The Heart Wanders - a journey

INSPIRATION

The Heart Wanders – a journey

I’m on a journey without a goal….. and I like it that way

I have never thought myself to be a driven person, recently I took a Tony Robins questionnaire and the results didn’t surprise me. He has such an insight into what runs us and our inner conversations.

How do I translate this to our life and the future.

I know we only have 116 days on our timeline before boarding the plane to leave Australia. Many would be panicking and making lists as long as their arm. I have resolved to do neither.

What I do know is that it will all get done, it always does.

Our family just keeps paring back the ‘things’ we don’t need and keeps looking inwards for what we do want and then looks to create our life that way.

So we have been talking about creating this ‘Simple Life’ in Italy, what it will mean, how it will look, our hopes and dreams and with each word the vision grows. This is something I look forward to sharing with you all here, I know so many friends who would like to bring a little simplicity into the daily rush of life in the fast lane.

I’ve seen recently first hand the effect of our lifestyle on my health.

I had that big scare recently with my heart and after lots of tests the results look good. I let myself get run down and developed severe Anemia which my Dr tells me will take till the New Year to fully recover from.

I’m so relieved that my heart is healthy and am having the works at the Doctors to make sure I am in tip top shape for the journey ahead.

You may know that I have been dealing with anxiety and depression over a family matter and decided today that I would not let this rule me any longer.

I love my husband and our children and can’t wait to board that plane, everything feels so much lighter with this burden put to the side. Why am I telling you this, it’s because I know that so many of us suffer in silence, this became abundantly clear once I started reaching out to people.

I hope that by sharing both our glorious dreams and our deepest fears you will see a little of yourself and know that things will most likely work out.

I lost a little of that spark here at the blog, I felt totally lost and at sea. So I am creating a special place to go when those feelings overcome me. I come from strong stock, a family of incredible men and women whose blood I share, I gather them close. I will do whatever needs to be done, I am a tiger Mama. Don’t mess with me!

So what I am creating from today forward is a new space, a blank canvas if you will that I fully intend to fill with life, love and the laughter of our children. I look forward to creating the journey with you all.

and the gang x

24 replies

Trisha Thomas says:
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Lisa, I had no idea what you were going through and I am so sorry and all I can say is I send you a huge cyber hug. Some day I hope to meet you in person so I can give you a real hug. I think we have a lot in common. I, too, have been through a rough time recently. My middle child was in the hospital for a month this summer and she is out now but things are going slowly and there are lots of question marks about the future. I lead a frenetic life with my three kids and demanding job, and ever since this summer I have been thinking that I need to simplify. But then I found that when I pulled back from my work, I was sinking into a depression and becoming overly anxious about my daughter, to the point where it was not good for her to have me fretting constantly. Now I am trying to take the good stuff from my work, enjoy the new stories, but not allow myself to get stressed about it. I have also discovered (something clearly you already know, reading all the comments are your blog) that there are so many understanding, supportive people willing to lend and ear or a hand. One day in the office I was so tense about my daughter that I unexpectedly I broke down on the phone with a male colleague in another Italian city. It turns out his son is going through chemotherapy after they recently discovered a malignant brain tumor. This colleague is so strong and courageous. He now sends me messages every week asking about my daughter and me, offering words of encouragement and solace. I am so grateful. So, if I can pass on the favor– your are clearly such an amazing person, with a wonderful husband and children. You will get through it all and will soon be seeing your dreams come true. Big hugs, Trisha
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  oh Trisha I’m so sorry to hear this, I just sent you a message and am sending love and hugs
  xxx
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Krista says:
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Dearest Lisa, you are such a comfort and inspiration. I’m so happy you’re finding your footing again and I’m so happy you are sharing your journey with us. We need each others stories. xo
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  So true Krista it is this sharing that gives me so much strength, to know I am not the only one struggling often silently. Your gorgeous smiling face and constant encouragement means the world to me even though I know it is balanced by equal amounts of turmoil. I know one day we’ll meet up in person, until then sending hugs love lisa x
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Belinda Hutchinson says:
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What a beautiful post Lisa. Thank you for sharing.
I am so glad that you are sharing your journey. I do like to set goals but am also pretty chilled about them. But one lovely imagination I have is when I finally do get to see Italy I shall come meet you in real life and perhaps enjoy a delightful Italian meal. Now doesn’t that sound lovely!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Belinda that would be fabulous, and I love your site and your outlook on life! I know we would have much to talk about
  over our meal!! Maybe we could invite Layne!!
  ciao love lisa x
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Janine says:
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Everyday is a new start if we want it Lisa. Today is your day and I for one of many am with you on the journey. Without even thinking about it, I started to pare back my own life in July when I got back from Italy. I have a talented for editing other people’s lives so I tried it on my own. Like you I like to take things as they come these days. The image on this post fits my mood too. I so hope we can meet up in Melbourne next month. Stay in touch. Un abbraccio forte. Janinex
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Janine it would be fantastic to meet up with you, can’t wait! I think so many people are sick of the fast pace of life and slowing things down. funny how we can always see whats good for others yet don’t see it for ourselves. The image is a reminder of my little boy Luca and the innocence of childhood. Our children give me the greatest joy and I will protect them at all costs!!!
  sending love lisa x
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Susan Heslington says:
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Delightful news you’re not dying on us Lisa! And I knew we had so much in common… I know i’m going to ‘get there’ in many cases, just cant tell you how…

