Florence– “Fierenze” as the Italians call it, is a movie-esque city shrouded in history and still buzzing with the creativity of the Renaissance. It sits nestled in the hills of Tuscany, and a wander down its storybook streets leaves you feeling miniscule in the shadow of its larger-than-life marble statues and iconic Italian architecture. It’s a distinct and breath-taking rush to gaze up and feel so small, and Florence delivers at very turn.

On my first day I spent 14 hours speed-walking in excited exploration of the city’s museums, historical buildings, and shopping. IG-worthy photos at every turn. I felt light, and bounded from Michelangelo’s David to DaVinci’s gallery of masterpieces with no concept of time or tiredness. The creative energy in the city was tangible (I literally had to stop myself from jogging), and the rain only added to the romance. 

The Florentines I met were incredibly philosophical and not afraid to speak to the larger social and spiritual themes of their great artists. These modern residents celebrated their artistic ancestors’ effect on not just art, but on all of humankind. 

A recurring poetic theme emerged that, as humans, we are small, but we are so powerful. This motif inspired some deeper pondering and journaling, which seemed fitting in the city of such influential artists and thinkers. 

In my last post, I outlined a defining moment when I sat on the steps of Venice and realized how much I had in that moment, and how much of it I had yearned for just a few years prior. Finally experiencing overseas touring, pain-free performing, a peaceful mind to celebrate the experiences, the moment felt like an arrival of sorts. Now upon reflecting, I can see how many small and seemingly insignificant decisions it took to get there. I had known much I wanted change, and I started unconsciously making very small, incremental decisions that began to re-steer my path.

Accepting an invite to sit-in with a band, one more call to a doctor, and finally accepting the advice that a therapist may be able to help… all sparked a series of events that lead to this moment of realization and celebration. 

It was the hunger for overseas touring that really plagued me several years ago. I had my sights firmly set on global travel, but couldn’t see my path. Because dropping everything to join Musicians without Borders or the Peace Corp wasn’t an option (though I researched them extensively), I reluctantly tabled the travel idea. I wasn’t taking any large leaps towards my goal, but I began subconsciously living slightly differently and shaping my decision-making with this new underlying goal. I started conversing more openly, was vocal about my eagerness for opportunity, and I made an effort to step outside my comfort zone when given the chance, especially musically.  Eventually this mindset led to saying “yes” to a sit-in with an Irish folk-rock band, which then lead to my life-changing role in The Elders (a well-established touring Irish band), and my annual tours overseas. I got there, eventually. 

One small decision can truly be the 2% tilt of the steering wheel that leads down a completely different path, and possibly a different life.

What’s the lofty, scary, dream that you’ve been “talking about for years”? And what’s one single small decision you can make today to that change more possible, however small? The larger goal may seem too daunting, so whittle it down to a single, small task that can be “the chip that begins to crack the boulder” (as my mom said recently.)  I’m notorious for using the phrase “stress needs a plan.” If this larger life step is weighing on you or seems “crazy” and insurmountable, I can assure you it’s not. I often work backward from the dream scenario to today. What could your small catalyst be? (I realize this “boiling down” ability is a skill in itself, and I would love to brainstorm with you.) 

Buy a journal, google “gyms near me”, pick a habit to start breaking “just for today”, order a new paint set, or say “no” to an invite from a toxic friend. More than anything, just do. Anything. One small thing outside your norm. Get the tiniest, little ball rolling. 

Other great ideas I’ve heard:

Buy a domain name 

Designate one hour of creative time

Go a week without drinking

Have that hard convo

Send an inquiry email to someone you admire in the field

Stay off social media for a few days

Join a new social media platform

Order a new book 

Buy new workout clothes/shoes

Change isn’t going to fall into our laps, no matter how hard we sit and wish it will. I heard in a workout video recently (no judging):  “old ways won’t open new doors.” It seems so obvious, but it’s so easy to dream of change without actually changing anything about our actions or daily routines. It won’t happen quickly, but coupled with some serious patience this idea has changed how I live my life. 

It has been a very creative and introspective time for me, and I can say that embarking on a new path with unexpected and unfathomable difficulties has thrown some of these lessons in my face, but I’m grateful for the spark. And here I am. None of us will ever know what the future will bring, but asking the questions and finally changing our answers, even slightly, is the only way we’ll move forward.
We may be merely small humans, but so was Michaelangelo. We each carry so much power. 

I believe in you, drriifters 💙🌏💨
Thanks for reading.

Diana