Something has changed within me as a result of my travels to Italy. I feel happy and much more at peace with myself and the world around me. I had become hard, edgy and fast-moving, attempting to be in control. I had become impatient with myself and others, and had little compassion or kindness for myself and I started acting that way with others. I was not a happy woman and I needed to stop the madness in my life and go find my happy and kind heart. And so I did just that!I wasn't seeking an "Eat, Love, Pray" experience nor was that my intent in taking time out and travel. However, this is a time of transition in my life and it seemed necessary to get outside of my comfort zone and normal reality to experience something more global.
During my travels I had time to just be, with very little structure. I was a out of the Country and on my own and did not speak the language...no control, just taking the journey as it came, and trusted that I would be fine. It was a great exercise in letting go and letting life unfold as it came. I did have a few planned events, but otherwise just went along with life as it occurred and followed my feet.
I was met with amazing people and lovely experiences. I carry these people and experiences in my heart. I am grateful for their contributions.Although there was a language barrier, there was communication and connections. Friendship and lifetime connections were made. I have found my sweet heart again and I had seen and felt it through the connection of these beautiful people. There is a kindness and a sweet character that I witnessed. Very generous with their spirit and wanting to give me a warm feeling of love and acceptance into their homes and into their hearts. As the saying goes..."home is where the heart is"...I felt at home with each of these lovely people, no matter how long we had together.
On my last evening in Salerno, I met Anna. She and her husband were dining at the same restaurant that I was dining. I was enjoying a delicious seafood dinner and noticed Anna kept looking over and smiling at me. It fit with my experience of people I had met while staying in Salerno, very friendly and interested.
When I finished dinner and was leaving, Anna stopped me at their table. She introduced herself and her husband and said she wanted to know more about me and would I join her for a cigarette. I said I would be happy to join you outside for a chat, but I don't smoke. In a very short time were talking as if we were old friends. The connection was immediate. She and I remain friends and have chats via FaceTime and connect via Facebook.
It is quite extraordinary when we realize friendships can be made immediately and long-lasting....we are all after the same thing, connection and being appreciated and loved. I love the connections that I made during my travels to Italy...they are forever in my heart.
It's been 5 years since I was in Italy and yet, it feels as though I just returned. I am forever grateful for taking the trip and enjoying the company of very dear people who helped me reclaim my happy heart.
