As I sit and appreciate this hot, yet beautiful summer weather, I realize how much time has gone by since my last entry. My first response is to say, “ it has been busy.” Why are we always too busy to take time for ourselves? This is something I enjoy - reaching out and commenting on various topics, yet it clearly has been on the bottom of my list. I have thought of it often yet, I have not written. So my theme this month is appreciation and enjoying the simple pleasures. I think back to my trip to Sicily this past spring. It was a trip that combined good food, good company, an interesting history, interesting architecture and a beautiful countryside. As many of you already know Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and functions autonomously from Italy. It has a unique and rich culture in regard to literature, cuisine, architecture, language and art. It’s diversity and uniqueness I believe is because of the different rulers (the Greeks, Romans, the Byzantines, Arabs and Normans) that have occupied it over the years. Sicily’s economy is directly related to this beautiful land. The agriculture is abundant with citrus fruits, olives and olive oil, grapes and wine. The next contributor is tourism and real estate, again something connected to its natural beauty. This brief history lesson brings me to the point that these people value and enjoy what is around them to create a good life. Their food and what they eat is dependent on what fish is caught that day or what vegetable is in season. The level of creativity and appreciation for what they have is ever present. As the week went on I began to appreciate this. I began to compare how the Sicilians view life vs. many of us in America. The biggest different is the gratefulness for what they have and the pace. Speaking for myself, I often rush through life to get to the next task or fulfill the next goal but what is lost is the process: a sense of appreciation and calmness. I know you heard it before but being mindful and attentive to the simple things will reap a sense of peace and happiness. Yes, I learned how to make good food, saw beautiful coastlines, visited ornate churches, toured ancient Greek temples and shopped... but the most valued experience was feeling the difference. Continue to enjoy the simple pleasures!!
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