the mothers.  What I want to say today is: Can we take a break—just for one day —and show them some compassion? Because being a perfect mother is an unattainable goal. Our expectations of mothers are unrealistic. We expect our mothers to embody Mother Mary, Mother Theresa, Superwoman, and Gaia, all at once. It’s an unforgiving standard of perfection.

May God have mercy on your mother if she ever falls short. May He have mercy on her if she is exhausted and overwhelmed. May He guide her when she doesn’t understand her kids. May He grant her strength if she has desires and longings. May He be with her in moments of terror, despair, hopelessness, confusion, or rage. May He be there for her if life disappoints her. May He support her if she struggles with addiction or a mental illness. And may we forgive her if she ever breaks down or loses control because we often brand mothers as “bad” for any mistakes they make.

Today, instead of judging mothers, let’s take a moment to show them mercy. And if you are a mother yourself and constantly scold yourself for not measuring up …can you release that burden for just one day?  Just for today. Let us show kindness and compassion towards mothers.

Love,

Carmen




Sometimes, you have to choose yourself

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There was a time when you longed for people to love and accept you. You hoped they would see the truth and messages within you. But they turned a blind eye, their words and actions pushing you further away until you were left alone with your shattered hopes and broken heart. Yet still, you clung to the belief that things would change, making excuses for their behavior until one day you couldn’t take it anymore.

The pain inflicted upon you, the manipulative tactics used against you, and the harsh revelations you could no longer ignore consumed you completely. And at that moment, you decided to remove yourself from that group, friendship, or relationship and chose your well-being and self-love above all else.

It may not have been an easy choice, met with understanding or support from others. But deep down, you know it was the right one: cutting ties with a destructive path that could only lead to your downfall. As difficult as it may be, trust and believe in yourself as you bravely walk away from what once seemed like an unbreakable bond because sometimes choosing peace and self-preservation is the most courageous act of all.

Love,

Carmen

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Enchanting Woman

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Beware the woman who reads, for she is not just a mere mortal. She feels with a depth that can drown you, writes with a passion that can consume you. Do not be enchanted by her cultured facade, for beneath it lies madness and chaos.

Do not dare to love a woman who knows her own mind, who navigates life fearlessly and spreads her wings to fly. Beware of falling for one whose body transforms into an ethereal spirit. A woman who loves poetry is the most dangerous kind, and one who loses herself in art without ever losing sight of reality.

Do not dream of loving a woman who is witty, intelligent, and unafraid to challenge authority. For once you fall under her spell, there is no going back. Whether she stays or leaves, whether she loves you or not, she will leave a mark on your heart and soul. You will never be the same again. From her, you will never recover…

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Echoes Across Time Review

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https://www.einpresswire.com/article/678695537/echoes-across-time-receives-high-praise-from-manhattan-book-review

Echoes Across Time

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I am introducing my latest novel, Echoes Across Time, a heartwarming holiday tale that weaves the magic of Christmas into a story of resilience, love, and the enduring bonds that connect us across generations. You will meet Sophie, a woman navigating through a tumultuous period of her life, marked by job loss, a breakup, and the unexpected passing of her beloved grandmother, Dolores. Christmas, a time they had planned to spend together, now feels lonely and devastating for Sophie.

Alone on Christmas Eve, Sophie finds solace in an unlikely place–a cab driven by Armando. In a heartfelt conversation, Armando becomes a source of comfort, reminding Sophie that she is not truly alone. He drops her off at the Red Couch Inn, where the compassionate owner and the promise of a Christmas morning brunch offer a glimmer of hope.

As Sophie settles in, the story takes an unexpected turn. A power outage plunges the inn into darkness, leading Sophie to an enchanting encounter with the night sky. However, a slip on the icy ground leaves her disoriented, and as she searches for the inn, a mysterious transformation occurs, altering her reality.

What follows is a journey where nothing is as it seems, blurring the lines between past and present. Echoes Across Time not only explores Sophie’s experience but delves into the grief that Dolores endured, having lost her brother Carl on Christmas Day.

This novel transforms sorrow into a magical Christmas miracle. It is an invitation to embrace the enchantment of the season and discover the enduring connections that transcend time.

I encourage you to visit my Amazon page to make this novel a part of your holiday reading collection. May Echoes Across Time bring warmth and joy to your homes this Christmas season.

https://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Across-CARMEN-MONICA-OPREA/B0CP45MN5X

Reviews

Echoes Across Time

Love,

Carmen Oprea

Reflections on Life: Embracing the Uncharted Paths

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Countless times, we have found ourselves pondering the alternate paths our lives might have taken if we had chosen one decision over another. Many moons in the past, someone asked me the intriguing question of why I enjoy writing. It made me pause, for no one had ever inquired about this aspect of my life before. After a brief moment of contemplation, I burst into laughter. Why do we eat? Why does the rain descend from the sky? Where does the river ultimately merge with the sea? Is there more life beyond our Earthly confines?

Attempting to answer such a question is akin to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. When I face a blank page, it’s as if I’m confronted with the dawn of a new day. Each morning, I begin outlining grand plans for the day, only to reach the realization that sometimes, it is wisest to let the minutes and hours guide me. While social expectations dictate the necessity of achieving something tangible by day’s end, I’ve come to embrace the notion that there are days when simply putting one foot in front of the other, breathing a bit more freely, and wearing a brighter smile is accomplishment enough. Not every day needs to be a whirlwind of activity.

I’ve learned that the most joyous moments often unfold during the unhurried, quiet breaks.

Love,

Carmen

Living in the Present Moment

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The past is a memory, and the future is uncertain. The only moment we truly have is the present one. Letting go of excessive worry about the future or dwelling on the past enables us to live in the moment. Being fully present allows us to savor life’s small joys, appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, and connect more deeply with the people around us. It’s a reminder that life’s true beauty lies in the now.

In the art of letting go, we find liberation, clarity, and an enhanced sense of well-being. It’s a journey to self-discovery, personal growth, and living a more authentic and joyful life. So, embrace the beauty of letting things go, and allow your life to flourish with newfound lightness and freedom.

Love,

Carmen