Here’s to new beginnings or the (usual) new year resolutions… or are those intentions?
Let’s start by saying goodbye to 2023, with this quote from a classic Neapolitan song about goodbyes: “Che mm’hê purtata a fá ‘ncopp’ Pusilleco, si nun mme vuó cchiù bene?” (Libero Bovio, L’addio, 1923) – Why did you take me to Posillipo(*), if you don’t love me anymore?
Note: “Posillipo” (*) is an affluent hilly peninsula, overlooking La Baia di Napoli (the Bay of Naples).
Welcome to “Open Celery!” our monthly newsletter on plant-based recipes, stories and unsolicited advice made in Italy. It’s the fruit (and vegetable) of the collaboration between ottimoblog.com and appetibilis.net
Published in Italian and English (and happily edited and translated by Orsola)… at some point, we’d like to have it in podcast as well 😀
(Cliccate qui per “Apriti Sedano!” in italiano)
New year, new start: a beginning is a beginning!
Whether it’s about knitting, starting the first chapter of a book, take off on a trip, or being the first month of the year, rest assured that it will involve a good dose of planning and expectations.
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
(Plato)
So, let’s make two (or three) fair resolutions for the new year, they’re kind of free anyway, and, maybe, we’ll fulfil some of it.
5 resolutions for the new year
We did a little searching and, it turned out that, within the topmost of the “Big 5 resolutions for the new year”, there are [in a sort of self-talk]:
- Lose weight!
- A weigh loss goal… Here we go!
- So, you’re basically saying “I’m going on a diet… after the holidays”, right?
—“Exactly!” - And the rest of the year?
—“Hmm…”
Ok, let’s leave it at that!
- Do more sport!
- Yes, sure, you got your sneakers. However, now it’s time to wear them…
- And no, it’s not only to go shopping… neither “run” from bed to fridge, for breakfast, nope!
- Lead a healthy life!
- Let’s eat healthy, and consume more vegetables!
- —“Do you think Bloody Marys count?”
Pshh, we’re talking healthier or healthyish here…
— “Come on, I’ll use only seasonal vegetables…” 😉
- Drink more… water!
- —“Coffee is mostly made up of water, so it counts, right?”
Oh, come off it, dude!
- —“Coffee is mostly made up of water, so it counts, right?”
- Reduce stress (?) and relax!
- Breathe in 1-2-3-4, hold 1-2-3-4, exhale 1-2-3-4, hold 1-2-3-4…
- —“It’s the Box breathing, right?”
Right. - —“It sounds like the deep breathing done when you need to lie down on the bed to zip up those skinny jeans, otherwise too stubborn to close.”
Oh yeah!
Slow and steady wins the race
All joking aside, the first resolution is doable. Like wanting to make your wishes come true, or exercise more. The important thing is to set achievable goals, and start one step at a time.
Who cares if Tizio, Caio e Sempronio(**) succeeded in a very short time: you are you, and you got your own rhythms… just don’t put it off too long, would you please!
Note: “Tizio, Caio e Sempronio” (**) is an Italian idiom that’s using fictitious names (from ancient Rome), to indicate “anyone” really; as in Tom, Dick, and Harry.
As a Neapolitan saying goes: “A carciòffola se mònna a’ ‘na foglia a’ vòta” (The artichoke is cleaned one leaf at a time); that is, things must be done gradually.
Something like: “Slow and steady wins the race”… One (good) habit at a time!
Suggestions? Here’re a couple to start with:
- Some insightful points on Detox “While detox diets have a seductive appeal, your body is fully equipped to handle toxins and other unwanted substances.” Read more…
- In the meantime, let’s mix a healthy drink like a “Virgin (Bloody) Mary”; well yes, it’s a cocktail but it’s virgin = non-alcoholic. Here’s the Bloody Mary’s story…
For now, let’s start with a nice cup of espresso! “Well begun is half done”… Crap! We just said that we’ll eat more healthy(ish), didn’t we? Okay, we’ll start tomorrow 😎
That’s all for now. Wishing all of us the best year yet: we deserve it!
Simona and Orsola
Link all’articolo in italiano
I soliti buoni propositi… Apriti Sedano! e buona lettura.
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I’m an Italian gluten-free Gourmet Traveler+ and a passionate storyteller, writing in English and Italian. Fluently speaking (eating and dreaming) in Italian, English, French, and Russian. When I’m not writing, I cook and test recipes for special diets, and photograph (also on film). Not necessarily in that order. — / — Sono una viaggiatrice buongustaia (la Gourmet Traveler+) senza glutine, appassionata narratrice di storie. Scrivo in italiano e inglese, parlo (mangio e sogno) fluentemente in italiano, inglese, francese e russo. Quando non scrivo, cucino, testo ricette dolci e salate per diete speciali, fotografo (anche in pellicola). Non necessariamente in quest’ordine.
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