Have you ever stopped to reflect on the true meaning behind the celebration of Easter? Far beyond the colorful chocolate eggs and sugared almonds, Easter is a festivity filled with history, symbolism, and traditions that span centuries and intertwine with our deepest family memories. Since my childhood days, Easter has always been a magical and emotionally charged time for me. It goes beyond the simple act of enjoying a piece of chocolate or embarking on an egg hunt. This celebration has always held deep meaning and a special touch, thanks to the tireless dedication and unconditional love of my mother. I vividly recall the sunny Easter afternoons when our garden would transform into an enchanted setting, filled with mystery and surprises. The egg hunt was not just a game but a tradition meticulously planned by my mother. She would strive to hide the eggs in surprisingly creative spots, craft enigmatic clues, and even leave little treasures and treats along the way. Every detail was carefully thought out to turn the egg hunt into an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure for all of us. But the magic of Easter in our family extended beyond just the egg hunt. It was a celebration of gathering, connection, and gratitude for life. It was the sacred moment when we would come together around the table to share infectious laughter, tell enchanting stories, reminisce about precious memories, and strengthen the emotional bonds that tie us together as a family. And what a wonderful Easter meal it was! The unmistakable aroma of oven-roasted lamb, mouth-watering homemade sweets, and deliciously crafted desserts were more than just dishes; they were tangible manifestations of my mother's love, care, and dedication. Each delicacy served at the table not only honored our family's culinary traditions but also symbolized the deep desire to provide a unique, meaningful, and affectionate gastronomic experience. For me, the true charm of Easter lies in the traditions that span generations, connect us with our roots, and remind us of the fundamental importance of family, love, and resilience. It is a time of spiritual and emotional renewal, where we can pause to reflect on lessons from the past, celebrate the joys of the present, and nurture hopes and dreams for a future full of possibilities and love.

February in Brazil usually goes along with Carnaval, one of the most famous events of my beloved country. Images of the colorful costumes and street parades are very recognizable almost all over the world. Maybe you’ve heard some Samba music or even traveled to Brazil during Carnaval and experienced for yourself this fervorous party that lasts for days on end throughout the whole country. However, very few people understand what Carnaval actually is: Why does it happen? When did it start? How does a whole country stop for a week to dance and get drunk? Even I, who grew up in Brazil, didn’t know the answer for these questions until my adult years. In fact, a lot of Brazilians grow old without knowing why they spend a week per year wearing funny costumes and jumping along with loud music. Therefore, in this article, I will explain a little bit about the origins, the motive and the experience of Carnaval in Brazil. The word “Carnaval” has its origins in Latin language. “Carne Vale”, means “farewell to meat”. This is because Carnaval originated as a festival that happened 3 or 4 days before a period of religious abstinence of meat and sex, which Catholics call “Quaresma” in Portuguese or “Lent” in english. During this time, people would organize enormous parties and banquets as a form of consolation for the period of abstinence ahead. Versions of this event can be traced all the way back to babylonian times and usually happened also as a celebration of the end of winter in the northern hemisphere. That is why many European countries have their own versions of Carnaval, with the most famous one among them being the Venetian Carnaval, from which much of the modern aesthetics of this event are borrowed. Carnaval was brought to Brazil initially by Portuguese colonizers under the name “Entrudo” which signifies an “entry” into the period of Lent. Just like everything else that was brought to Brazil, Carnaval mixed itself with all sorts of different cultural traditions from the peoples that inhabited the land, such as the native peoples of Brazil and the African descendants that were brought in as slaves. The latter group contributed the most iconic element of Brazilian Carnaval, Samba music and dance. Although Carnaval looks and sounds different depending on the region of Brazil you go to, the most internationally famous version is the one that happens in Rio de Janeiro. In Rio, Carnaval is all about the competition of the Samba schools, each representing a different neighborhood in the city. These schools spend the whole year crafting songs, decorating cars and coreographing dances that will be shown during a beautiful parade at Avenida Marquês de Sapucaí. Still a question remains: Why do Brazilians take a whole week of the year to party even if most of them don’t abstain from meat and sex during Lent? That is very simple. We love music, dance, and parties. It liberates us, and we will take any chance to do it, anytime.

