On Quarantine and Quieter Moments In Italian there is a saying, fare una pausa. Beautiful and comforting is the literal translation, to make a pause. Some of it’s magic is lost a bit in the bossier English translation, take a break. Taking a break is fleeting, impermanent. A quick return to the tasks at hand. … Continue reading
When I launched Prayers and Piazzas nearly seven years ago, I created it as a space to share my love of all things Italy (represented by the word piazzas), and a space to share all the other things in my life that bring meaning and joy (represented by the word prayers). “Prayers” topics cover writings … Continue reading
Today, March 20, is International Day of Happiness, a day to celebrate and spread positivity and joy in your little world and ultimately, around the world. It is a day to deliberately remember that happiness is contagious, and that your happiness, expressed in even the smallest of ways, has the power to make a big … Continue reading
…or at least embracing the season with joy and calm I rely heavily on snarky comments and sarcasm in my sense of humor and daily discourse, supplemented with a symphony of sighs, huffs and general complaints. Sometimes there’s eye-rolling involved. I am hoping you do not realize this, as I work hard to keep this … Continue reading
“Happiness leads to success in nearly every domain, including work, health, friendship, sociability, creativity, and energy.” “When we are happy — when our mindset and mood are positive — we are smarter, more motivated, and thus more successful. Happiness is the center, and success revolves around it.” — From The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor … Continue reading
When my husband was recovering in the hospital ten years ago from a life-threatening bloodstream infection, my worry level was consuming. It was most intense during the times when I was away from him, when the “what ifs” sabotaged my thoughts. But, strangely enough, when I was by my husband’s side, watching him breath, rest and … Continue reading
When my husband was recovering in the hospital nine years ago from a life-threatening bloodstream infection, my worry level was consuming. It was most intense during the times when I was away from him, when the “what ifs” sabotaged my thoughts. But, strangely enough, when I was by my husband’s side, watching him breath, rest and … Continue reading
In scouring my bookshelves this morning, searching for some tidbits of inspiration to share with you all, I reached for a book I read years ago, The Power of a Positive Mom by Christian writer and speaker Karol Ladd. This notion jumped out at me: “There is a distinct difference between happiness and joy.” She notes that … Continue reading
