THE ART OF LIVING

 

Walking along the country road nearby our place in Northern Italy on a Sunday afternoon, I am aware of the peace that suddenly encompasses me as I leave the hustle and bustle of the centre behind and the hills unfold before me. A sense of freedom and being at one with the environment around me leaves a smile on my face. It was the right choice to get out into nature and leave behind all the pressing things, at least for a few hours. Why does this tranquillity and the right to live seem so luxurious? Why the sudden pangs of guilt for taking time out? Who exactly do we think is running after us? Every day of our lives is a gift, a chance to do something new, to further develop our passions and talents, or to offer something of ourselves that only we can offer. When will we start to realise that our lives have a greater value to them, which we will only truly experience when we give ourselves permission to let go and embrace, love and accept everything that we represent?

The carefree singing of the cafe owner as she works, and the reassuring hum of her coffee machine, are the perfect background for my next article. I position myself at my usual table near the window and people-watch as I get my thoughts together with a caffè macchiato. The simplest things; enjoying a coffee with friends whilst sitting and watching the world go by, walking up a steep path in the hills with the wind in your hair and the sun opening the countryside up before you, or settling in your seat for a short flight, finally opening that book that you have been meaning to read for months and breathing deeply as you switch off your phone. These are the priceless experiences and sensations that remain with us. This is all well and good you say, but then the everyday rush invades this beauty and all intentions to try to live a different way go out the window, at least until the next crisis that brings a moment of perspective and clarity.

The pandemic closed everyone in and reduced us back to the essentials of life. Suddenly stripped back and forced to confront the harsh full-on reality of our existence, for a few weeks our humanity and concern for others shone through. There was a powerful shift in perspective and the usual objectives that grab for our attention were silenced. There was a united moment around the world where we realised that the life we live is unique and beautiful and is the only life on Earth that we have. Issues such as global warming, protecting the planet and providing support and being there for those around us finally started to take the precedence they deserve. The need to argue and the usual complaints became insignificant, and were replaced with thoughts such as whether those in hospital with COVID will recover, and more personal questions, including "what have I been putting off that really matters?" With this came the sudden need to check in with friends and family and to make real, quality time to speak with them - something that was so long coming. Then, only a few weeks later, the world began to reopen and, as simply as someone switching the frozen video from pause to play, our lives started up again. But where did the good intentions and plans to live life to the full go?

Life has since accelerated up to nearly full speed and, and when passing through the city at rush hour, it is incredibly apparent that the rat race has restarted. The question is: have we actually learnt anything about living, and I mean really Living with a capital 'L'? What does it mean to live a life worth living, a life with purpose that leaves a legacy beyond that remains? Trying to process the whole thing, I am aware that life is so short and if you have something to say or do, if it can make a positive change in someone's life, don't leave it or put it off until tomorrow. Writing for me has made me realise how much I want to get out there and share the things that I have been seeing and living, and if it can help just one person or get someone questioning something that they needed to question or consider acting on, then I'm headed in the right direction.

Life isn't about making all the right choices, it's about venturing out, trying to be the best you that you can be without regretting the opportunities you didn't take or the things you didn't do. Don't live in fear of your past, the mistakes you may have made or how you are living right now. Refuse to allow others to silence your attempts. It doesn't have to be monumental, just make it something that is important to you and that is what truly counts. Live life true to yourself and to your values. This is not a dress rehearsal; you are fully immersed in a wonderfully messy existence full of twists, turns and amazing sunsets. Will you be so bold as to take a leap of faith and go after your life, embracing your talents, your personality blazing and acting on what you know to be important? Live to make a difference to yourself and others whilst having fun and laughing more that you ever have before.