If Not Now, Then When?

How the Pandemic Was My Impetus to Move to Florence

As an Italian American my heritage has always been intriguing and I find I have a gravitational pull for all things Italian: designers, wine, and our Sunday family dinners with copious amounts of food and chatter. After visiting Italy in 2011 I dreamed of one day living there. My mother’s family is from Parma and my paternal side resides in San Donato Val di Comino (110km east of Rome), although it was the city of Florence that kept a piece of my heart. I have stumbled upon the most breathtaking views, quaint restaurants, and invigorating conversations with both locals & travelers. 

This whimsical dream has made its appearance on many of my vision boards over the past decade but after the uncertainty COVID-19 placed upon humans worldwide, I decided to set a date & put this plan in motion. With lockdowns and restrictions, 2020 was a really easy year to save money, not spend it. I became realistic with how much I would need to live abroad as well as make sure my ongoing bills were still covered in the US. After 11 years in the airline industry, I submitted my resignation to live out my passions full-time. While some would say “sai pazza” for leaving job security and familiarity, I have a different mindset; a life well lived would be one filled with travel, never-ending self-exploration, and the ability to find happiness through it all.

As amazing as living abroad sounds, I know loneliness can ensue when there is a lack of commonality. Most importantly, I don’t want to just be an expat in Florence. I want to fulfill my dream of living in Florence, while simultaneously pursuing my purpose and building a community that helps others find their passions, incorporate self-love, gratitude, and a positive mindset; all of which have helped me make leaps and bounds towards living my best life. After the tragic passing of my father, a divorce, and turning 30, I started writing a blog as a form of therapy. Over time it transformed into two published books and in Los Angeles, my business is primarily made up of curating alternative healing/wellness workshops to help others thrive and make mental health a priority.

I am excited to bring my published books to local bookshops like Tatata & Paperback Exchange and host pop-up author readings at Boboli Gardens. To keep my American audience engaged while in another country, I will be continuing my book club which soulful discussions take place via zoom weekly centered around the personal development book I’ve selected.

With a calendar fully booked for September and October, you can follow all of my adventures at www.soulaceseeker.com where I will be posting weekly blog updates and inviting Florentines to participate in my meditations & workshops free of charge around the city. This is my combination of “la dolce vita” è “si vive solo una volta” and I’m thrilled to invite my readers to be a part of my journey from the very beginning.