No question about it – as I was mentored and shaped by my Italian family, on my dad’s side, the more entrenched I became in the culture: that way of simple living, traditions, and style that they brought with them from the motherland.
As I’ve grown older, and almost all of those family members have passed on, I now find myself obsessed in the thought of holding that way of life, although in our modern life it’s a challenge to do so.
Hanging around my Nonna on such a frequent basis – usually sitting at the kitchen table, sipping coffee – gave me much exposure to her creeds, her frequent sayings: some of her favorites were “Life is precious,” “it’s later than you think,” and “life is worth living,” among others.
She was a font of wisdom and common sense for me growing up, and as I moved through my 20’s and 30’s, no doubt molding me and forming my own values without me even realizing it.
For that reason, quaint old school, Italian sayings have a special place in my heart and more than likely always will. I recently discovered some others that resonated with me, shared with me by those who have a similar proclivity and passion for Italian culture.
I’m happy to share with you.
Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano.
“He who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far.”
Be patient. Take things at a steady pace. Success, happiness, and wellbeing can be yours in the long-run. Consistency is more important than intensity.
L’appetito vien mangiando.
“Appetite comes with eating.”
Sometimes you have to start something to find the motivation to continue.
Begin, and it will come. Don’t wait for enthusiasm to strike.
Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco.
“Not all donuts come out with a hole.”
Not everything will go according to plan.
Accept the things that turn out differently than you hope.
Situations are not always perfect – most are less than perfect.
But even donuts without a hole can still be damn good.
La vita è bella.
“Life is beautiful.”
You don’t need life-changing milestones to experience joy. All of my older relatives that emigrated here lived, and enjoyed, a simple life.
They noticed the little things: that first sip of coffee, a long laugh with loved ones.
Italians know how to savor the moment.
Chi dorme non piglia pesci.
“He who sleeps doesn’t catch fish.”
Successful people always show up-even on the days they don’t want to.
Rewards are earned, not given. You can’t expect results if you’re idle.
In this realm, my grandfather was my greatest role model.
Meglio soli che male accompagnati.
“Better alone than in bad company.”
(Choose wisely.) You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.
The surest sign of confidence is someone who is comfortable being alone.
A tavola non si invecchia.
“At the table, one does not grow old.”
(And time seems to stop.) The best meals are cherished and savored in the company of others.
The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life.
Good food and conversation will keep you young.
That last one, a tavola non si invecchia, resonates with me more than the others. Gathering around the table for a shared meal or glass of wine is a sure fountain of youth – flashes of my childhood, adolescence, and beyond are abundant at table, whether sitting with family and friends.
Depending on the dishes served, especially when we host, our table resembles that of a decade that is long past, with it’s flourishes of love, comfort, and abundance.
Credit to my colleague Mark Friedlich, who was good enough to share what I’m sharing with you.
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Joe DeGiorgio 