One thousand blog entries!

When I started my blog in November 2004, I certainly didn't know what to expect and never imagined that I would write a thousand blog entries. If it wasn't for a friend of mine who asked me to consider starting a blog about my new life in Florence, I never would've thought about blogging. With my blog, I've had the opportunity to write about everything that pertains to my life in Florence, and have tried to keep away from making quick judgements and handing out stereotypes any time something didn't go my way.

Writing my blog has helped me to become less judgmental and more accepting of myself and others. I have learned to honor other people's path as I walk down my own. I have learned that there is no right or wrong way to do anything.

Living overseas, outside of my home country, has allowed me to stretch in many ways even if it was uncomfortable to do so. After living in a couple of other European countries, I have come to the conclusion that we're all the same and yet joyously different.

Living in Florence has been the most enriching experiences for me. It has taught me to follow my heart even when everyone else might tell me that I'm crazy. It has taught me to become more assertive without being aggressive. And it has taught me that my feelings have an important value in my life.

After living here for a few years, I have finally given up my expectations, which has benefitted me in more ways than I could ever have imagined: I'm much less disappointed when things don't go the way I plan. And actually everything happens perfectly in its own time and in its own way.

I find it also fitting that I chose today to write about my 1000th blog entry when today is also the 65th anniversary of the liberazione (liberation) of Florence. I didn't remember that until I walked through Piazza della Signoria on my way to the ortolano (green grocer) this morning.

I feel that Florence has helped me to set myself free from my conditioning and many expectations that have put upon me by family and society. Not only am I free to live the life I desire, but I am happy blogging about it too!

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