Embracing Italian Lifestyle as an Expat..

Regardless of the change or changes you might be making in life, there will be certain aspects of that change that are easier to embrace than others. Relocating comes with many opportunities to embrace change and uncertainty at the same time. I would argue that moving to a new country is one of the biggest changes you could embrace in life. Relocating within your own town, state or country brings with it its challenges and new discoveries but moving to a different country is a whole new ballgame. Even if making the choice to relocate to Italy from the United States is right for you and one you have prepared yourself for, you might be surprised at some of the pieces of Italian life that can be a little difficult to embrace at first. Italians move slower, enjoy more, value different parts of life and at times resist change. While so much of their lifestyle is something we crave as Americans who are tired of the hustle and bustle and grind of American culture, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to embrace the big shift in energy when arriving in Italy. It’s as if you land on Italian soil and your body and mind are still in a mode of racing against time, racing through life and you don’t know how to make it stop. Not long after arriving you notice that everyone around you, the culture that you have chosen to be your new home, is doing everything but that. In fact they are going about life in the exact opposite way, slow, intentional, and with more appreciation. Beautiful, right?! 

Italians move at a pace that as Americans we simply are not used to. This gives us the opportunity to slow down and embrace life in a new way and oftentimes many Americans have to train their mind and body to embrace this new way of living and moving through day to day life. Embracing extended lunch breaks during the working day (usually 2 hours), embracing daily passeggiata (a leisurely daily walk with no destination- typically in the evening before dinner), extended summer holiday and holidays in general, and never the need to rush. Sounds like everything we have always dreamed of, but easier dreamed of than done. I’m here to share that you might find yourself in quite an adjustment period when taking on the Italian lifestyle (this doesn’t mean you won’t quickly love it) but we come from a culture where these types of activities and behaviors are often labeled as lazy, unambitious, boring, or too relaxed. You will learn to grow your patience muscle at times, as things are not as simple and smooth in Italy as they might be in the U.S. but with that comes a much deeper lesson and opportunity. The truth is the Italian lifestyle offers us the opportunity to embrace and enjoy life in a way that the U.S. will never offer. It lowers stress, evokes more joy, more love and a deeper appreciation for everyone and everything around us. Embracing life and the Italian lifestyle is truly what makes beginning a new life in Italy so special and so valuable. The Italian lifestyle itself is reason enough to make the move and start anew. Understanding the nuances of Italian culture helps with adjusting to all its beauty and its quirks too. Nowhere in the world is perfect and it’s important to keep that in mind, remain open and curious about how and why Italy is the beautiful place it is, in its ease and in its rougher edges. 

Regardless of all there might be to embrace as you relocate, I guarantee you that after a quick adjustment period you won’t ever be able to imagine going back to the lifestyle you lived in the U.S. You will enjoy waking up to the new reality of your daily life like you never could have imagined. Embrace the slow, enjoy the daily walks, take a nap, enjoy a 4 hour long meal… this is Italy, this is your new life and you are meant to soak it all up and enjoy it!