A few years ago, I wrote an article about not having resolutions, but instead striving for the sweet life. I will only do things that make my life sweeter. I want to learn to live like an Italian and practice la dolce vita wherever I am, whatever I am doing.
Now that some time has passed, let’s take a moment to see where we are.
I shared with you my ideas on:
cultivating friendships – seeking out people who share our interests and moral code, who can make you laugh and listen to you when you cry, create moments together, get into a little mischief with you, will take your phone calls at any hour of the night if you need them. These are the real friends, the ones who will be there for you and accept you as you are, good and bad.
valuing family – the unconditional love of your family members who can give you hell one minute and put a plate of pasta in front of you the next, who aren’t afraid to tell you what you need to hear, who will pick you up at the train station in the middle of the night, are happy to hear your voice on the phone, who give you advice, and say crazy things in front of your friends.
adding romance and passion to your life – not just dating and marriage, but the joy of living, passion for experiences, passion for living fully, romance of the soul, romance in the way you decorate your home or serve a meal, adding sparkle to the everyday.
eating a Mediterranean diet – preparing your own food with fresh, whole ingredients, using minimal fuss, and enjoying the true pleasure of food. Eating a variety of food but all in moderation, never depriving yourself by dieting, but cultivating a healthy relationship with food.
surrounding your body with luxurious fabrics – buying the best articles of clothing that you can afford, selecting key pieces instead of filling your closet with lots of trendy pieces that you’ll never wear again. Decorating your home with luscious fabrics and rich colors, sleeping in soft sheets and drying off with thick towels.
learning to indulge moderately – never depriving yourself of the joys of living, but indulging moderately, never overdoing it, never decadent, but slowing down and taking the time to enjoy your pleasures.
moving your beautiful body – getting out into nature and healing your soul with a walk in the fresh air, gazing at the stars, dancing to a sensual piece of music, cultivating your garden, not sitting on the couch watching television every night, but moving and feeling your body move through the world.
opening yourself up to great art – experience the marvels of the ancient world, go to a museum and look at different artists’ points of view, read a classic book, see a foreign film, enjoy a concert or a play, write a poem, read out loud, make a pizza.
Have you tried any of these sweet practices? I know I have and they have made every day of my life sweeter.
Join the Conversation