The Power of Pasta (and Community)

World Pasta Day

So, I recently heard that there is a day in October celebrating pasta and it's -- no surprise -- called "World Pasta Day!" It got me to thinking about the power of pasta in my life. (I'm Sicilian-American, so pasta played a larger than normal role in my life.)

Picture this...linguine every single day for 18 years. Not rotini, not mostacciolo, and not my favorite - gnelletti. I know it sounds crazy. But, that was my life growing up. My father preferred linguine. (It was 37 years before he even told me why!) But, I digress.

More importantly, we had dinner together daily. I rarely remember a day/night we didn't sit down together as a family around the dinner table. (As Italians, we sometimes had our bigger meal at what Americans consider lunch time.) In any case, at least once a day, we ate together.

And My Community

Now, that I look back at those times we sat around the table, I realize I was gaining so much more than a few extra pounds:-) I enjoyed connection, community, stability, even structure, and a lot of laughs. This daily activity fortified me when I went out in to the world because I had a strong base at home.

I even remember my 6th grade history teacher writing this comment on one of my papers -- "you have a strong sense of identity." I didn't really understand what that meant at the time. But, as the years passed, I realized how important my roots were to me. How they helped to increase my confidence and actually put myself out in to the world in a more powerful way. By roots, I mean more than heritage or nationality. I'm talking about the traditions, routines, and foundations experienced as a child or the ones created yourself as an adult.

For Your Community

Below are 4 simple steps to either creating or fortifying your community.

1. Think about 3 favorite activities you enjoy in your life.
2. Brainstorm ways you can experience these activities with others (you know or a group out there that you can join).
3. Take one small step toward enjoying this activity with others. (Research a group to join or call a friend about meeting up.)
4. Pick a consistent time and day to follow-up with your community. (Make it a habit.)

​It might take some time to create a sense of connection and belonging. But, the effort is worth it.

​What can you start today to increase your sense of community or structure? And, what can it do for your sense of confidence and inner strength? Let's discover these actions together with a complimentary coaching session. Sign up here.
#WorldPastaDay #Community