The Joys Of Italy!

Every year I go, Italy reminds me of the important things in life.

Two years ago, my husband and I got seated in the corner at our favorite beach club, after requesting a seat by the water. I was super bummed, because that view is one of my favorite in the world, and I had been looking forward to having a special lunch there all year, since our last trip. Then a group of five Italians came in, who clearly knew the staff well, and were seated next to us in the corner despite asking, as we did, to sit by the water. The hostess had said to both of us, “These are great seats, too; it’s just a different view.”

She turned out to be right. It was a different view, a synchrotastic one, indeed!!!

Before we left NY, the manager at one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants told us the owners were in Capri, wrote their first names down on the restaurant card and told us to ask for them when we were in Capri. My husband and I both laughed thinking, “There is no way we are going to find them there!”

Guess who was sitting next to us the day we got the “bad” table?!!! Enzo and Pepe, the owners of our favorite neighborhood restaurant. They were a part of the group of five Italians!

This year we never made it to our favorite beach club because it rained three out of our four days in Capri. At dinner the second night, my husband commented on how relaxed I looked. Because it was raining, we slept in, read books, sat in the square people-watching, and took beautiful walks in the breaks between the rain showers. Again, I was forced to let go of expectations and gained a new view as a result. It was a different trip, and ironically, a more relaxing one with no pressure to go anywhere or do anything.

Thanks Italy, for teaching me how to live la dolce vita (“the good life”).

Do less,
let go and relax more,
surrender to the moment,
let go of expectations,
and be more present to the joys of life:

Watching and listening to the rain fall,
Enjoying quiet moments,
Savoring pure, simple flavors,
Just being with myself and the man I love.

In the spirit of Italy, I invite you to see if you can be present to all your possibilities and take note of all the beautiful moments, people and FOOD in your life today!