Dolce Amore: The Art of Loving Your Life Like an Italian by Barbara Conelli

Italy is a country that lives and breathes love in all its forms. There's no other nation in the world that would feel the joy of life more deeply and genuinely, that would celebrate the gift of human existence more vividly and exuberantly. Italians love to live, and they love enjoying life with all their senses.

What's the magic formula? Well, let me tell you this: Life in Italy is not easier than in other parts of the world. Italians do not have less problems and more money than you. Just like you, they have family issues, nasty bosses and occasional bad hair days. The only difference is that they choose to see life through different (very Italian) eyes.

Italian life is firmly anchored in everyday rituals, habits and little pleasures that Italians rely on. No matter what happened this morning, tonight there will be aperitivo with coworkers, a delicious home-made dinner, a glass of exquisite wine, a chat and latest gossip with friends on the piazza. In the morning, the sun will rise again, the sky will be blue and you'll hit the beach to show off your sun-kissed skin and brand new bikini. Life's good, and it's getting better and better.

I often wonder why it's so much easier for us to focus on what's wrong with your life, rather than on what works right now and in what ways life has blessed you. We struggle, we strive, we plan, we organize, we control, we rush, we worry, we stress. We focus on keeping up with the Joneses and we put off happiness by telling ourselves we'll be happy when ___ (we earn a certain amount of money, sell a certain number of books, buy a bigger car and our dream house, find the perfect guy . . . Just fill in the blank.)

Slaves to our own conditions and criteria, we miss the precious moments that fill our days, the moments that we take for granted. The moments that Italians accept, embrace, acknowledge and appreciate because they know better. They understand life is nothing but a series of little, seemingly insignificant flashes that, when put together, create a magical string of love, awe, zest, delight, sweetness and gusto.

I love my life in an Italian way, and I know I've been blessed with all the riches that truly matters. People who love me; a body that walks, runs, jumps and breathes; the freedom to do whatever I want and be whoever I desire to be; friends to laugh with; pets to play with; the beauty of nature; the smell of espresso before I take the first sip; the bliss of chocolate melting in my mouth; fresh, crisp sheets; a perfectly sharpened pencil; a glass of wine when watching the sunset; the desire to learn and know more; the wisdom of the written word; the miracle of emotions; the perfection of the present moment.

I could go on and on, and the list would be endless—and I'm sure yours would be too. The eternal secret of dolce amore, the key to loving your life no matter what, is right here, within your grasp. Just take a deep breath and look around. Your life is here and now, you just need to open your eyes, see it, feel it, and love it. As a wise man said, the past is history, the future is mystery, the present is a gift. I'm sure this happy camper was Italian.

Barbara Conelli’s second book, Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore, was released on April 23, 2012 by Flagrans Press. Her essay above is a part of a very special event on The Muffin—The Art of Loving Your Life tour. Visit the participating blogs listed below to share your thoughts and enter to win a signed copy of Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore.

Barbara Conelli is an internationally published bestselling author, seasoned travel writer specializing in Italy, and Chiquenist on the mission to bring Fantastic Fearless Feminine Fun into women's lives. In her charming, delightful and humorous Chique Books filled with Italian passion, Barb invites women to explore Italy from the comfort of their home with elegance, grace and style, encouraging them to live their own Dolce Vita no matter where they are in the world.

Her latest book, Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore offers an intimate view into the unpredictable and extravagant city of Milan, its glamorous feminine secrets, the everyday magic of its dreamy streets, the passionate romance of its elegant hideaways, and the sweet Italian art of delightfully falling in love with your life wherever you go.

Special Tour Price: Pick up a Kindle edition of Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore for just .99!
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Find out more about Barbara Conelli by visiting her website http://www.barbaraconelli.com/ and her radio show, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/barbaraconelli