"Don't worry, be happy"

The first night here in Bologna, we went out, of course. A Franceso was our chaperone (he's this hilarious dentist)...and let me just tell you that one euro shots are DANGEROUS. My friends sat down at a table and I just walked to the bar top about to order shots for everyone and, of course, what does Gia find? Boys. Edoardo, Lorenzo and some Vittorio...we laugh and flirt and next thing ya know, I was grabbing my coat to go dancing. What I loved most about the night were the walks TO the bars and dance clubs...everyone laughing and acting silly on Italian cobble stone streets is something else...that, in itself, is an experience. First time I heard the phrase, "don't worry, be happy," was from Mr. Super Duper Italian Lorenzo. His English wasn't too good so we were having trouble understanding each other but he did know one thing that I did indeed understand, maybe not to the degree I do now, but si capisco, Lorenzo (yes I understand, Lorenzo)..."don't worry, be happy." Hmmm...mi piace (I like that).

The next day my Italian tutor, slashtheboyIlikeahhhh, joked with  his friends about the phrase. He didn't know it but it meant a lot to me. I told him he seemed more serious than that, and he just said..in Tarzan english, "No no Gia. You have all wrong. I am very happy person. Life too short...so, don't worry, be HAPPY!!" He made me genuinely smile. You know when you have those moments where you want to freeze time and have that moment forever? What we live for, ya know? It was one of those. Don't worry, be happy...lalala, I truly never want to leave Italians...not Italy...the people.

Sunday's la mensa is closed so we have to figure out dinner on our own. I don't know Silvia or Chiara (the equivalent to a Carrie and Charlotte from Sex and the City...but their New York City is Bologna) very well but since you're famiglia right off the bat with the people here, they knocked on my door and asked Sarah and I if we would like to go to dinner with them and their friends. How sweet is that? We were doing Italian homework and they helped us learn the alphabet too. Such a simple scenario with momentous words...Silvia says, "Gia...don't worry, be happy. Do you know that song?" All I could think was, "Do I ever! It's all I hear!" What is with Italy and this phrase? I think God's sending me little messages...what a good guy.

A psychic told me I would "fall in love" for the first time in Italy...I think I am, but not with a boy, with this country. Because of how there's nothing like it, I have this obsession with experiencing every part of it. The littlest things to someone else are usually the most enchanting things to me...the pronounciation of words here gives me a chill sometimes...swear to God, I feel it course down my spine. These words are music to my ears. So is, "don't worry, be happy," though. What a message, ya know? That we're supposed to be carefree and jovial. We would never guess...it's too simple for the average, busy body American. We forget how important it is to slow down, breathe and enjoy the simple things. The future will take care of itself...right now is all that matters. What we have is what we have...and that's okay. We shouldn't be trying to want more...we should just be happy with what is, because it's all that matters. That goes for friendships, jobs, education, relationships, etc. Somehow everything always works out. Isn't that funny? Yes, you big babies, it's hard getting through things but YOU GET THROUGH. Suck it up and have some fun. What would you rather remember? Being bitter about things that have happened in the past or putting it behind you and doing something silly with your friend so you can talk about it for years to come? Those kinds of things bring the "happiness" this phrase, "don't worry, be happy" speaks of...this effortless disposition comes from knowing the world is good and mother nature will take care of you always. Just laugh with your friends, dream big, and cherish others for who they are, because, in their own way, everyone is beautiful and has something to teach us.

There shouldn't be a "pursuit of happiness." Just be...beautifully be.

Bottom line, I think, "don't worry, be happy," may be some of the wisest words I've ever heard...it's unfortunate it took me coming to Italy to learn this philosophy. But there is no doubt in my mind that I will bring it home with me.