Mia's Life

All Things Italy

“I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I’ll go to it laughing.” -Herman Melville (Moby Dick)

Scroll to the bottom to see blogs, photo albums, and recipes!

Italy has been an integral part of my life—a chapter I will always cherish and compare every moment to. This year has been filled with experiences that have shaped me: independence, resilience, adaptation, growth, and countless memories. Writing has always been a passion of mine, so I couldn’t think of a better way to document my journey than through journal entries that I can share with others. My aim is not only to entertain but also to inspire. I want my experiences to show that stepping out of the ordinary—whether it’s leaving home or doing something on your own—isn’t as daunting as it may seem.

I hope to offer a story that proves when you hit rock bottom, the only way left to go is up. Whether it’s moving to a new country alone, without knowing the language, culture, or having friends to rely on, you’ll find your light. Life isn’t just a string of repetitive days. You don’t have to remain in a cycle simply because it feels comfortable or familiar. If you feel held back by the notion that you need someone else to take the journey with you, I want you to know—you’re more than capable of doing it on your own.

I grew up terrified of change. I never wanted anything to be different. I’d cry if my family even mentioned moving homes, and when my best friend moved away when I was young, I cried every night because I couldn’t imagine life without her. Looking back, I’m not sure how that kid ended up embarking on this adventure, but I want my story to resonate with anyone who feels similarly. Change doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems. We are stronger than we realize and capable of much more than we think.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned here is that life is full of chapters we haven’t even begun to experience yet. There are seats waiting for you at tables you haven’t even seen, doors opening that you didn’t know existed, and rooms you belong in that you haven’t yet imagined. It’s easy to get caught up in the chapter you’re currently in, but you never know how many more are ahead.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the deep connections I’ve formed this year. It’s shown me that there are so many people out there—people you will love, and who will love you in return—and you just haven’t met them yet. There will be moments when someone enters your life, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. There’s so much to explore and so much to look forward to, and I hope my posts inspire my readers to embrace that same sense of possibility.

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Recipes:

Mia Groves