Graziella: Love Notes From Tuscany

Inspired by my all-time favorite movie, Under The Tuscan Sun, Italy—especially the Tuscan region—has always been at the top of my travel bucket list. This was also the inspiration behind my first natural perfume Tuscan Sun.

And now, here I am, sitting at a rustic wooden table in a historic Tuscan villa, nestled at the foot of a castle in Porciano, a charming 12th-century town that overlooks Stia.

Though I've come to Tuscany to spend time with family, this journey is also something more. It's a trip I've dedicated to myself—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter, my own love story.

For years, I dreamed of getting married in Tuscany. But after consciously uncoupling from my partner of 20 years, I no longer see that vision coming to life in the near future. Instead, this is my "redo."

Lately, the universe has been offering me many chances to begin again—opportunities to revisit the moments I once took for granted, those where I stayed stuck in pain, or made choices that weren't true to my soul. This trip is about embracing those chances and creating a new story.

The name of Italy has magic in its very syllables - Mary Shelley [1797-1851] English Novelist

Here in Tuscany, I’ve made the choice to dedicate each day to seducing my soul through the simple joys of life. I’m opening myself up to be fully embraced by life, savoring so-called ordinary moments with every sense—body, mind, and soul.

I’ll taste the richness of the coffee, relish the crusty bread, wander through hidden alleyways, and let curiosity guide me. I’ll breathe in the scent of rosemary, feel the morning breeze against my skin, run my fingers along the textured, earthy limestone walls, and find divinity in the sound of church bells. With each breath I take, I will honor life with reverence and joy.

Over the years, and through my yoga practice, I’ve come to understand that falling in love with life means breathing mindfully, aligning with the rhythm of my own truth and sovereignty. It’s about quieting the mind and sinking deeply into my body, heart, and soul—where sacred presence, grace, gratitude, and deep intuition reside.

Returning to myself, to a state of wholeness, is about learning to move gracefully through every season of life. It’s about discovering what stirs my emotions, ignites my inspiration, warms my heart, and brings peace to my soul. It’s trusting in the divine order of things, knowing that life’s great adventures will always seek me out so long as I open myself to them. As Rumi so beautifully said, "What you are seeking is also seeking you." Equally important, it’s about letting go with grace of all that is not meant for me.

Some of us take holidays, while some of us embark on journeys. These next three weeks in Tuscany mark my own journey—one that leads me back to a deeper connection with myself. It’s an opportunity to craft the greatest love story of all: the one where I fall passionately in love with life and, most importantly, with myself.

To remain devoted to the practice of romancing myself and staying in soul, it’s essential to take small, daily actions that keep me grounded and committed. To cultivate a beautiful state of being, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, I’ve decided to create a sacred morning ritual. Each day will begin with a 10 minute meditation, followed by choosing a word of the day, and learning a few new Italian words over my morning coffee. As I move through the day, I will consciously savour the small, ordinary moments with joy and gratitude, embracing each one as a gift.

Graziella - Derived from the Italian word grazia, meaning grace, and its diminutive suffix -ella, the name Graziella embodies the qualities of loveliness and elegance.

To begin day one - I chose Amore to be my first focus. I took some time to reflect on the beauty and magic of Amore [love] and how I can embody it as a daily practice. Here are 4 reflections of the beauty I have connected with on my first day.

 *** View all my Tuscan journal entries >>>

1. Embracing the Art of Living: The Italian Philosophy of Life, Process + Release

Italy is a land where life unfolds like a masterpiece, and the philosophy of la dolce vita—the sweet life—is deeply ingrained in its culture. It’s not about chasing endless goals or rushing through the day but about fully embracing the present, savoring each moment, and nurturing the self.

The Italian way of living teaches us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the ordinary. Whether it’s lingering over a cappuccino at a sun-drenched café, wandering through ancient streets, or gathering with loved ones for a meal made with love, life in Italy is a celebration of the senses. Here, every detail matters, and the present moment is honored as a gift.

