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Have you ever found yourself making choices that others raise their eyebrows at?

But you move forward anyway, because there’s something in you that says…

“Everything is gonna be alright.”

“I’ll figure it out.”

“I got this.”

Not that you’re not scared sh**less sometimes. But you kinda just march to your own beat. Because nobody else’s beat has ever really been a perfect match.

If you can relate, then you may love this quote from Amelia Earhart:

“Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn’t be done.”

I love to hear “against all odds” stories, don’t you? Of people who rise above.

It’s a bit hard to put a finger on what to call people like this.

Because it’s not an “open-mindedness.” It’s more of an “open-spiritedness.”

Open-spirited types are open to the magic of the universe.

If you’re open to the magic of the universe, you have a general view that all things are self-correcting and that even if you make the “wrong” move, you’ll gain a bunch of knowledge along the way. And that’s worth it.

You embrace the philosophy:

You don’t fail, you learn. 

What Side Are You On?

 

Being open to the magic of the universe means hanging out on the lighter side of life.

The dark side happens when you see things through fear and conditioning. You know when you hang out there too much cause everything feels heavy.

I’m going to be your cheerleader and encourage you to hang out on the light side. Because everything I’ve ever wanted to figure out or experience has been created when I come from that place.

You’re Doing Whaaaaaat?

 

If you’ve ever expressed your “big idea” and have had others stare blankly in disbelief, girl, I feel ya!

Here are some of the things I’ve jumped into with both feet while some major eyebrow-raising was going on from well-meaning folks.

1. As a teenager, I moved out of my family home and across the country. At 16 I felt all grown up. My mom asked me not to go and everyone who was an adult was concerned, to say the least. I came back a year later ‘cause I missed, well… everything. Especially my mom.

Lesson: Self-confidence and self-awareness are built when you let yourself be OK with making mistakes. And just be open to the magic of the universe.

2. When I was 19 I worked in Ireland for the summer. I was given a job, a fair wage, and a house to live in by a complete stranger. Ten other people also lived in the house, and we all worked in that seasonal town. The walk to work was one hour each way, but sometimes a local would give us a lift. I rode on many dusty tractors, milk trucks and hay trailers.

Lesson: There are good and kind people all over the globe. When you travel you meet them. Just be open to the magic of the universe.

3. When I was 20, I was supposed to be at college on a scholarship I received. I was wracked with guilt and fear because I really didn’t want to study what I had signed up for, but I also didn’t want to throw away scholarship money. I tortured myself overthinking everything for months. I never went, and I’m so glad.

Lesson: Be OK with saying “that’s not a good fit for me” — because you know in your heart when it isn’t. (Then go spend time figuring out what IS your thing, because figuring out that out is your most important mission.) Just be open to the magic of the universe.

4. When I was 24 I sold my couch for a plane ticket to Italy, and I missed a midnight train to fall in love.

Lesson: Always miss the train for love (that sweetie is now my husband of 12 years), and always be ready to part with material possessions because they are most definitely replaceable. What is not replaceable, however, is your precious time on this planet. Carpe Diem. And be open to the magic of the universe.

5. When I was 28 I got married in Italy. At the city hall in my husband’s home town. Since we were more interested in love and “getting on with our life” than traditions, we skipped throwing a wedding, we wore what we had, invited no one, and that night, ate dinner at Mamma’s house.

Lesson: Meaning is what you make it. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Start where you’re at and figure it out as you go. And be open to the magic of the universe.

Trust that beauty and opportunity will find you.

Move to the light side.

If things could be better right now, trust they will be.

If there’s something you’d like to change, trust you will make it happen.

If there’s a “thing” you just can’t shake, trust your gut enough to make your move and go and get it.

Beauty and opportunity look for the ones who stand up and say, “Me too! I’m over here!”

Don’t be shy.

Apply for the raise.
Ask for the upgrade.
Sit at the front of the class.
Book that plane ticket.
Say yes when a sweet guy/gal wants to make you dinner.
Say “why not?” when others say “you can’t.”
Don’t wait for it. Go grab it.

Hone your “pounce” mentality. Because you’ll need those steady legs when good things roll your way.

Be the person who recognizes them.

You’ve got one chance to make this lifetime great.

***
Now, I would love to hear from you.

If you get a chance, tell me your “jumped in with both feet” moments.

What happened? Any “glad I know that now” lessons?

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Xx
Bianca

P.S.  Here’s a video I dropped on the subject. 

 

*****

Thanks for checking out our blog!

Are you interested in travelling to Italy with us on a day trip?

Check out our Day Tours of Florence and the Cinque Terre HERE!

We’d love to see you in Italy!

*****

Image credits: Azzurra Biagi

21 Responses

  1. Bianca, You beautiful soul….you’ve made me cry again 🙂 I am so hearin’ ya girlfriend; you are my kindred spirit. You may recall a chat we had over a couple of drinks in Riomaggiore last June. Well since then I have started my own online business and my dream to live and work anywhere in the world (particularly Italy) is coming to life. I have poured my heart & soul into this and am making the godamn thing happen. #dontstopmenow #livelifeorchangeit #notaholidayythisismylife Keep up your fabulous work, you’re a legend xo

    1. Wow Marie!

      So thrilled to hear you’ve made some work changes since you traveled with us! And holy, you’re fast! Congrats on all you’ve accomplished in such a short time. Keep me posted on your business!

