* Red Orange or Yellow? What Color are We Today?
“in the zone”: (Cambridge Dictionary) “If you are in the zone, you are happy or excited because you are doing something very skillfully or easily.”
Life in a new place, a new zone, literally and figuratively… It’s no secret that I love and have loved Italy so it’s not exactly new territory but I do know that there’s a HUGE difference between visiting and loving a place, and living in a place… In any case, let me be clear, I had my eyes WIDE open…
I used to and still say that I wanted to “fall out the door and be surrounded by beauty”. And, for me, Florence has always personified that and it still does.
And, as hard as this may be to believe, I came with no expectations. I came ready to be flexible, adapt, make mistakes (and hopefully learn from them!), willing to always feel a little uncomfortable but be comfortable in my own skin, to be open to new experiences, to acknowledge there would be ups and downs but never entertain any doubt that this was the right thing for me to do.
“This is Your (New) Life” Moments
So, let me be clear – up front – I repeat: I’m not exactly sure where this is all going. I’m just here – living, working and being where I know I want to be personally and professionally. Long term? I guess first define “long term”? Who knows? Everything is so open and unpredictable now anyway. I can say that I just knew it was time…
And it seems to me that this whole pandemic has turned everything upside down for everyone. Ah, the best laid plans? Short term, long term, any “plans” upended, delayed, on hold perhaps until…? Change has been forced upon us, whether we like it or not!
In many ways, although my decision and plans began pre-COVID, oddly it has confirmed my choices. Had I waited probably wouldn’t have been able to come at all. And life back in Santa Barbara shifted, as it did for everyone. In reality it’s not so different here except I’m here!
Every so often I remind self: remember why you did this! Embrace your willingness to step out and move into a lot of unknowns… I didn’t come here for more of the same. That inherently means change, discomfort, moments of self-doubt but also moments of “yes!”. Moments of “I did it”, grins of delight and, okay, an occasional “you go girl!”. And definitely moments of “pinch me, I’m in Florence! I’m in Italy!” Color me grinning!
Whatever happens next, it was worth it. No regrets!
Therein lies the zone – my zone – my happy, excited place Italian style! (Still working on the skillful, easy part!)
- Red – Orange – Yellow Zones refer to the levels of restrictions mandated by the Italian Government. Every region is obligated to comply with the restrictions according to their zone. The COVID statistics and zones are re-evaluated every 2 weeks.
At this writing and publication, I’m in Tuscany which is in a Red Zone. The next (evaluation) will be December 3rd.
If you want all of the details and descriptions, check out The Local Italy Link.
Other Recent Posts You May Enjoy:
♦ Your Boots on the Ground in the Boot is HERE!
♦ Quarantine Countdown in Florence
I would love to hear from you! Have you been considering a new chapter? A new adventure?
