Yes, I guess I can finally say that I “live” here? Although, it still startles me a bit and I still have to shake my head…yes, that’s me…I’m really here!
Time really does fly and it’s been a wild three years for all of us – encapsulating all that it has encompassed is, to be honest, overwhelming – a roller coaster of emotions, a collage of fabulous experiences, and always a learning curve!
Slowly adapting, adjusting …pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone, letting go of expectations, and embracing the possibilities of more change. And, undoubtedly, always learning more about me and this place that I have chosen and love – my version of “la dolce vita”!
♦ The Journey to Now…
As many of you may recall, I arrived in the middle of the pandemic (October 2020) after a year of planning. And, at the time, my “plan’ was open – to stay at least 3-6 months and see how it worked out…
I shared about the road to my decision and that journey in an interview with Italy Magazine and, even now, when I reread it, I’m filled with many of the same emotions.
Living here and going through the pandemic and the roller coaster of the many phases of COVID gave me very different and quite intimate insights into this country and its people. Literally living with week to week updates and changes in rules (according to COVID statistics), we met the challenges together. And not knowing how long it would all play out, my focus shifted as we waited for travel to resume…from my “boots on the ground” viewpoint, I shared firsthand, up-to-date information and what was happening here. And I turned my attention to two of my loves: museums/art and learning with/supporting locals. And, of course, as soon as I could, doing some traveling of my own.
♦ A Year Later, What I Learned…
As the months unfolded, before I knew it a year had passed and I took the opportunity to share what I had learned. And, no doubt what I learned living here vs. having traveled here for many years was profound.
♥ My First Year in Italy – What I’ve Learned So Far!
I also learned to appreciate my own “little victories” of adapting and immersing on a deeper day to day level.
♦ Two Years and a New Nest…
And last year, upon the occasion of my two year anniversary and having settled into my new apartment, becoming a “familiar face”, learning names and still learning Italian but my heart is 100%.
♥ A Love Letter & Heartfelt Grazie to My San Niccolo Rione
I shared my enormous gratitude to my “rione” my neighborhood which had and remains my “community”. I have witnessed some changes and watched this neighborhood come together to honor and grieve their own…
♦ One, Two, THREE!?
And now, here we are! Looking back at year three and at the threshold of year four…
I have welcomed and met so many of my lovely clients and friends. What a joy to see their long awaited visits materialize and to share “my Florence”.
Meeting with lovely clients and friends…experiencing and immersing in local culture!
♦ And Now…!?
I have witnessed and experienced the challenges of lock down, the recovery of opening up, and now the challenges of over tourism. It all demands our strength and love of this place…and that is unshaken.
Reflecting, the same quotes still resonate and inspire me:
“A year from now you’ll wish you had started today…“
And the lessons from COVID, losing near and dear ones, and from being willing to do a LOT of letting go and stepping into the unknown is still fresh. And despite shifts in awareness and familiarity, also being willing to embrace change, to compromise, to acknowledge a degree of uncertainty, and being slightly uncomfortable on a fairly regular basis!
In those moments of self reflection and even self doubt that we all experience (e.g., ups and downs, “what the hell am I doing?, “what now?), I pinch myself… I’m here! I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! And I’m reminded of the support and love of so many and I’m awash in gratitude.
What’s next you ask? Stay tuned! For now, this is where I belong…But you can be sure that I intend to stay in touch with my passion and what inspires me – sharing and maybe, hopefully, inspiring you to embrace yours – whatever it may be!
And I repeat to you what I repeat to myself on a regular basis:
“If not now, when?”
♥ Grazie di cuore for joining me on this journey! ♥
