tuscan wisdom

here's another great read:  the wisdom of tuscany:  simplicity, security & the good life--making the tuscan lifestyle your own by ferenc mate.

i nodded my head in agreement so many times during this read that i didn't bother to underline or dog-ear pages, because i would have been underlining the entire book!

also, moving to tuscany would not necessarily create the wisdom.  the author encourages us to live it right where we are.  

some of the tidbits i want to practice right here in my own neck of the woods:

-making the most of moments...taking time to visit in the grocery store, with baristas, neighbors

-being content with less...drive the older vehicle and therefore work and stress less

-enjoy what you have...make enjoyment, not amassing material things, the goal

-walk when possible...if we must drive, park further sometimes and walk between errands

-eat real food from where you live...plant a garden in any and all soil you have

-multigenerational living...no worries about housing because families rotate together by need & stage

-purpose...family businesses ensure everyone contributes and is able to figure things out together

the author busts the myth of a *steady job and instead encourages us to build a life, "...work to fulfill your genetic desire for security, love, and friendship by building yourself a home (one of the easiest jobs around) and gathering friends and family to enjoy life with you.  together, concentrate on becoming the wisest, kindest, wittiest, most creative human beings we can be."

*there's nothing wrong with having and keeping a good job, of course, but the author argues for, and i believe rightly so, that the myth is misleading because it is only steady until a recession or you are laid off, and preempts the option to lead an independent, varied, and truly secure life.  for more on this, you can read the book in its entirety for context.

i do find it humorous that, now that my master's degree and car are all paid for and i have a simple life, my credit score is going down.  our country backwardly rewards debt.  regardless of credit scores, i do feel free, happy and on my way to celebrating enjoyment tuscan-style, right where i live.