Self-care is central to this philosophy. Italians understand that to love life, you must first nurture yourself. From taking time to rest, enjoying simple pleasures, and cherishing meaningful connections, the act of self-love is woven into the fabric of daily life. It’s about listening to your body, feeding your soul, and treating yourself with the same reverence you would offer to someone you deeply care about.

In Italy, living fully means finding joy in the little things and trusting that life will unfold in its own beautiful way. It’s an invitation to slow down, open your heart, and fall in love with the world around you—and most importantly, with yourself. 

2. The Power of Amore: A Love That Transforms 

Amore is more than a word for love—it’s a force that flows through every aspect of life. In Italy, amore isn’t reserved just for romance; it’s the passion felt for family, for food, for art, and for the simple moments that make life extraordinary.

Amore is a way of living, a feeling that fills the heart, just like the rich aroma of espresso in a quiet piazza or the golden Tuscan sun setting over the rolling hills. It’s in the soft breeze of the Italian coast, the laughter shared over a table filled with simple yet perfect food, and the art that tells stories of centuries past.

Amore invites us to become a creative and passionate embodiment of unconditional love. Amore teaches us to live with an open heart, to embrace connection, and to find beauty in even the smallest things. It’s in the joy of shared laughter, the warmth of a comforting embrace, and the magic of a sunset that leaves you breathless.

Love, in all its forms, invites us to be present, to savor life, and to experience the world with wonder.

But most importantly, amore begins with loving yourself. When you nurture your soul, when you honor who you are, that love ripples outward, touching everything you do. Amore transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, reminding us that to live fully is to love deeply.

Amore is the light. No matter what chaos or drama is unfolding in the external world, amore gently whispers "stay grounded in heart and soul - stay connected to divinity".

In the end, amore is the heart of life itself—guiding us to cherish each moment, each connection, and every part of our journey.

Italy and amore are intertwined, both evoking a deep sense of passion, beauty, and timeless romance.

Italy teaches that love is found in the details: the sound of church bells in a quiet village, the scent of fresh basil, the warmth of sun-soaked stone walls, and the joy of unhurried moments. It’s a place where time slows down, and the heart opens up to the beauty that surrounds us.

To experience amore in Italy is to embrace life fully, savoring each moment as a celebration of the senses and the soul. It’s about falling in love not just with another person, but with the world around you—and most importantly, with yourself.

 

3. Italian: The Language of Romance and Passion 

Italian is often called the most romantic language, and it’s easy to see why. With its flowing rhythm, melodic tones, and expressive flair, every word feels like a serenade. Spoken with passion and emotion, Italian seems to have been crafted for love.

The beauty of the language lies in how effortlessly it conveys feeling. Whether it’s a simple ti amo (I love you), or the poetic charm of sei la mia anima gemella (you are my soulmate), Italian carries an innate warmth that stirs the heart.

Even everyday phrases sound like music, filled with elegance and grace. But what truly makes Italian romantic is how it captures the essence of connection. It’s a language that invites intimacy, whether through love letters, whispered words, or deep conversation over candlelit dinners.

To speak Italian is to speak the language of love itself—a language that draws people closer, expressing not just words but the deepest emotions. In the end, Italian is more than a language; it’s a feeling. It’s the way the words dance off the tongue, creating a sense of romance that lingers long after the conversation ends.

4. Letters to Juliet 

Take In the heart of Verona, a beautiful and romantic tradition has captured the imaginations of lovers around the world: writing letters to Juliet. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, people from all walks of life send heartfelt notes to "Juliet," seeking advice, solace, or simply a way to express their deepest emotions.

These letters, left at Juliet’s famous balcony or mailed directly to Verona, are answered by a group of dedicated volunteers known as Juliet’s Secretaries. For decades, these compassionate individuals have responded to love-struck souls, offering thoughtful replies filled with empathy, understanding, and hope.

This tradition transcends the fictional story of Romeo and Juliet, becoming a living testament to the enduring power of love. It highlights the universal desire for connection and the beauty of seeking comfort in times of heartache. The act of writing to Juliet turns Verona into more than just a historic city—it becomes a place where love stories are shared, where vulnerability is met with kindness, and where the magic of romance is celebrated. Read my reflection on how to curate a love letter in italian