Posts

The Company You Keep: How Your Circle Shapes Your Path

Image
  By Gilda Notarbartolo, Italian Girl Touch The people we choose to walk with in life don’t just share our journey—they shape it. There’s an old Italian proverb that says, “ He who walks with the lame learns to limp. ” It’s not a judgment on physical differences but a vivid metaphor for a universal truth: the company we keep influences our habits, mindset, and destiny . We all learn through personal challenges that surrounding ourselves with uplifting, growth-oriented people fuels our resilience, while toxic influences can subtly pull us off course. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, we adapt to those around us—our pace, our perspective, even our dreams begin to mirror theirs. In this  Italian Girl Touch  reflection, we’ll explore the science behind social influence and share practical ways to choose companions who elevate your path.  The Power of Social Influence: Why Your Circle Matters Our relationships are more than companionship—they’re mirrors reflecting who we are ...

The Glass Is Half Full: 10 Simple Tricks to Cultivate Happiness with Ease

Image
Life can feel like a whirlwind—deadlines, responsibilities, and the weight of expectations can sometimes dim our spark. But what if happiness isn’t about grand gestures or perfect days? As a woman, journalist, and video maker, I’ve learned through personal challenges that joy often lies in the small, intentional moments we create. From navigating the pressure of breaking newsrooms to crafting empowering videos, I’ve discovered that choosing to see the glass as half full is a powerful act of self-love. The Covid-19 pandemic taught all of us to slow down and find joy in the little things—like a quiet coffee or a heartfelt conversation. And science backs this up: happiness is built through simple, consistent habits. In this  Italian Girl Touch  reflection, I’m sharing ten (and a half!) science-backed tricks to cultivate happiness with minimal effort. These practices, many drawn from my  Free Mindfulness Starter Kit , will help you nurture a positive mindset and thrive, no ma...

The Art of Decisive Living: Why Tough Decisions Today Forge Your Brightest Tomorrow

Image
In a world that moves at the speed of a scrolling feed, we often find ourselves at crossroads—big and small—where the path ahead feels shrouded in fog. As the founder of  Italian Girl Touch  and marketing manager for the virtuoso guitar duo Duo Destino , I’ve faced my share of tough decisions—both in my career and personal life—that have shaped who I am today. But here's the truth I've learned: making decisions, even the tough ones, is the ultimate act of self-empowerment. Procrastination? It's like leaving your dreams on hold while the world keeps dialing forward . Every choice we make—or delay—shapes our future , carving out paths of growth or missed opportunities. In this article, we'll explore why embracing decisiveness fuels self-development and a positive mindset, backed by science, and how to turn hesitation into action. Welcome to this Italian Girl Touch reflection on the power of decisions . If you're ready to step into your potential, share your own deci...

Rising Above Workplace Negativity: Empowering Yourself with Strength and Wisdom

Image
  As women, we often face workplace challenges that test our resilience—none more disheartening than unprofessional behavior rooted in jealousy.  Recently, in my role as Marketing and Communication Manager, I crossed paths with an older acquaintance whose petty actions attempted to undermine me. Her baseless efforts to portray me as unprofessional to colleagues and leadership were clearly driven by envy—and frankly, more embarrassing for her than for me. I thought I’d left behind these kinds of experiences, the ones you typically face in your twenties when you're just starting out. Yet here I was, a seasoned professional, reminded that ignorance and small-mindedness can persist no matter how far you’ve come. But with experience comes strength. I chose to rise above—with grace, confidence, and clarity. This is a call to all women: stop questioning your worth, release the anxiety, and embrace your inner power to thrive. And of course, let’s lean into sisterhood—that incredible f...

Breakdown Twice on a French Motorway: The Unexpected Road to Self-Growth

Image
  They say travel is one of the best ways to grow and enrich ourselves—and in my experience, it never fails. Recently, I journeyed to Southern France with the guitar duo I manage-  (the incredibly talented Duo Destino ) - expecting sun-filled days of music, beauty, and light-hearted work. But what unfolded was something else entirely: not just a trip, but a transformation. What started as a smooth run of gigs quickly became an odyssey. After the first performance, our motorhome broke down in the middle of nowhere. Every day that followed was a whirlwind of rescheduled shows, roadside repairs, new accommodations, and logistical chaos. And just when I thought the story was done, after a couple of extra weeks in France, a tyre blew out on the motorway—just thirty minutes from Limoges airport, where my flight home was waiting. Miraculously, thanks to efficient roadside assistance and a frantic taxi dash, I made the flight with only moments to spare. It was chaotic. It was challeng...