We wandered through the maze of ancient streets until we stumbled upon a quaint, unassuming restaurant.
We settled into a cozy corner outdoors under the awning, and I ordered a simple plate of carbonara.
When it arrived, the dish was sublime creamy, rich and perfectly balanced.
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Time seemed to blur as the hours slipped by.
For years after that night, I carried the essence of that experience with me.
The details had faded, overshadowed by the feeling the night had left me with.
Fast forward to February 2020.
I think this is the restaurant I told you about.
We stepped inside, and it was as if we had entered a time capsule.
The same wooden tables with white tableclothes, the same warm ambiance it all came rushing back.
Feeling a mix of excitement and humility, I approached the maitred, a gracious woman with kind eyes.
It inspired a journey thats led me back to you.
I handed her a copy ofGratitude and Pasta.
I wanted to thank you for the role your restaurant played in my story.
She looked at the book, then back at me.
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I had celebrated the experience but forgotten to acknowledge the people and the setting that made it possible.
It struck me how many moments and individuals quietly shape our lives without us ever recognizing their influence.
Back home, at my next gratitude dinner, I shared this updated story with my guests.
I then posed some new question: Who or what have you never thought to thank?
The responses were deeply moving.
So now, I invite you to reflect: Who or what have you never thought to thank?
What is your Poldo e Gianna?
Where have you felt the pure joy of being alive, and who were you with?
Take a moment to delve into those memories.
Offer your thanks, even if its years later.
You never know the difference it might make not just in their life, but in yours as well.
Sometimes, closing the loop of gratitude opens new doors of connection and understanding.
After all, its often the unnoticed moments and unsung heroes that contribute the most to who we become.
