Me, My Heart, and I

by Melinda Gallo

Sad, yet happy

Monday, September 3, 2012

When I left Paris, I felt a bit melancholy. It’s always difficult for me to leave behind my beau. Living apart isn’t easy on me, but right now it’s the only solution we have. When I arrived in Florence and the tassista (taxi driver) took me through the streets of my beloved city, I wasn’t as happy as usual. I felt even sadder that I was so far away. If I could’ve gotten back on a plane and returned to Paris, I think I would’ve done so.

This morning, however, when I went out for a run, I wasn’t in the mood to go out. It wasn’t until I was walking across Ponte alle Grazie and looked at the Arno with San Miniato on the hill above the pastel-colored buildings that I felt my heart fill up again.

I began to run and my sadness seemed to dissipate. With each breath, I took in my beloved city a little bit more. I felt the combination of sadness and happiness present in my heart, but I didn’t feel like I needed to do anything. I was OK with the combination even though they aren’t complimentary.

I’m only staying for a short time in Florence and I’m beginning to wonder if I should stay a few days longer. My beloved city always helps me to feel stronger and more connected to my heart. It’s as if the whispers inside of me become louder when I'm here.

This morning it was raining a little bit, which definitely matched my feelings, but now the sun has peeked out and the patches of blue sky have become even larger. The clouds have almost all disappeared. Sometimes I wonder if the weather matches my mood or if my mood follows the weather. I feel sad not to be with my beau, but I am so happy to be in my beloved city because I have missed it so much these past two weeks.

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