Concurso Cotina: Días de diciembre

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Hello steemians,

🎄 Was the month of November as you expected?

No, November was very different from what I had initially imagined, because I expected a relatively calm and structured month, where I could follow my usual routine without interruption and move forward quietly on my personal and professional projects, however, things did not go as planned, because from the first days of the month I felt physical pain in different parts of my body, pain that intensified to the point of preventing me from continuing my gym classes , an activity that occupies an important place in my daily life.

Sport, and in particular the gym, represents for me much more than a simple physical exercise: it is a way of disconnecting from stress, maintaining my energy, and feeling in harmony with my body and my mind, So this unexpected interruption disrupted my routine and forced me to rethink my priorities because I needed to focus on my health first and find alternative ways to take care of myself.

Despite this physical constraint, the month of November was not devoid of positive aspects. I had the opportunity to compensate for this lack of sporting activity by immersing myself in captivating reading, works which allowed me to broaden my knowledge and nourish my thinking on different subjects, these moments of reading, associated with rich and inspiring discussions with friends and colleagues, helped me to better understand some of my personal aspirations and to re-evaluate my objectives for future. It also gave me the time to ask myself questions about my general well-being and think about strategies to better balance my daily life, by integrating habits that do not depend solely on my physical capacity.

🎄 Is December a month that makes you feel nostalgic, happy, or a combination of both?

December is undoubtedly a month that evokes in me a subtle and deep mixture of nostalgia and happiness, feelings that intertwine closely to create a particular period, rich in emotions and reflections, nostalgia, first of all, manifest through childhood memories that resurface with astonishing intensity, taking me back to those simple but magical moments when that period meant the end of school for the holidays, reunions with loved ones and those days when time seemed slow down to allow us to take full advantage of the from one another.

These memories are imbued with the warmth of evenings spent with family, lively discussions, carefully prepared meals and this unique atmosphere which made each moment precious, this return to memories often fills me with a sweet melancholy, a reminder of the links strong and traditions that have marked my life and that continue to influence me. However, this nostalgia is perfectly balanced with a feeling of happiness and hope that also characterizes this month of December, it is a time when, despite the challenges of the past year, I feel renewed energy and a desire to turn the page to start a new chapter.

December represents a time for reflection for me, an opportunity to take stock of what I have accomplished, what I could have done differently, but also to dream and plan for the year to come, there is special beauty in this feeling of anticipation, in the idea that each new year brings its share of opportunities and possibilities, and this happiness often translates into a burst of creativity, a desire to set new goals and start again on solid bases.

🎄 Are there dates in this month that are special for you?

December 31 is a particularly special date for me, because it symbolizes a unique moment of transition where I find myself with my loved ones in a warm and friendly atmosphere to mark the end of a year and welcome the one that is coming with great hope and gratitude, although I do not celebrate Christmas in a religious way, this evening always remains a precious moment where we take the time to share a carefully prepared meal, to discuss the highlights of the past year and to project optimistically towards what what the future may have in store for us, it is an evening where the simplicity of exchanges, the happiness of being surrounded by loved ones, and the prospect of new beginnings create an atmosphere that is both serene and full of emotion.

In addition to this important date, another period of December has a very special meaning for me, because from December 22, I begin a tradition that I look forward to every year, that of going for a four-day stay in a hotel in Tabarka, this winter getaway has become a kind of essential ritual, a moment where I allow myself the luxury of getting away from the daily tumult to reconnect with nature and recharge my batteries in a breathtaking setting. Tabarka, with its landscapes of exceptional beauty, its mountains which blend harmoniously with the sea, its beaches lined with majestic pine trees, and its mild but invigorating winter climate, offers a unique experience which allows me to refocus and rediscover a inner peace, during these four days, I allow myself the time for long walks by the sea, where the fresh air and the soothing waves help me to free my mind from all the concerns accumulated over the month.

This stay in Tabarka is much more than a simple break, it is a true immersion in an atmosphere of serenity and reflection, a moment where I become aware of the importance of slowing down, appreciating each moment and preparing myself mentally and emotionally to welcome the new year with energy and optimism, these four days allow me to rediscover a certain harmony with myself and with my environment, and it is a tradition that I wish to preserve, because it brings me good -to be incomparable and a renewed outlook on life.

🎄 Do you have expectations, goals, plans drawn up for this last month of the year to achieve?

Yes, my expectations for December are many and varied, because this last month of the year represents for me a valuable opportunity to conclude what has been started and prepare myself for a new beginning, first of all, I would like to finalize some personal projects that are close to my heart, such as writing a detailed article on technical topics that I explored this year, a task that I have postponed for a long time but which seems important to me to share my knowledge and inspire others other people interested in these subjects, this also includes organizing an educational competition on Steemit, an activity that I find enriching not only for the participants but also for me, because it allows me to reinforce my role in the community while stimulating creativity and engagement.

At the same time, I aim to devote more time to my students to help them revise and prepare effectively for the challenges of the next school year; I want to develop interactive and engaging exercises that encourage them to develop their curiosity and their critical thinking, because I firmly believe that education is a powerful tool to enable them to realize their potential, this month of December will also be a period where I want to deepen my own skills by participating in online training or exploring new new digital tools which could enrich my methods education.

Finally, and this point is essential for me, I want to spend quality time with my family, take full advantage of their presence and express my gratitude to them for their constant support throughout the year, I am considering planning outings with family, such as outdoor walks or cultural visits, and sharing simple but meaningful moments around meals prepared together, this period will also be conducive to personal reflection, where I will take the time to take stock of the situation. year, to identify my successes and my learning, and to define clear and realistic objectives for the year to come.

🎄 What is a traditional Christmas day like in your home? What do you usually do: eat, drink, etc?

Although Christmas is not a holiday that I traditionally celebrate in its religious aspect, I still like to use this day as a special opportunity to spend time with my family and create warm memories, it is a day that I consider it a moment of relaxation and sharing, where we move away from everyday concerns to refocus on the essential: the joy of being together and savoring simple but precious moments.

On this day, we usually prepare a hearty meal that reflects the flavors of our local culture, while adding a festive touch. Among the dishes we like to cook, the tagine takes pride of place, prepared with fresh ingredients and flavored with spices that perfume the whole house, we also like to prepare a rich and generous couscous, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and sometimes garnished meat or fish depending on your mood. These dishes are often complemented by light starters, such as colorful salads or homemade appetizers, which add a touch of freshness and conviviality to the meal.

For dessert, we like to turn to sweet treats that recall the flavors of our childhood, such as traditional pastries, dried fruits, or even pancakes that we prepare together as a family, these moments in the kitchen are as important as the meal itself, because they strengthen bonds and allow us to share laughter and anecdotes while working side by side, when it comes to drinks, we favor natural juices, scented infusions, or simply a mint tea that we enjoy slowly, accompanied by discussions that often last until late in the afternoon.

This day is not only a culinary celebration, but also an opportunity to gather around a table, exchange stories, and remember the importance of gratitude and family love, even without tree nor the typical Christmas gifts, the atmosphere remains warm and authentic, marked by the pleasure of sharing simple and sincere moments with those dear to me, it is a personal tradition that I appreciate and which gives to this day a special meaning, focused on the essential and the little ones daily happiness.

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Thank you very much for reading, it's time to invite my friends @cruzamilcar63, @mvchacin, @adeljose to participate in this contest.

Best Regards,
@kouba01