All Things Audry: Guest Post: How To Love Your Life Like An Italian

Welcome back Barbara Conelli with a wonderful and inspiring guest post!

We often forget that the most important relationship in the world is the love we feel for ourselves and our life - with the good, the bad and the occasionally embarrassing. We see life as a burden, stubbornly refusing to accept what a divine gift it is. We complain pettily and we become experts in putting off happiness and waiting for the next best thing, without realizing that the best, juiciest stuff is happening right now, at this very moment.

Well, I refuse to play this game. My Italian grandma Lily would disown me if I tried to: Italians don't wait for happiness, they live it. No matter how tough things might get - and they always do and always will - there's always something to enjoy and savor and laugh at.

Forget about grandiose gestures and stop waiting for someone or something to make you happy. Live, laugh and love like an Italian, and design your own, unique happiness mix. The art of loving your life is not taught in schools (although it should be). It's the art that you get to create for yourself.

And what does a happiness mix look like? This is my personal Chique recipe that I swear by:

1. Food

Italians live for food - food is a connector, a family savior, a friendship keeper. How often do you prepare a candle-lit dinner just for yourself? How often do you actually stop to savor the food? Do it now. Experiment with new spices, styles and cuisines. Cook for yourself, or go to a fancy restaurant by yourself. Enjoy every bite and the company of the most fabulous person in the world - you!

2. Style

Italian women have a sacred rule: Instead of trying to squeeze your delicious butt into your high-school skinny jeans (there should be laws against keeping them in your closet after your 18^th birthday), buy another pair that hugs your curves like a perfect lover and show the world what you've got! Elegance is an attitude and beauty is in your head and heart. Be proud of who you are and love yourself the way you are now. Perfection is something you get to define for yourself - it's not determined by sizes, shapes, colors or supermodels destined to die on the catwalk.

3. Travel

Nothing in the world teaches you more than travel. Travel opens your heart and your mind, encourages you to understand and truly see the world for what it really is: A beautiful place where we all strive for one single thing - to be happy. There's no better way to honor your true self and the gift of life than to awaken your inner adventurer (yes, you do have it!) and to explore this miraculous planet. And no, it doesn't mean you need to travel to a faraway country (although I would love to put you on the next plane to

Italy

). You can experience wonderful adventures in your own neighborhood, city or state. Just be open to the new and the unexpected, without fear or judgment.

My personal Chique recipe for loving my life actually includes more sweet ingredients (beagles, horses, the sound of the ocean, sex and dark chocolate with almonds, to name just a few). But I encourage you to start putting together your own recipe right now. Start courting, spoiling and pampering yourself. Look for beauty in simple things. It might not look like a Hollywood movie but I bet it will knock your socks off. Romancing your life beats a date with Prince Charming anytime. Every Italian woman will tell you that. Just ask Grandma Lily.

Downloadable Gift Bag

Leave a comment and receive a downloadable giftbag!

(I will need your e-mail address in order to send it you.)

Giftbag consists of:

Chique Virtual Tour: The Secret Gems of Italy Every Woman Must Know

1st five chapters of Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita

1st five chapters of Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore

Chique Blog Tour Special Gift (Only for the tour!): E-Book: The Most Romantic Chique Places to Fall in Love in (and with) Milan

WOW-Summer in Italy contests

Barbara is running two contests:

1) An Italian Phrase contest

Learn Italian (and win a prize!) Visit Barbara’s blog (http://barbaraconelliblog.com/category/writers-life/find-the-phrase-contest/) every Tuesday & Thursday to see and hear a new Italian word. At the end of the tour put all the words together into a phrase and enter it at Barbara’s blog site (http://www.barbaraconelli.com/findthephrase.htm). One winner will be drawn from those with the correct phrase. Prize is a chique leather wallet!

Contest is open internationally. Words will be posted along with audio link. Winner will be announced Thursday, August 23, 2012.

2) Essay Contest

If I Lived in Italy I Would…

What would you do if you lived in Italy? Dream big and start writing!

Your essay should be as long as you need it to be to express yourself! Submit your essays at the Essay Contest page at Barbara’s blog (http://www.barbaraconelli.com/essaycontest.htm). One winner will be chosen to receive a Chique Kindle Sleeve!

Barbara will be hosting her own Q & A on her radio show; here are the links to pages where readers can submit their questions.

Questions on writing and publishing on July 20

http://www.barbaraconelli.com/writingandpublishing.htm

Questions about Italy and travel on August 17:

http://www.barbaraconelli.com/italyandtravel.htm

Then tune in to the Chique Show on July 20^th and August 17^th for the pre-recorded sessions. http://www.barbaraconelli.com/radio.htm