La Dolce Vita

I am thoroughly enjoying myself in Rome. I'm taking everything at my own pace and truly soaking up surroundings. We've had excellent service and dined sufficiently. One of my friends was traveling here at the same time with a wonderfully active agenda. I  must admit that at 51, I have toned it down a bit. Today was just as delicious as we found a quaint restaurant nearby. They tout themselves as being organic and using non modified foods and ingredients. I snapped a photo of the soda pop as we waited for our meals. I couldn't help but notice the families there. One couple actually ate the same salad out of the same bowl. Everyone there took the time to enjoy the food and the company. Not a single cellphone in sight. Completely in tune with the tranquility and ambiance of the moment.  I guess that what the "sweet life" is all about. Making memories with family and friends versus the status quo. I've taken my journey to get to this point, and I'm enjoying the view. I definitely want to level up and go higher...in both my work life and prayer life. But I also know that I needed this time to regroup.  Refresh. Reevaluate. Readjust. Relax. Relate. Release. I know I'll get better as I have strengthened my resolve every day. I  haven't missed my Faithful Mornings with Pastor Ericka prayer nor have I missed working on my business launch. But this is the mobility I long for and the locale that rises to the occasion.  What about you? Are you living la dolce vita? Are you striving to live your best life...the purple life? Or are things a little complicated? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!

How I faced my fears

I had to do it. We were staying at the Renaissance Hotel in Naples with a million dollar rooftop view. I don't fear heights necessarily; I fear exposure to danger. Some people like living on the edge. Challenging fate. Adrenaline junkies.  I am quite comfortable with barriers. I love feeling protected. My knees locked up trying to get on a balance beam at school. My uncle lived on the 13th floor with ceiling to floor windows. I always sat against the wall near the kitchen. But this was too much. It's so beautiful here that I had to take the chance. So here's how I mustered up the courage to face this full on:

1) I was fully convinced that I could do this. Many families were there and several sat outside on the terrace. My thoughts were " if babies are out there, then I can too"

2) I picked the date and time. September is a month to remember. The transition from summer to fall and Labor Day Weekend.  Perfect!!!

3) I picked the right person to help me. I asked my sister to join me on the roof. She'd been taking photos all trip, but I wanted to capture this...for posterity.

4) I went all out. I picked one of my favorite dresses, and my classic sneakers. I held onto the ledge, and I leaned in.

A few snaps of the camera and I was all done. No fanfare. No broadcast. In fact, no one knew but my sister and me. But this was monumental for me. I allowed myself to be open and honest... and got it done. I'm naturally risk adverse, but I took my shot. It was amazing!!! I'm not to the point of skydiving, cliffhanging, or bungee jumping. However, I'm ready to see the risks for what they are and calculate their value.  We will face a lot during this journey. So how do you face your fears? Any suggestions? Stories to tell? Or are you stuck there? Share your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.  Take Care and God Bless!!!