My life as a world-citizen
Ciao girlsss! I’m Linda, pronounced Leenda and that’s right, if you hadn’t guessed, I am indeed Italian. Well actually half. I grew up in sunny California and at the early age of eighteen I took a huge leap and decided to move to Rome by myself. It’s not as drastic as it might seem! I did already speak the language and I did have family in Venice, but still, it was a huuuuuge change for me. I thought I knew what living in a big city would be like, but boy does Rome not count!
Since my mom is Italian, I had gone to Venice for the summers every year with my family. I loved the people, the culture, the warmth, and just the colors of life that I seemed to see and experience only in Italy. So naturally when I had a chance to go to college in Rome, I jumped at the chance. Little did I know that Rome was a little tiny bomb of chaos!
The first years I had such difficulty accepting the disorganization of everything- I mean public transportation with no time schedules…. How was I supposed to plan anything or get anything done? And a car?? Forget about it, your best bet for finding a parking space was in a tree. How about the Italian way that you can only solve something if you ‘know’ someone??But what in the first years seemed to be absolute hell, in reality turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Rome taught me so many things.
It taught me first and foremost how to not sweat the small stuff- to choose to turn stupid everyday mishaps into something to laugh about. It taught me to never back down- that if something doesn’t feel right, to never settle and keep fighting (seriously, I have three different degrees- way to go for finding and choosing the right path!). I learned how to have a voice- to be heard when it appeared no one was listening. It taught me to be positive— seriously if you don’t think positive here in Rome you’ll just get trampled on waiting for the never-arriving bus! But most of all, it taught me that it really is our thoughts and energy that determine which opportunities will present themselves.
I am a firm believer that dreams can come true- all it takes is consistency, passion, and perseverance.
Why the Name La Dolce Fit Vita?
This blog is a fusion of my two worlds, that of personal wellness and of my life here in Bella Roma. I believe everyone should strive to be the best they can, not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it feels AMAAAAAZING. Feeling good about yourself, feeling confident, feeling damn sure that you’ve got it girl, really makes life so much more breezy….and I don’t mean this in like an arrogant, I’m better than everyone else way. What I mean is being satisfied with oneself- to each of you this may mean something different. To me it means feeling a balance, physically and emotionally. Having that energy when you wake up in the morning happy that it’s a new day!
I love taking care of my body, both inside and out. I see that the more I take care of myself physically, the happier and healthier I am mentally and emotionally. Endorphins are a great thing 😉 I hope to guide you along in a path of personal wellness— whether that may be fitness (losing weight or building muscle), nutrition (for a healthier and more satisfied you), self-love (positive thoughts, meditation, and anxiety relief) or just a jump into one of my European get-aways to help inspire.
I hope that I can help you transform your desires into reality, your passions into the present, and your doubts into confidence. Remember, NO DREAM IS IMPOSSIBLE! I truly believe that whatever you want, you can have. Life really is sweet, you just have to own it…..hence the name, La Dolce Fit Vita!
My Favorite Hobby
So I couldn’t NOT include my one great hobby! It’s in my blood and it’s impossible to ignore as soon as the music turns up. It’s simply who I am and how I express myself… through DANCE! I have danced practically all my life, exploring all different forms of dance- from tap, to belly-dance, to modern.
My most recent discovery has been that of salsaaaaaaa. I have now been dancing salsa, cha cha and bachata for three years and it’s safe to say that I will never part with it. I love the soul and interpretation that stands behind each beat. The smile it puts on my face is priceless, and the spontaneity that it brings forward is just so liberating. It’s an expression of freedom. There is no right or wrong, it’s just you and the music….. and well, your partner of course! I have a sign in my house that says “dance like no one is watching.” That’s exactly how I dance and how I live life- full out!
Things I Can’t Get Enough Of
This is so easy! I can’t get enough of tea, nature, sports, and spa getaways!!! I am a complete tea freak, especially anything that has cinnamon in it. It is my ritual every morning to sit by the window and sip at my tea- I feel like it’s the day’s way of saying good morning to me- seriously I always have at least three open tea boxes 🙂
I also need to have nature in my life- and what goes hand in hand with nature for me is sports. I absolutely love the mountains, especially in the summer. It is definitely beautiful to go skiing and hiking in the snow, but there is no such greater peace than the silence that the Dolomite mountains here in Italy offer during the summer. Plus there are so many things you can do: rock-climb, kayak, mountain-bike, horseback ride, you name it! Don’t get me wrong- I do love the beach. Lots of sports there as well, but the water has to be warm and the water clear. I know, crazy from a California girl but that’s how I like it!
The last thing that I absolutely can’t get enough of is going to the spa. I know what you’re thinking, ‘so expensive and snobby.‘ But I actually only spend 50 bucks for a day pass, making it possible for me to try to go every month! And these places are ultimate luxury!! One of the fantastic perks about living in Italy is that if you’re a smart budgeter, you can really live like royalty with not that much money!
Every month I try to change spa and always go to ones that have outdoor areas overlooking beautiful panoramas. My favorite spa-spot is definitely Tuscany. What do I love about the spa? I love Turkish baths, they are so good for your respiratory system and your skin! I love the treading pools (which are so good for your circulation!). In general, I just love the feeling of pampering and treating myself. It’s my reward and it makes me truly feel like a queen- plus I feel completely re-energized! You girls should definitely look into going to the spa- it is essential to have at least one pamper session per month!
Taking in the beautiful view at an infinity jacuzzi in Tuscany
NOW WHAT??
So now that you’ve gotten to know a little bit about me, if you would like to follow me on my Italian trails and receive fitness, nutrition and wellness tips, sign-up for the newsletter and get the latest posts from La Dolce Fit Vita! Join me in making a community of strong and confident women! You can reach me via email, facebook, instagram, or pinterest. Hope to hear from you soon!