      Cheering for you! xx Bianca

  2. Never in my wildest dreams did I think when “meeting” Bianca in Ciao Italian Fix that she would speak the same “language” as I..not Italian, but the language of the universe.I am 30 years older than she, and kudos to her that it hasn’t taken her as long as it did for me to be brave, know yourself and go for it!!!!!
    I agree with your thoughts 100%….I am dreaming of joining one of your tours…that may be the next brave thing I do!

    1. Thanks for your sweet comment, Jeannie. Appreciate you adding to the convo.

      Looking forward to hearing more from you! xx Bianca

  3. Thank you, Bianca, for the beautiful message this morning – or any morning. Messages like this are always “right on time”.

    Nancy

    1. Love being “right on time”! I’m usually running late! 😉 Thanks for being here, Nancy. xx Bianca

  4. Preach Bianca! I love your message and your examples are ridiculously true. No regrets, not now, not ever. Hands down the best decision I ever made was go against all fears and self limits and join your Southern Italy trip on my own. The experience was beyond my wildest dreams. I saw things unimaginable, I tasted life in many ways through sensational meals, more importantly through the sights, the lifetime friendships created and the growth of myself for leaping into the unknown and being brave. I am grateful for the day I picked up the phone and called to inquire about your trips, which seems like forever ago. Life is meant to be thoroughly lived. Eat the cake, Buy the purse, Take the trip!!!!
    Thank you Italian Fix for enriching my life.
    #noregrets #liveforthemement #lavitabella

    1. So incredibly awesome to read your note, Erin. You’re brave and bold and so much more! I’m so happy you picked up the phone that day too and I remember our conversation. Loved having you travel with us. Your hashtags make me smile! GRAZIE, gorgeous woman! xx Bianca

    1. Ciao Sharon,

      Thinking too much – means you’re human. Sending you all the best. Thanks for being here! xx Bianca

  5. Dearest Bianca,

    Is it strange that I feel a sort of kinship with you? I, too, am an Italy-obsessed redhead from Vancouver, Canada who’s keen on living life from a place of the heart and inspired by the many musings of the Universe! I’ve been to Italy twice now, amounting to a year in total, and I’m keen on returning in the near future for a long while. I’m really inspired by how you’ve created your own work to fit your lifestyle! Over the last few years, I’ve learned how to build websites simply as a way to make remote income so I have the freedom to explore other countries and cultures. Not to mention I was a music major in school which has nothing to do with the work I do now, haha… Regardless, thank you for sharing your stories and living life unconventionally, we need more people like you leading the way for us wanderers still finding our path. I’d love to be a part of a business like this, or create one of my own, it’s perfection!

    Keep rockin’ it girl and inspiring us all! I hope we’ll get to meet one day 🙂

    Grazie per tutto,

    Dara

    1. Dara,

      What a nice note! So happy you introduced yourself and “complimenti” for creating work for yourself that lets you have the freedom to travel. I love that we’re living in a time that our ancestors couldn’t even imagine … it’s a very interesting time to be in our working years because the definition of work has expanded so much.

      Being a music major sounds familiar – I was an arts major and although we may not work in those fields now, I think taking those majors at school definitely gives you tools for creative work later on, even if the path is sideways.

      Thanks again for the sweet words and I look forward to our paths crossing at one point. xx Bianca

  6. What a beautiful post Bianca and it comes so at the right time.
    Thanks for reminding us all of what’s really important in this life. 🙂

    Tessa

    1. Here’s to spirit lifting, Argie! Thanks for sharing. Appreciate you. xx Bianca

  7. Love your words, Bianca! They are so resonant and true. I have dreamed of visiting Italy for a long time and finally had the $ and chutzpah to buy the plane ticket this year; I just turned 30 and wanted to mark the birthday in a big way. In the months leading up to the trip, it became clear that none of my friends would be able to come along, which was scary for me; I’ve never been much of a risk-taker and tend to rely on others to plan and make decisions. I discovered your guide through a friend and decided I would go anyway despite my fears about traveling solo as a young, single (and directionally-challenged!) woman. I just got back from my two-week trip 2 days ago and can honestly say it was one of the most perspective-shifting, rewarding, and FUN experiences of my life. I am so grateful for the advice, recommendations and encouragement I found here! I can’t wait to go back. Thank you.

    1. Lindsay,

      I’m thrilled to read your comment and I see you’re a gigiguides.com user. We wrote Gigi Guides to help independent travelers and we love to hear that you used it to have FUN. That’s exactly how it should be used! What makes your trip extra special is that even though you were scared, you did it anyways. That’s such a valuable lesson, so congrats. Cheering you and your braveness on! Looking forward to hearing more from you. xx Bianca

  8. Hi Bianca. Your words and passion for travel speak to me. I generally don’t think of myself as tremendously brave or outgoing. But from childhood I always wanted to travel, and at 15, I found myself boarding a plane from the east coast of the US on a flight to Japan – going home with a high school friend who’d invited me. My family couldn’t believe that their shy 15 year old walked onto a plane by herself for a trip to the other side of the world for two weeks. Things I learned from that trip: 24 hours of plane travel can really make you realize how far you are from home; there’s some real beauty to completely unfamiliar customs and culture; the plane ride home is ALWAYS longer than the plane ride to a new destination. To this day, I don’t know where it comes from, but I can never pass up an opportunity to travel. I can’t wait to explore Italy this summer!

    1. Sweet Kate!
      Thank you for being here with us, and for sharing your story with everyone.
      I too was bit by the travel bug at a very young age, hitchhiking through Mexico and discovering the California coast alone in a van. Sounds like we are kindred spirits 🙂
      We wish you lots of beautiful new adventures this year and beyond! All the best to you.

      xx

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