Focus ‘only’ on the wonderful things life presents us with, and we’ll have a wonderful life.
xxx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Phew yep I’m glad to be not dying!! I will keep my focus on the end result and find those blinkers so I am not distracted….
  together we will get there and when we do we may find we were there all along!! xxx
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Cathy says:
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This is a beautiful heartfelt post Lisa. I can totally identify with where you are coming from. You truly are made of strong stuff, and I know that you will find the right way forward for you and your family. A simple life has a lot to offer. All the best.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Thanks for that Cathy, I often wonder if I should share personal things here. I know we will pull through this and come out stronger than ever.
  I’m sure it will take something to create this ‘simple’ life we long for, even just learning to slow down will take some time LOL
  xxx
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Debra Kolkka says:
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I hope all goes well for you now. Good luck with the new start.
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Thanks Deb, who knows where we will next meet. A New Year approaching and a new home to explore!!
  Just what we love! x
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jann says:
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Lisa–anxiety can have such a bad effect on your health–I’ve been there–you made a good decision not to let the anxiety rule you… Wishing you the very best xxxxx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  I’m so surprised by how many of my friends are struggling with this and keeping it to themselves. Once I kick the anemia I know I will feel much better and up for all that life throws at us. I love the people in your book, those faces have ‘lived’ and are just beautiful!
  ciao lisa x
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Laurel says:
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We don’t know one another, but I applaud as you speak your truth. Thank you for speaking out; you are so right that many of us suffer in silence.

I made a decision also to let go of a family burden; my life changed at that instant. That decision has allowed me to live relatively peacefully through a grueling recovery from near-death 9 months ago.

I very much look forward to watching your countdown.

Best, Laurel
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Hi Laurel, thank you so much for your kind words. It seems that many trauma’s are kept close and you are right it is in that moment that we can let go and move forward. I don’t forgive this person but have found a safe place to seek when things get overwhelming. My anxiety has transferred to my driving and I have this awful fear that people won’t stay in the right lane, I’ve had three accidents since this drama began. I got some help and now have some ways to work through this. I hope your life is peaceful now and look forward to getting to know you.
  
  I love your blog it’s just filled with laughter and feels like I am just sitting chatting with you!
  ciao for now lisa x
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Lisa Wood says:
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Hi Lisa,

YOU go girlfriend!! And yep its good to get back to basics….looking forward to following you on your journey, wherever your heart will take you 🙂
And look after youself – you deserve it!

Cheers
Lisa
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  It’s so good to just step back and reconsider the daily drama of life. Back to the basics sounds so much better than the computer driven, TV addicted kids that are sitting in my lounge room. Soon they will have no other option than to LIVE life!!
  xxx
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Cristina Bergamini says:
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Hi Lisa,

We “still” don’t know each other but through Facebook we found each other’s pages and I’m glad I’m here reading your very sincere post.

Glad to know you, hope we can talk sometime.

All the best, and keep going this way, we can “overcome” everything with determination, persistence, but above all Faith.

xoxo

Cristina Bergamini
http://www.styleinpietra.com
http://www.hotelinpietra.it
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh Cristina it’s so funny how fb has opened up the world to new friendships! I am sure we will meet in person some day soon and can’t wait. I am totally in love with your site and all you are creating, thank you for your thoughts and yes faith!
  love lisa x
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Francesca Muir says:
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A simple life beckons and simple life you will have – you are on the right road – just keep breathing and trust your instincts. Take it one day at a time and as you say – it will get done – it always does. SO looking forward to seeing you soon. hugs F xx
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh Francesca that simple life is calling me, and we are looking to create something we can share with others in the community. Not a B & B but maybe a community space for those wanting to try their hand at the rustic life and join in with the creation of the house in Veravo. We are still thinking out loud at this stage but have a good idea of what we want to create in the mountains of Liguria! xx
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