The beginning of a year! January is a month that many reflect on life, goals and changes. In January, people have the feeling of a fresh start, lots of plans and a new lifestyle. This climate was the basis for people to start the year also thinking about their mental health. It is possible to experience some melancholy or anguish during the New Year, and January is a time when many people are still weakened by this. So this is the ideal time to seek professional help and start taking care of your mind. The month of January was chosen for the White January campaign because it symbolizes a fresh start and to draw attention to mental health from the beginning of the year. Being mentally healthy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the state of well-being in which a person is able to perform their skills, deal with life's concerns, is able to work productively and contribute to their community. The White January campaign suggests that, at the beginning of the year, we all take some measures to improve our mental health: Reflect: with the arrival of the new year, are you ready to become a new person? So, take advantage of the moment of reflection to think about what you can change in your life to be happier. Accept cycles: just like the years that begin and end, life is also made up of cycles. Therefore, understand that if you are in a bad moment, it will pass. And a next stage, of reconstruction and joy, will arrive. So take the opportunity to prepare for the next cycle that will begin! Prepare to act: the habit of meditating and reflecting on what is happening to you is essential to achieving the mental state you desire. So, what can you do, what thoughts can you have, that can lead you to a healthier and happier life? You don't have to do everything alone. One of the objectives of White January is to demystify psychological support as a tool for caring for and maintaining good mental health. Assessing your capabilities includes seeking appropriate professional help to care for yourself. May this January be the beginning of many positive changes in your life.

As we welcome the new year, it's natural to reflect on the experiences that shaped our growth in the previous year. Let's explore how to deal with what we left behind, the persistent internal conflicts and unresolved issues we carry with us. Starting a new year often involves looking back on what has happened. However, it is crucial to distinguish between what we can control and what is beyond our control. As Viktor Frankl wisely observed, "between the stimulus and the response, there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response." Recognizing this freedom of choice is the first step towards letting go of what no longer serves us. Some experiences from the previous year can linger, shaping our outlook and influencing our emotional well-being. By cultivating gratitude and acceptance, we can begin to mold a more resilient mindset towards what we carry with us. Internal conflicts often arise from unmet expectations and challenged self-perceptions. By exploring these common patterns of dysfunctional thinking, we can develop strategies to challenge and modify negative thoughts, promoting a healthier view of ourselves and the world around us. Unresolved issues can persist as sources of ongoing stress. Dealing with unresolved issues by expressing authenticity and emotions is an effective approach to transforming challenges into opportunities for personal growth. When dealing with internal conflicts and unresolved issues, it is vital to adopt constructive coping strategies. Mindfulness practice, based on the Buddhist tradition, offers techniques for cultivating full attention to the present moment, reducing rumination about the past and anxiety about the future. By letting go of what no longer serves us, it is essential to embrace hope and tranquility. By focusing our attention on our strengths and the support of interpersonal relationships, we can face the new year with renewed optimism. At the start of this year, I invite everyone to commit to the journey of self-knowledge and growth. By confronting our inner conflicts, resolving unfinished business and cultivating a positive mindset, we build the foundations for a year full of possibilities and achievements. With renewed hope and peace of mind, we wish you a new year full of success and emotional well-being. References: Frankl, V. E. (1984). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press. Rogers, C. R. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal relationships, as developed in the client-centered framework. In (ed.) S. Koch, Psychology: A Study of a Science. McGraw-Hill. Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421.

As we approach the end of 2023, I'd like to reflect with you on the challenges and achievements that have marked this year. The past year has undoubtedly been full of diverse experiences that have shaped our individual and collective journeys. Now, with the arrival of 2024 in sight, it's the right time to reflect not only on the difficulties faced, but also on the opportunities for growth that have arisen. This period of transition invites us to consider how we can improve our approach to ourselves and others by focusing on core values. Over the past year, every challenge overcome, and every moment of overcoming has contributed to our collective resilience. Expressing gratitude, even in the face of adversity, can be a valuable tool for strengthening our spirit and maintaining a positive outlook. In a world that is increasingly connected virtually, the importance of genuine interpersonal relationships cannot be underestimated. In 2024, I invite you to invest time not only in external connections, but also in understanding yourself more deeply. By nurturing this inner relationship, we can promote stronger foundations for meaningful and healthy relationships. Accepting the complexity of life and embracing our imperfections are crucial aspects of the path to self-knowledge. In the coming year, I propose that we commit ourselves to practising self-compassion, recognising that vulnerability is an inherent part of the human experience. As we prepare to welcome 2024, I wish each of you a year of balance, learning and meaningful moments. May we cultivate relationships that bring lightness to our journeys and may this new year provide us with opportunities to achieve our goals. May 2024 be a chapter of serenity, growth, and success for all of us.