The Great Life Redesign - change

MOVING TO ITALY

The Great Life Redesign – change

Our Life Redesign has been put on hold.

It’s been an intentionally restful entry to the year so far.

My husband Sam is slowly recovering from Myocarditis which we found out was bought on by Ross River fever. This turned my vibrant hard working man into a bedridden worried patient. All of a sudden life became complicated, life became important and thoughts of Italy were put on hold. In fact everything was put on hold, nothing else matters when someone you love is sick.

Every dream we’ve held dear for so long and worked towards since forever could slip through our fingers. We are waiting on further tests, thus far things look good and I have no doubt we’ll make it to the plane on time.

Change means saying goodbye and trusting that we’re heading in the right direction no matter what. It means letting go of so many things, people, places and starting over literally with what we can fit in a few suitcases. So we walk out of our life to date in thirty eight days, the comfortable habits and certainty that comes with staying in one place. We choose something new, something unknown, challenging and aligned with who we know ourselves to be.

A Life Redesign is scary!

It’s exactly what we know, what we thrive on and the life we love. So over the next few weeks I may not be able to post on a regular basis, everywhere I look I find something that still needs to be done. Time is rushing by and with Sam still recovering I need to step up to the challenge, so stay tuned we are on the move!

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and the gang x

27 replies

Shane Curtis says:
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Thanks for sharing that short story you have Lisa.
I love that quote, it’s really true in our real life experience.
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Trisha Thomas says:
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Hi Lisa — I couldn’t agree more about enjoying the little things in life because those are the big things. I have been trying to calm down my frenetic life and busy family and remember to stop and smell the flowers, the coffee, enjoy the colors, taste the flavours and appreciate the moments. Every night for the past month I have been reading a book outloud with my younger daughter and it is so special to lie on the bed together taking turns each reading a page. When it is her turn to read, I try to breathe deep and enjoy the moment, because it will not last forever.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I can still remember my step dad reading out loud to me as a child, ‘The Jungle Book’ and it was so special. Those moments don’t last long and I like you try to savor them, keep them in my heart, laugh out loud at the funny things the kids say and enjoy the sense of imagination they bring to everything.
  
  It’ nice to know you are able to slow down and take some time for yourself, I think we as Mums forget to do that!! sending love and see you soon
  xxx
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Cam says:
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All the best with the challenges. I had a viral myocarditis issue 6 years ago. It has cleared up and back fighting fit. Hopefully you can see the light too, and embrace the challenges

Cam
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  thanks for that Cam, glad to know you are all better now, everything seems to be happening in fast motion and time is ticking LOL X
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Bronnie says:
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Glad to hear he is on the mend … hope your dreams resume soon.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Thanks Bronnie, and I was just laughing at your post, my face seems set on either cranky or exhausted….even my Mum tells me on the phone ‘you sound tired’ when I’m not at all LOL x
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jann says:
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Lisa, buon coraggio to you as you get closer and closer to your departure date! I’m so glad that Sam is recovering. Taking a big leap like this is never easy–as you say, it’s SCARY & there are pitfalls–but it’s also exhilarating and keeps life interesting.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh thanks Jann, I can’t wait to see the look on our children’s faces when we land in Bangkok and then onto Italia at last! They will be beside themselves with excitement and so will we!!! Can’t wait to meet up with everyone and to see our little reno project arghhhh. I must tell you I’m one of those people who love thrill rides and always keep my eyes open and scream Whooo Hoooo xxx
  sending love x
  lisa
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Lisa Wood says:
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Time does fly by far too fast, but again its bringing you closer to what you dream….Italy. Sam is on the way to being better and that is the best news ever. When I sometimes think its all to much, I look back on how far we have come – hope that helps you to see that anything is possible.
Cant wait to see your journey begin in Italy, and your photos….so looking forward to them 🙂
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  It certainly does Lisa, seems like yesterday all the kids were in the pool playing. I was just thinking today about how far we have come since first deciding to return to Italy, even though so many things have stood in our way we just keep working through them, you know what I mean x
  The whole family will be taking photo’s when we set off from Brisbane so can’t wait to see how the kids record the journey xxx
  sending love lisa x
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Andreana says:
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I am so excited for you (and me!) Lisa because you are the very first and always favorite blogger that I follow. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures and live vicariously through you. Because of you, your courage, and your wonderful blog there is a huge chance we are moving to Italy this summer for one year. I’m still very nervous about the kids and school because I too am not wealthy so they will be put into public school. Did I mention I can’t find any info on the web on how to enroll my kids in Italian public school, one of my sons has Aspergers, we’ve never been to Italy and none of us speak any Italian!!!

I’m glad your husband is doing well and I can’t wait to read what you have for us next.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Andreana I’m so glad you got in touch, and thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I can certainly help you out with a wealth of information on schools etc and I fully understand your concerns regarding schools. We are also not wealthy and when we went the first time the kids went into a public school which was great, they were only 3 and 5 at the time and our daughter picked up the language in about 3 months. I am part of a large expat group of around 900 great people which I can connect you with when you are in Italy and can certainly ask them questions on your behalf. Our son Luca has high functioning autism and knows no Italian so I hope he will be able to pick up the language. I know it will be the experience of a lifetime for both our children. If neither of you speak Italian you may want to be in an area that speaks some Italian. My husband is fluent, and if you know the area you have in mind I’m sure I could link you up with someone as well to help you out. I’m so happy to hear that we have inspired your family to take that leap and just know that you won’t be alone as we would be more than happy to help in any way we can. Imagine the adventure you will have, and don’t forget you can also home school in conjunction with Italian school. You can always email me direct at admin@vertexinfosolution.com/renovatingitaly
  ciao for now love lisa
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Krista says:
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I can only imagine how scary and unsettling all this has been. XO I’m SO glad they found out what was afflicting your dear hubby. I hope so much for his healing and MUCH strength for all of you as you face these huge changes in your life. XO
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Certainly unsettling but we are getting back on track if only this rain would ease off LOL x
  we still have so much to get done before we leave that it gets a bit overwhelming but piano piano we’ll get it sorted.
  sending love and your Aussie day post was great, made me chuckle out loud and long for a good pie and chips!
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Catherine says:
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Sending you very warm wishes from a frosty glittering place. So hard to have your plans knocked out of line but nothing is more important than health. I’m sure things will improve and you will all soon be steaming ahead. xxcatinveneto
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Hey Catherine I’ve no doubt that we’ll get on that plane, it seems like it’s been forever since we started planning to come back to italy. Next it will be sorting the kids with schools and getting settled. I’ve also started writing a book so plenty to keep me occupied, much love lisa x
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Ingrid says:
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Ciao Lisa!

