It’s that time of the year again. Christmas, my birthday, and New Year’s. The perfect time to reflect on the past 12 months. This year is extra special as we will end a decade. So much can happen in 10 years and there is no better time to be inspired. That is why I thought it would be interesting to share some idiomatic phrases and quotes in Italian to bring us into the next ten years and 2020!
I hope you find this interesting and motivating. And if you can please comment below with any lessons or phrases you would add here! Buon Anno / Happy 2020!
The Famous Church in the Middle of the Tuscan Hills. Who has been or can name this location? TRAVEL ITALIAN STYLE 2019
1. Nelle botti piccole sta il vino buono
This was a phrase I heard the most in the past 10 years from Italians.
My height is just about 5 feet. Therefore, I am always getting reassurance from the Italian’s that “good things come in come packages.” ;) Or their way of saying it “in a little bottle comes good wine.”
MY ADVICE: Appreciate who you are and don’t get offended by people’s strange way of showing their way of interacting with you. Most people don’t think before they speak (I mean come on let’s get real). And most of the time they have no idea that they are insulting you! So just go with that.
Sure, there may have been time I may have felt offended by the fact that someone is commenting on my height (which can be frustrating as a foreign woman in business). However, now I embrace it. And I usually respond by saying I am a 375 ml of Tignanello (one of the best wines in Italy) ;).
2. A Caval donato non si guards in bocca
This basically means to take life and all of its happenings as a gift. Even at times when it does not seem of much value. If someone gave you a (physical) present that you didn't appreciate, how would you react? You would smile and make the best of it right? So why not do that in your actually everyday life.
MY ADVICE: We are often set on having things go in the way that we imagine. Then we miss the other beautiful ways it has shown itself to us. I look back in my life and realize so many small gestures (both happy and difficult) really were meaningful. They brought me to where I needed to be at that time. I am only appreciating that now. If I would have seen them for what they were at the time, then I probably would have saved myself some pain and stress.
So to sum it up, whenever you feel like life is happening to you. Stop and see if it is actually happening for you!
Note: The actual translation is something about looking at the horses’ teeth instead of the number of teeth the horse has. ;)
This summer I ended up in the hospital/pharmacy with an emergency twice while in Italy. The first time for my back the for cutting my hand on ceramics on the Amalfi Coast. A Caval donato non si guards in bocca ;). TRAVEL ITALIAN STYLE 2019
3. Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano
This one is a favorite. “The person who goes slow will go far.” We know this saying also in English but things always sounds better in Italian HA!
My years as an entrepreneur has taught me some great lessons. One very important one is that you must have patience, gratitude, and strength. You need to HAVE focus and to STAY focused on what you can offer.
MY ADVICE: Stay the course. YOUR course. The most important aspect of my life is that I am pretty confident in my path. I am intuitive and creative enough to stay with the trends. Yet I always stay true to who I am. It took me a while to gain that confidence.
I know this is easier said than done. And I do understand that with social media it seems like the world is ahead of you (ALL the time). But don't even waste your time worrying to see if someone else’s post is authentic or not authentic. Just worry about what you are doing and trust your own journey.
PS: That can bring us to another saying "l’apparenza inganna which basically means “appearances can be deceiving.” So try to stay focused on you.
PPS: I share more on my journey and how you too can spend 6 months abroad here.
4. Be a Persone per bene or Buono come il pane
This one is simple. Be a good person. Or quite literally as good as bread, especially fresh bread out of the oven. We all love that!
My goal has always been to be true to not only myself but other good people around me. Especially those that have lifted me up along the way. If you have helped me, I will pay you back. I am not necessarily talking about monetary wise. I am talking about by being loyal to my best ability.
I have discussed this way too many times. But it was always sad for me to have been surrounded by so many people who felt it was right to steal or cheat their way head. But that is life. And they will succeed too. So let them be. But even with all the tough things you see around you, it is so important to still be an honest, good person.
MY ADVICE: Whenever you can make that extra effort to be a kind to people, stay honest and (going back to #3) staying true to you! Being a persone per bene can only lead to good things. Even if it takes time to reap those rewards.
Additional Phrase To Add On: Che per vendetta mai non sanò piaga - Revenge never healed a wound. So don’t even waste your time on that!
5. L’amore domina senza regole
This simply means love without rules. However, funny enough, I haven’t learned this yet. HA!
