Why Italian Americans Need to Take Lessons From Native Italians On How to Enjoy Life.

Work, Work, Work..it seems the American work ethic is breaking us down. Get up early, walk the dog, get the kids ready for school, take out the garbage, get lunches ready, be dressed for work, yada, yada yada. In today's times of the American lifestyle, we are being pushed to our breaking point. No time to take lunch, so you eat at your desk while still working on your computer. You don't take a break to digest your lunch so you end up with heartburn till you leave at 6 or 7 pm. Then you get in the car or mass trans. and commute your ass home for another 1/2 to hour or maybe even more if you live in the Tri-state area.

I mean really, when is there time to take care of you and have a peace of mind or tranquil, stress free days...hmmm? Never. Then when you do have a day off its on the weekend and then everything is jam packed into two days..and poof you are now officially run down. Do you know why the health care system and industry are thriving..??? Its because the American population is probably the sickest and most depressed due to work and lifestyle ethics.

We are the most worked with little vacations and no time for family leave, maternity (getting paid is another issue). I mean, really if a woman wants to have a baby she has to worry about if her maternity leave is covered or how well her health insurance will cover it, (if she has health insurance) needless to say things are tough.

Americans are by far the strongest willed, most diligent working force in the world. (in my opinion). We have formed our lives to coincide with the work schedule. Without work we suffer, no work, no money, no freedom to do and buy what you want. So, we have to make some compromises and take what our ancestors have done in the past and still do and implement into our daily lives.

The Italian culture is notorious for living the good life, 'la dolce vita.' This term is used often and its annoying, but by this you should really take the culture and its assets and use them to improve your life here in America. Italians take their time when it comes to eating, they only choose the best of foods when shopping. I noticed here in America, we are very easy to satisfy on quality control and really don't expect much on the quality end of food. We should be as picky as the Italians and demand the best of food and quality for ourselves. Also, the food quality is to blame for much sickness. Eating healthy, good food can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Take the break after lunch, go outside, walk around, inhale the air. Savor the moments. I think every time I am in Italy, I learn something new about taking care of myself. This last time in Calabria really opened my eyes to wanting more for myself in the sense of personal development. Its really hard to explain what those tangible things are..but if you've ever been in Italy you know exactly what I am talking about. The Italians have a great daily schedule with long breaks in between, but if you ask an Italian they would probably find something wrong with their lives and schedules too. I guess we have to pick our fights carefully.

We are lucky to be Italian and Italian Americans, life is short, take the time to grow your personal development, read up on culinary, wine, travel, lifestyle literature or whatever else interests you. Find out what the Italians are up to and how they enjoy their lives, model your own life as they do. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, but in this case just do as the Romans do (period.) We can all learn a little from each other. Tweet