New Beginnings, New Journeys, New Life

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney

10 years

A little over five months ago I landed at the Lamezia Terme airport and stepped off a plane not knowing what my future would be. All I knew for sure was I was ready for new beginnings. I arrived in Italy with hope and a dream and the uncertainty of what lied ahead.  I wanted to live and work in a place that always brought me comfort.  At times the idea seemed impossible, crazy, and immature but I felt in every fiber of my being that I had to pursue it.  I’m blessed with the support of my family and friends and with their help I can on the path I’m creating for my future.

piazza xv marzo cosenza

Where Things Are At Now

Now, five months later, the crazy absurd dream of moving to Italy (the south of Italy at that) has transformed into something exciting and new.  Like all new beginnings, there were times I wanted to give up and go back to the comfort of my life before Italy. I’m so glad that I didn’t.  I am realizing a dream I’ve had for many years and although it’s not always a smooth ride, it is something that is becoming more real and more manageable every day.  I was fortunate.  Everything just came together:  I found a job in the city of Cosenza near my family’s town; I found an apartment with a roommate who has become a great friend to me here and I am starting to come into my own and see what life in Italy is and can be for me.

Back to Blogging

I have been neglecting my blog these past few months. It’s not because I had nothing to write about but because I was so overwhelmed with all that was happening around me.  Things are finally starting to settle and I’m finally finding my groove again.   I can’t wait to share all the wonderful new experiences I have in Italy with you.  I’m sure it will have its ups and downs just like everywhere in the world. But I am a stronger person now and with the experiences and difficulties I have had to face in my past I know that I can definitely be a contender in whatever life wants to throw in my path.

I want to send a special thank you to everyone who has followed my journey, who has sent me positive energy and encouraging comments/emails/messages.  You have all helped me get to this point and I really couldn’t have done it without you. I’m sure there will be many more new beginnings here, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Stay tuned for my adventures in the bel paese!!

If you want to keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!

  1. Ariana from Chicago

    December 10, 2010 at 8:09 pm

    I haven’t caught up in your blog for awhile. But when I read this post, I was so very excited to learn that you are now living in Cosenza! Amazing!! My father is from there, my mom from nearby Castrolibero. We still have family in Fontana La Petra and Fontanesi. You might see the “Filippelli” name on some nearby shops, that’s my mother’s side. It’s been many years since I have been there, and I only had a couple of days there. I am very much looking forward to reading more posts. Please please talk about your experiences there and include some pics. I have always wondered what life is like there, and would love an outsider’s perspective. I wish you lots of luck in our new life adventure!

  2. paninigirl

    November 29, 2010 at 10:30 am

    I’m looking forward to hearing more about your life there. You are living my dream!

  3. marcellina

    November 27, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    I have just found your blog and am eager to read more! My mum was from Reggio Calabria my dad from Emilia-Romagna.

  4. Diana

    November 26, 2010 at 6:01 am

    Do tell us more! So good to hear things are going well. We always wonder when someone goes silent.

  5. Tani

    November 24, 2010 at 6:19 am

    I can’t wait to read your adventures and I understand all of what you are saying. looks like we both are embarking on parallel journeys

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