5 Secrets for a "Dolce Vita" Even if the Rest of the World is in Chaos

The "dolce vita" model I use to coach my clients is rooted in ancient Italian lifestyle habits, which the field of psychology has verified as a means to physical and emotional well-being. Most people come to me seeking a lifestyle makeover. A fresh new start, where all of the complications and entanglements of excessive overdrawn living, give way to a pure, authentic way of being. Wouldn't you like to be able to feel the joy of the little things again, and melt your worries until they dissapate into thin air? I can help . Here are five ways to start your journey, and if you'd like a mentor, write to set up a free 1/2 hour laser coaching session to get a taste of whether life coaching is for you. Info@dolcevitaseminars.com. Now let's take this step by step:
Step 1: Pare down to basics. Examine your bills and call companies to remove the extra services you don't need. Examine your wardrobe and sell or donate what you haven't worn for a year or more. Learn to say "no" so you can simplify your daily schedule. finally, cut "noisy thoughts" from your mind by substituing with long deep breaths.
Step 2: Cut out excess! We don't need 3 vacations a year, or to go to restaurants several times a week. You can save money by forgoing last minute items at the supermarket, and opting for freebies--like walking instead of going to the gym for exercise; brown-bagging it instead of buying lunch from the cafeteria.
Step 3: Keep your life balanced. Chaos comes from being overwhelmed with "to do " lists. 'Remember there is a time for work, and a time for play. Make sure your social relationships are healthy and positive, and that you also devote a certain amount of time to your spiritual nature.
Step 4: Use the One-Happiness-a-Day Rule: Make a list of things that make you smile. Then make sure you do one every day. Go out for coffee with your best friend; take a hot celtic salt bath with a few drops of lavender added to the water; work on a project you're good at so that you feel a sense of accomplishment.
Step 5. Project a Positive Energy. While most people are running around scared and confused, you be the one who keeps calm and draws like energy to you. No one wants to be around someone who is always complaining, crying, or expressing negativity. That only makes people more frightened than they are and they will try to avoid you, not hire you, not want to go out with you. Honestly, who could blame them?

Simplicity, modest living, and balance, are key to living a "dolce vita" in a world-gone-mad. And don't forget to take real joy in every small pleasure God graces your day with.

Step Back and See the Mosaico

In wealthier ancient Roman homes, the floors of the vestibulum (the long narrow hallway) leading from the front door to the atrium would be covered with brilliant mosaic art. At short range the complexity of colors, shapes, and materials of a mosaico mesmerize us---the sparkling marble, the brilliant lapis, malachite, turquoise, mother-of-pearl, or colored glass. From close-up we may even notice flaws in the individual pieces. But those imperfections fade away as soon as we step back into the magic of the emergent image. Now a unified picture appears whose beauty transcends all tiny imperfections. The crafting of a Roman mosaic conveys a story of love, patience and the harmonious coexistence among many unique pieces—just like the living mosaic of a human life. None of us can be defined by just one material, one color, or one shape. Instead as individuals we encompass a variety of traits, behaviors, habits, and preferences, each with our share of tiny flaws and imperfections. Tolerance is what happens when we are able to step back and consider the entire person as a whole. How many times have we judged others—or ourselves-- on the basis of one flaw, one mistake, or one misunderstanding? How many times have we focused on a single insignificant imperfection, which, when given the whole picture, isn’t really important after all? We all need to remind ourselves now and then to step back see the whole mosaico, and give others---and ourselves—a much needed break!

Get Rid of Excess Living

In the days of my immigrant grandparents, there was no such thing as "waste". If you only used half a paper towel, you folded it in half, tore it apart, and saved the rest for the next time. We have gotten so far away from that mentality, we have literally drowned ourselves in excessive living, and now it is up to us to throw ourselves a lifeline to get out of this mess. Have you been buying things that you realize you already have at home? Have you taken a good look at your bills to see if there is any extra "padding" in them, or services you don't use? Have you been going out to dinner with friends for fear you'll be left out if you would rather eat home and save money? These are all signs of Excess Living. The beauty is, once you weed the excess out, a beautify clarity comes into focus. It is like putting the plug in a bathtub filled with your energy--financial and emotional. You don't want your energy to be all drained away . You'll find you don't need excess, and that with simplicity comes tranquility.

Welcome! Benvenuti

Welcome to my new blog . I hope to fill this space with lots of personal development articles that will help you live your life with balance and simplicity. Many of my posts will be based on techniques that I have learned through my 20 years of teaching psychology, but I will also include the tips that promote well-being, based on lifestyle tips of the Bel Paese. There are so many wonderful, effective ways to live well in these tough economic times. Ways to reduce stress, save money, and become more focused and skilled in the face of our challenges. This blog is meant to be educational, it is not psychotherapy. As a life coach and personal development consultant I hope to present information that will help you to be all you were meant to be.