Rita's Rants. Italian Kisses. With Love and Gratitude
Although International Happiness Day is celebrated on March 20, any day can be one of positive thinking and joy. And each day does not need to be one filled with breath-taking fireworks. In fact, International Day of Happiness, was organised by the United Nations as a reminder that happiness is a fundamental human goal. When…
Because Saint Joseph’s Day is Father’s Day in Italy, when growing up I spent the night before the feast at our grandparents’ house to celebrate. The next day, March 19, I helped at the pastry shop. For that entire day everyone made just zeppole di San Giuseppe, special cream filled fritters. Even if it was a…
On this day in which we celebrate St. Patrick, even without the merry-making we experienced before pandemic shutdowns, people will find the time to raise a glass and express happiness. It seems to be a time when we put aside grudges and little irritations that cloud our day. That said, it is important to resolve…
This pandemic has taken a year to simmer and spread. Some people are still angry about it. Using a technique from positive psychology, it is possible to create a way of thinking that is based on counting one’s blessings rather than woes. Martin Seligman, M.D., identified as the founder and father of the positive psychology…
We are facing challenging times. In trying to recover from pandemic restrictions, we have become a “Them” and “Us” society. Despite science, we are faced with those opposed to mask wearing and vaccines. Read through social media and even families are feeling split apart. Sometimes there is even a strain between lovers. Now with new…
We all have a story to tell, even though sometimes our stories mingle between reality and what we choose to remember. However, what determines our destiny is oftentimes the way we fashion our stories. While it is always best to err on the side of truth, sometimes we are driven to reshape unhappy experiences to…
Many of us are looking for bright spots after so many days of social isolation. By taking a journey within through mindfulness, gratitude, and creative visualization, one can create a certain peace of mind that transcends loneliness and negative feelings. During this past pandemic year we have seen a greater increase in loneliness because we are…
Gratitude can be challenging. It is easy to be grateful when the sun is shining, when our dreams seem to be coming true, when the world around us feels blissful. But are we grateful when we prick our finger on the thorn of a rose? When our perfect plan goes awry? When all doors seem…
While many of us would like to re-script these past four years, we can take an active role in moving forward. And yet, in some lives, personal sadness prevails. In writing a memoir, some people may wish to include sad memories even while attempting to turn the page on a particular chapter in one’s life. …
We were mesmerized by the Inauguration of our 46th president. And I wanted to cling to those peaceful and hopeful feelings long enough to erase the anger and angst of the past four years. With the pandemic and Trumpism, it was difficult to get up in the morning, get dressed, and be productive. Then came…