Italy

My husband and I moved to Italy a year and a half ago. This is the view from my home office. I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure that I am not dreaming...to remind myself that this is real. Friends "back home" have asked me why? Friends in our new home echo the same sentiment, why?

Why would we leave the US and come to a country where we don't speak the language? Where we don't know the customs? Where everyone walks to the store, instead of getting into their car to drive the 2 miles? Where kids still play outside, have music and art class, learn multiple languages and are taught respect for each themselves and each other?

Why would we leave a country so divided? A country where neighbors don't know each other's names? Where dinner comes in from a drive-through and, for some, books are a luxury? Why would we come to a country where families still eat together? Meals take 3-5 hours and kids participate in the conversation?

Look at the view from my office. Life here moves slower. At first, that was difficult for me. I have so much going on, I have always felt like if I wasn't running, I wasn't accomplishing. Now, I walk with my husband and take our daughter to school. Then, we walk through town, maybe stopping for an espresso, maybe not, and then wander on home. We have reconnected with each other, with our children and more importantly with ourselves. 

I know who I am now. I know what I want. I am more focused, so I accomplish more in less time. I spend more time connecting with friends; whether through Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp or in person, I make more time for connection. I practice compassion. I practice kindness and encourage others to do the same. I live. I live fully engaged in now. Living more slowly, more deliberately does that to you...brings you back to yourself. 

So, I live in Italy now. I sit in my office, overlooking the Alps and I ask "why wouldn't I?"

EnJoy, Love and Light,

Rene'