Nourishing My Soul

In one of the love letters that Ryan wrote to me for while I was in Italy (to enjoy before his arrival), he said, “. . .a new week begins, and with that comes your highly anticipated return to Florence.  I am so happy and excited for you, because I know how deeply you love being there, and I know how nourishing for your soul it is to be there.”  I read that, and then I stopped.  I reread it, and then I smiled.  My hubby knows me oh so well, and he is so very right.

cattedrale di santa maria del fiore

I can’t ever seem to quite put into words what it is about Florence and Tuscany that I love so much, because it is far more than the food, the wine, the rolling hills or the people – it is the feeling that I get when I am here.  And without a doubt, it is that feeling that completely nourishes my soul.

the ponte vecchio

I find myself feeling just a little bit different here. . .and in the best possible way.  I seem to adapt more of the, “things will get done when they do,” Italian mentality.  I am somehow immediately unbothered by crowds, by the overwhelming amount of tourists, or by the lady who stole my dryer time at the laundromat.  Yes, I am a different me here, and I completely love it.

just one of the many beautiful streets in florence

I somehow find myself being able to pack loads of things into my day; and far more things than I would even think possible.  In addition to doing the same amount of work that I do at home, I am also spending hours in school every morning, and then several other hours of the day walking around and exploring Florence.  There always seems to be the time to take time; and when there isn’t, well, that’s fine too.

the battistero di san giovanni

Each time I visit Florence, I come with an open heart and an open mind.  I feel ready to follow life wherever it takes me, and to enjoy the journey along the way.  And so by the time I say my goodbyes and wipe away my tears, my heart is filled with gratitude, and my soul is definitely nourished.  Maybe I can’t put into words why I feel this way, but I can sure as heck thank my hubby for helping to explain it to me.