Living a Joyful Life is a Choice

Only a month ago I had the thrill of a lifetime. Here I was lurching on my Vespa through the streets of Rome, swaying from side to side as I made my way through crowded avenues and narrow cobblestone covered alleys. The cars around me swerved, switching lanes, blasting their horns. I felt exhilarated! Here I was living in the moment, laughing and celebrating life, carefree and free!

I was headed to Trastevere for lunch with my dear Catalan friend and colleague Dolors Massot. Trastevere which means “across the river” refers to its location on the west bank of the Tiber or “Tevere” in Italian, is a young, bohemian area that clings to its centuries-old, working-class roots. It reminded me a bit of what Greenwich Village, New York was in the 70’s and early 80’s when I lived there. But, the ancient history and European flair of Trastevere is uniquely its own.

In the late afternoon, Dolors and I happened into a tiny trattoria full of locals, eating, drinking and enjoying lively conversations. We spoke about our past lives and our plans for the future as we soaked up the feelings of nostalgia that come with the sights and smells of Trastevere.

Suddenly, Dolors took note of my stiff neck. I responded that the lack of full movement in my neck was the result of a car accident which had occurred many moons ago, and which over the years had damaged my vertebrae. A life-saving surgery in 2009 had given me a second chance to live a “normal” life. “Madre mia! It has been ten years since your surgery and look at you, racing a Vespa through the streets of Rome! That calls for a toast.”