Back to “regular life” now, leaving Italia, yet bringing back some sweet little life lessons I will be applying to my own daily doings:
1. Slow down. There is always time to sit and have your coffee, instead of taking it to-go. Every meal should be savored and there should be time to just enjoy between each bite. If you/he/they/it is running a little late, it really is going to be okay.
2. Walk more. Easier said than done while in a town with fab public transit, but it is also easy to walk to your nearest store instead of drive. It is easy to take the stairs instead of the elevator. It is easy to walk your dog every evening (and even stop and smell some roses).
3. Eat more carbs, count calories less. One of the most fabulous parts of my experience in Italy was the food, obviously. Every course was fantastic and every session included carbs. I don’t eat many here and despite all the olive oil, wine and cheese, my system responded fabulously to the diet (and exercise). We don’t have to count every calorie if we’re taking good care of our bodies as a whole.
4. Dress up. Generally, my style is pretty casual. I like to wear my reefs and my beaters and my really ripped jeans when it’s hot. But the Italians taught me that a scarf and a pair of boots can top off your whole look. A leather satchel, a nice coat and possibly a fun hat are all you need to accessorize the blandest of outfits (which uh, most of mine are). Dress up a notch. You’ll feel better about yourself.
5. Show more love. It’s typical in Europe and especially as I’ve now seen in Italy to show affection in public, or as we contact phobic Americans refer to as PDA. Let’s not be afraid of it, but love it. Love one another! Hold hands, hug, kiss and do it often!
6. It is always a good idea to buy women flowers. Picture this: a tall man in a suit and trench coat sits at a cafe on the street one Wednesday evening, reading a paper and drinking a glass of wine. He sits next to his brown leather satchel and a dozen red roses. He finishes his read and his drink, pays his bill, and strolls off into the moonlight carrying the flowers to his lady. Movie scene, right? Nope, just regular every day life in Rome. Most women love flowers. So next time you think to buy some for her, do it.
7. Laugh more. Life is too short to have a furled brow all the time. Surround yourself with people you respect, appreciate and love and have fun. Tease one another, make light of the heavy stuff and always, always enjoy your time together.
I suppose that’s it for now. The deeper and more meaningful lessons are yet to unfold as I return back to the States and adjust back to regular daily life. But these points I’ve taken strongly so watch out people, I’m going to be walking to Cafe Lucca for coffee, eating pasta, accessorizing, laughing and buying flowers like you’ve never seen. It’s safe to say I’m going to be fun to hang out with this fall…because I’ve got good Italian stuff seeping outta my pores right now. Come and get some.
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rooz - You should totally become a professional photographer. Oh wait…