Our trip to Italy was a trip of a lifetime. Note: I’m not saying it was the trip of a lifetime. It left me wanting more trips like this—not just one. It can be the first trip of a lifetime. 

We ate. We drank. We explored. We talked. We laughed. And, above all else, we were a family. It was 10 days of unforgettable-ness. When I woke up back in Tennessee on my first full day home, the trip felt like it had been a dream. 

A vacation like this can change you … if you let it. The risk is simply returning to normal. Of wanting to change and not knowing how or where to start. Or of thinking that just acknowledging the fact it could change you is change enough. 

Nope. Not doing that. I’m opting for change. Now that I’m home and back in my routine, I spent some time reflecting on what I learned and how I can keep it going.

Life Is Meant To Be Savored

We stayed in an amazing Airbnb in Sorrento. When we checked in, the owner, Pierangelo, met us to give us a tour and tell us about his special home. He said he’d take just five minutes to show us around. Twenty-five minutes later, he was still sharing stories and laughter with us. 

The building was old, and he and his wife spent two years renovating it. He took us room by room, pointing out the special features. He showed me how to use his amazing Frog espresso maker. He asked us about the origin of our last name and about our travels thus far. And he left us with limoncello and olive oil that he had made from the lemons and olives that grow on his main property. 

Pierangelo taught me that “simple” things, like a good cup of coffee and a beautiful view, have a way of making life feel full if you slow down your hectic life and take time to enjoy them. 

Every Day Can Be a Special Occasion

Italy also taught me that each day is special and deserves to be treated like it is. Mackenzie and I wore dresses almost every day. We stopped to pet a shop dog who was hanging out outside its owner’s business. We tried on sunglasses and ate anchovies. We dove into the water. OK, it took me a while to build up the courage to jump into the sea—because Sea Monsters—but I did it.

Don’t save things for later. Don’t think things are too good to use. Feel the sunshine. Dive into the water. Jump into the picture. Order a bottle of wine. And limoncello. Try anchovies and mussels and clams and all the seafood you thought might make you gag. If you gag, then laugh. Definitely laugh.

Take the Time to Really See Others

I gained a new-found appreciation for love and people, too. We had lunch with David’s Aunt Mary. I knew it would be emotional, but I thought she’d be the one who cried. Well, it was me. I felt lucky to be part of such a wonderful family. I’m surrounded by people who care about me and my kids. I also got a chance to see Nick, Chris, and Mackenzie as adults. I realized that I not only love them; I like them,too. I’m proud to say they’re my children, and I love seeing the world with them and through them. 

I was also deeply touched by the kindness of Pierangelo. He sent me a sweet note after we left that said, “I might be wrong, but I noticed some sadness in your eyes. I hope you found some joy in Sorrento.” I told him that I had lost my husband last year. That we had talked of going to Europe together and never did. He responded and said, “The fact that your children accompanied you on your journey represents what you have been able to do beautifully in your life.” Wow. 

You don’t have to travel all the way to Italy to be open to experience new things. You can wake up every day, asking yourself, “What can I learn today? Who can I make feel special? How can have some fun? Where can I find some anchovies?” Then go do that. Now. Tomorrow isn’t a guarantee. 

Maybe the sign at Hobby Lobby that says “Live Laugh Love” isn’t so cheesy after all?