Indeed the countdown is beginning!! Fantastic news that Sam is on the road to recovery and the cause of his heart problems identified!!

It does feel like ‘walking off the edge of the world’ when you take a major step like flying to start a new life in a new country even if it is somewhere you have been before!!

Bon courage!!

Ingrid x
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  So true Ingrid, and even though we’ve done it before it still seems to be looming large now it’s so close. Yet all I need do is visit any of my “Italian Friends” online to reconnect with why we are doing all this. sending love and thanks for the well wishes for the man, he is getting better each day x
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Janine says:
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Carissima! What next? But having had the pleasure of meeting you and talking to you I know you will take this in your stride and wait it out and keep putting one foot in front of another. Together. Marching to the beat of your own drum. My thoughts are often with you as it is, but now especially so. Your perspective was already so clear and untainted. This just helps make it more so. Like you, I have known for a little while now the little things are really the big ones in disguise. I think Italy knows that too, which is why we love her so. xox
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I know Janine, can you believe it LOL x I
  It just keeps getting better and better, lucky we see the funny side and nothing is going to stop us! Each day helps me see those little things I take for granted more clearly and appreciate each moment. I know you understand and see life this way, and yes you put it so beautifully….Italy does know x
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Joe Salerno says:
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Hi Lisa,
My wife and I have been following your blog with interest for some time.
I was born in Australia of Italian parents 58 years ago and it was only 3 years that I travelled back to my parents village in Calabria with my wife.After meeting so many relatives I did not know, I have now embraced everything Italian and have been back twice since then with another trip planned this May for the Festa of the Madonna ( that each village has ).
Your blog has also inspired my wife ( she is currently having Italian lessons ) and I to look at living in Italy in the near future. Who knows we might catch up for a vino.

Ciao

Guiseppi
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Hi Guiseppi,
  
  It’s wonderful to hear you have both been along with our adventures and it always amazes me how easy it is to reach out and connect with people through the net. My father in law was born in Soveria Mannelli and we visited with him which was just priceless. My husband also got to meet many relatives he’d never even heard about and we were embraced instantly it was incredible. I just met a lady here on the blog with the same sir name and her family are from the same town, what a small world.
  
  I need to catch up on the Italian lessons and applaud your wife for taking them, it is so easy to fall in love with Italy and I hope you will one day join us for that vino, ciao lisa x
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Caterina B says:
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Wow, Lisa! You are very courageous.Certainly Sam’s health crisis has caused huge unforseen concerns. Hubby and I send our best thoughts to Sam for continued healing and recovering his strength!
I have often dreamed of doing more or less what you are doing. Just this morning I was cruising the country roads of southern France on Google Maps. I love doing that. I find something interesting on a TV show, such as “Earth from Above,” then I look for places that catch my fancy and go to them on Google Maps or Google Earth. I have “seen” so many fascinating places that way! But….to actually GO there is another thing. I know you have already lived in Italy so you are way over the first hurdle. When I think about leaving my little farm for good I get very sad. Hubby and I have discussed instead just visiting Italy and France and Spain on a long trip. One idea of mine is buying a small RV and “cruising” Europe that way like “Soul Travelers 3″ have done for 7 years. We WOULD have to sell everything to do that as we are not wealthy. It’s too big a dream for us, I think. But….good for you! You have concrete plans and are going to carry them out. You are still young enough and very adventurous to do it. Also, without a doubt, it helps to have family in the country you are going to live in. So….”Keep calm and carry on.”
We can’t wait to hear the next chapter.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  We certainly didn’t expect this drama to come up so close to leaving that’s for sure. Totally unforeseen on our part. Thanks for your good wishes and yes he is getting better each day.
  
  I love that you go cruising on google, we do that as well and drive down the virtual roads checking out the areas we love. that we already lived in Italy is a big help, it is not such a daunting move although I do have some concerns for our son who has mild autism. Even so I know he will blossom in this new environment and with so many wonderful life experiences coming his way.
  
  I think your idea to go on an extended trip sounds perfect, if I had a little farm I know I wouldn’t want to leave it for long. RV’s are cheap in Europe and are everywhere, it is well set up for travelling this way. Soul Travelers are just so inspiring and I know they love the lifestyle. We unfortunately aren’t wealthy either and will get this property revalued in order to finance the initial venture. We live very frugally and don’t need a lot of stuff any more. We started late with the kids so I am an older Mum, almost 50 and don’t have a career to give up. I’d like to start writing articles and documenting our trip and life, especially the effect on the kids. So much to create in the future for both of us it seems, I am sure we will have that vino on the terrace one day xxx sending love lisa
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Margaret says:
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Just play what you can see… 🙂
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh I love that expression xxx
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