But it’s my goal for the next decade. Since my last breakup I have not allowed myself to love or be loved in a long time. And I bet I am not alone in this. That is simply because I was hurt pretty bad, like many of you. Then when I did open up my heart again it didn’t quite work out. Which left me feeling closed on the idea of love…again
MY ADVICE: There is nothing wrong with you. It’s ok to hold out for the right person and the right time. But it’s also ok to follow our heart, even if it does not make complete sense at the time. Loving without rules, even when it hurts, may lead you to your Principe azzurro (prince charming) or principessa for some of you! :)
I always learn my best lessons in Naples. This was a special morning speaking to a local artisan Aldo about his work and Napolitano life. TRAVEL ITALIAN STYLE 2019
6. Non puoi insegnare niente a un uomo. Puoi solo aiutarlo a scoprire ciò che ha dentro di sé
This is an interesting reminder from Galileo. He says “you cannot teach a man anything, you can only help find it within himself.”
Let’s talk about giving advice. Unless you are asked don’t give it. Or in Italian , Badate a’ fatti vostri or mind your own business. HA!
MY ADVICE: Sure, your friend may be in a bad relationship, or who has taken the wrong job, is spending their money in the wrong way. Maybe you are more organized and successful and you are watching people in your life go downhill. SUPPORT the people in your life but do not try to CHANGE them or their lifestyle.
You can only give advice when advice is asked. And once you do share your thoughts, it is best not to harp on them. It is OK for them not to take your suggestion (that is your ego talking my friend). If you are having a tough time listening to them hurt themselves over and over during your conversations. Then I suggest you direct them towards the proper person (therapists, relative, or book) that could be of assistance. Explain that it hurts you too much to hear and you only want the best for them. People must fall forward. So help him find himself but do not teach or lecture. But you can extend a hand and hope.
7. Se non hai mai pianto, i tuoi occhi non possono essere belli
If you haven’t cried, your eyes can’t be beautiful.
I love this quote by Sophia Loren. Someone best explained it as this. “if we have not cried we have not experienced true depth.”
Yet, I believe many of us have had one of those days. Whether we admit it or not. We have been down on our knees praying to whatever god/universe we know. Asking for help to get us through the pain we are currently going experiencing. I know through these times it can seem endless and hopeless. But don’t give up!I
MY ADVICE: If you look at crying as something that makes you beautiful (physically and mentality) then maybe (just maybe) it will help you get through the next difficult time. Because almost all rain showers come a rainbow.
8. La mala compagnia è quella che mena gli uomini alla forca
Quick translation: Bad company is what brings men to the gallows.
In life, we often feel pressured to stay around people and places because it’s “right.” We put our own emotions aside and move forward-thinking “I will just deal with it because I HAVE to.”
MY ADVICE: You do not HAVE to do anything. Just so you know, while I have many friends. I lost many too. In fact, there are a lot of people who do not like me and I do not like them. And you know what? That is ok!
I do not think we should be judged by our list of friends or acquaintances.
I value my clients, friends, colleagues/partners by the type of relationship we have. As much as possible I keep the people around me that are good. And if I can’t avoid someone completely (do to work, living situation, etc.) then I separate myself from their energy. Who deserves your presence and who doesn’t? Start thinking!
9. Ancora imparo
And following number 8, I will segway into this phrase which translates to: I am still learning.
MY ADVICE: Be forever a student. Stay humble and keep learning, researching, being a creative. You can do this by reading, traveling, or even inner work. This my friends, is the key to truth growth in life and spirituality.
I thought I knew about wine and most of Italian life after 13 years of traveling here. That was until 2019 came. And I was invited to some of most unique and charming parts of regions throughout Italy. Here I am trying traditional sparking wine ( Nope not Prosecco or Franciacorta, I have already been to both places). This is true hidden gem. TRAVEL ITALIAN STYLE 2019
10. Siamo al mondo per essere veri, non perfetti
We are in this world to be real, not perfect.
Feel Pure Peace in the Mountains of Northern Italy - TRAVEL ITALIAN STYLE 2019
My last advice for you to head into the new decade is just this. Be the best you as possible. Whether you receive recognition for this or not. Keeping being your authentic self. As I mentioned in my TEDx Talk this is the way to freedom.
And really let go of the fact that you have X amount of followers, likes, etc on social media. That means zero in the grand scheme of life. So please do not choice to act or be a certain way for this.
If you are not sure then sit down and go deep within.
How do you know if you are doing the right thing or being your authentic self. Oprah says explains this best.. She says, “ You will know it’s the right thing when you feel at peace.”
I wish you peace and happiness in 2020. And hopefully many travels in Italy and beyond.
And if you do come to Italy and are looking for a customized TRAVEL itinerary, then you know who to call. TRAVEL ITALIAN STYLE.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Cassandra Santoro is the CEO and Founder of Travel Italian Style. As a personal trip planner, she has visited all 20 Regions of Italy. Cassandra also spends 6 months each year traveling the country. Her focus is to find inspiring and real experiences.
She also leads motivational talks in hopes to inspire others on their journey. Her highlight appearance was being a speaker in Germany for TEDx DHBW Mannheim.
Cassandra currently lives between Brooklyn, NY & Italy. Follow her adventures of life between two countries on Instagram.