Happy Friday, Intentionalists!
Belinda’s new novel, The Italian Correspondent, is out this week, and to celebrate, we thought it would be fun to look at customs from Italy that can also enrich the lives of Intentionalists.
While we aren’t fans of stereotyping people, it seems that each country has a few national characteristics worth adopting.
Italy is such a drawcard due to not only its fashionable image but also the population’s reputation for savouring life. The country’s history of fabulous art and magnificent music seems to have created the foundation for appreciating beauty and living well.
So here are some habits you might like to try this month to make your life that little bit sweeter.
Italians are generally extroverted and like to see what’s happening in the world around them. If you have older Italian neighbours, you’ve probably noticed that they know everything that is going on in the street!
Ever since smartphones became an ubiquitous part of our lives, we seem to have lost the art of people watching (or even just noticing our surroundings!). Look around town squares and cafes, and you’ll see people glued to their phones as if they are trying to deny the rest of humanity exists. This week, when you walk somewhere or sit in a café, or even wait for a bus, keep your phone in your bag or pocket and look around you. Notice how the coffee smells, what people are wearing, and the little daily dramas and joys happening around you.
Be the person who says ‘Good morning’ to the other patients waiting in the doctor’s office and strikes up cheerful conversations with other people, whether they’re standing in line at the bank or playing with their dogs in the park.
You might feel uncomfortable when you first try this, but after a while, you’ll feel more connected to life and people. You might even find yourself making new friends.
When I was in Rome, I was woken up each morning by the garbage collectors singing. I didn’t mind. It was beautiful. Italians love to sing and dance, and they are usually very good at it. Why? Because they don’t care what anybody thinks of their singing or dancing, and with lots of unselfconscious practice, they develop those skills from a young age. Start singing in the shower or while getting dressed, even if you think you may be a little off-key. Dance while you are cooking. Dance with your kids when they come home from school, and dance with your partner or roommates after dinner instead of flopping down and watching something depressing on the news.
Sing and dance every day, and you will soon be embodying a true Italian zest for life.
Fast fashion may seem easier on the budget at first. But a wardrobe full of clothes that look tired after a couple of washes, and are badly made and structured, eventually becomes a false economy (and a big toll on our planet), and the clothes aren’t always flattering because they rarely fit properly.
Save up for some good quality basics that will last for years and make you feel good whenever you wear them (as long as you hang and clean them properly). You can change up your look with key accessories – colourful scarves and statement jewellery.
Decorate thoughtfully. A simple vase on a coffee table or a painting from a market will have more pizzazz than something everyone else has.
Italians take pride in their appearance. It’s not for vanity alone but because dressing well makes them feel good. Ditch the sweats and runners this week, and dress smartly to go to the supermarket or eat dinner with your family. Style your hair nicely and take care of your nails (men, too!). You will feel more Italian if you do. Perfume or eau de cologne is a must.
When a certain fast-food chain tried to set up an outlet in a famous Roman piazza, there were protests. Italians generally eat less food but better-quality produce, and they savour their meals. (Many Italians workers still have a sit-down lunch. They don’t wolf-down sandwiches at their desks).
The great thing about Italian food is that it doesn’t have to take a lot of effort to swap processed foods for homemade ones. La cucina povera refers to the practice of simple flavours and fresh ingredients. You can apply it to your meals by buying vegetables and fruits in season or growing a tub of fresh herbs to add to your cooking to flavour it.
Then set your table beautifully and enjoy the flavours of everything you have made.
The saddest thing about the speed of modern life is that we are becoming less present with our families and not seeing our friends often enough. Even if you must schedule it into your planner, make real time with family and friends a priority that you fit everything else around, not something you squeeze into your life when your in-tray is finally empty. In-trays will always fill up again, but children grow up quickly, and parents pass away. Italians traditionally had very big families and, therefore, extensive support networks. You may have a small family and just a handful of friends: That is completely fine – just make sure that you enjoy them fully and celebrate life with them at every opportunity.
We hope you will incorporate the above practices into the coming month. Making your life beautiful is something you can do for yourself. You don’t need permission from anyone else.
Catch-up:
How to get over your ex
Your Life – the Director’s Cut
Romanticise your life
The magic is in the journey
How to survive the holidays
If you find it hard to keep your phone in your bag or pocket during mealtimes and often waste time doomscrolling instead of engaging in more edifying activities (like singing and dancing or looking at the world around you) then The Feel Good NOW Journal will provide you with a gentle but consistent practice for pivoting to a zesty existence and savouring life like a true Italian.
The Feel Good NOW Journal allows you to set daily intentions (and evaluate if you are staying on track) and develop new habits that will truly escalate your enjoyment of life.
La Vita è Bella (the Beautiful life) is something that is created with mindful practices.
🤍 WHAT BELINDA IS ENJOYING:
Belinda is so excited to see her new book, The Italian Correspondent, going out into the world and being enjoyed by readers. Here are some of the lovely compliments she’s been receiving.
🖤 WHAT KELLY IS ENJOYING:
I’ve been listening to and loving The Junkees Podcast with comedians Kitty Flannigan and Dave O’Neill, which maaaaay have inspired this month’s silly bit. I also caught up with my beautiful mate for a coffee and op-shop date the other day, dream morning. I scored 3 of these excellent heavy-bottomed glass-cut whiskey tumblers. I’m obsessed with cut glass. What do you think?
⚘ If you think a friend could do with its uplifting message, feel free to use the button below to share it with them. Let’s make life good together ⚘
The Sweets Life - Sweeeeet Facts about Sweets
Remember in ET, where Elloit dropped (what I always thought were Smarties) to lure ET back to him? It was actually Reeces Pieces, and using them in the movie meant sales went bonkers! The film people initially wanted M&Ms, but Mars said no, as they thought a movie about an alien would scare kids.
Speaking of M&Ms, did you know they were created for soldiers in WW2? They needed sweets that wouldn’t melt in your hand (does this sound familiar?). They used this melts in your mouth, not in your hand as their slogan! Clever clogs.
Jelly Beans were all the rage during another war, the Civil War. They were specifically marketed to be sent to soldiers, like M&Ms years later. Long shelf life + the energy boost were exactly what the soldiers needed.
Speaking of Jelly Beans, Americans, thinking they were being helpful(?), piffed these at The Beatles during their first tour. Much like me assuming Reeces Pieces in ET were Smarties, Americans didn’t know what Jelly Babies were. Which is what George Harrison had mentioned was his favourite sweet. So, I guess they thought that John Paul George and Ringo might like them pegged down their gullet as they sang. The Beatles HATED this by way.
Fairy Floss was co-invented by a dentist!? John C. Wharton, president of the Tennessee State Dental Association, helped invent the machine that would cut down on the labour to spin the sugar. Smart man. Drumming up business.
Pez was invented to help people stop smoking in the 1920s. Just the candy, they weren’t rocking around with Pez Dispensers, though, if they were, I imagine the 20s version would be super cool.
Did you know Kit Kats are often given in Japan to wish luck or success? That’s because the name sounds like Kitto Katsu, meaning you will surely win.
And lastly, Snickers was named after the Mars family horse! What a sweet tribute!
Be an intentionalist.
Belinda & Kelly XX
PS: We love hearing from you, jump in the comments and let us know what you think!
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