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Coraggio - Lessons for Living from an Italian Grandmother
Lessons for Living from an Italian Grandmother
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Focusing on the positive – Using my own advice from Coraggio! Book #1

September 26, 2010 by soandco No Comments

Using my own advice from Coraggio! Book #1:

1 –Focusing on the positive – that I have two arms, “thank you God!” – instead of focusing on the fracture in the right elbow or that the left elbow is sore from having to carry the burden for both;

2 – Control over the situation – I choose to see I have  control over some aspect of the situation and it is up to me to take charge–gathering more elbow information and seeking another surgeon opinion tomorrow.

Coraggio!

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Chronic Illness-With Courage I Can

May 16, 2010 by soandco No Comments

I vividly recall the day I found out I had rheumatoid arthritis.  I left the family doctor’s office and drove the short distance to Nonna’s (my Italian grandmother’s) house. Sitting next to her on the couch I calmly related what the doctor had said: my case was severe, it would cripple me, and I would not finish college much less get through medical school.  Neither Nonna nor I cried.  There was no flailing of arms, no weeping.  No!  Emotion or weakness was not the Calabrese testadura (hard-headed) way. We both sat in silence; eyes fixed on her taupe shag carpet.

Ever so quietly Nonna whispered, “Coraggio, Leeza. Coraggio.” (Courage, Lisa. Courage.)

It would be years before I recognized all the facets of that phrase’s immense significance.  Yet on D-Day (Diagnosis Day) it sent a clear message.  It was up to me what my life with rheumatoid arthritis would be.  Our ancestors in the Old County were penniless and uneducated; living on what they harvested or bartered.  They suffered tragic loss of limbs and loved ones; from babies to great aunts.  They lost belongings and shelters from nature’s wrath of fire and drought.  Yet they used none of their adversity as an excuse to deprive life of laughter, celebration of togetherness or love.  I had grown up hearing Nonna tell me those stories.

In the stillness of Nonna’s three profound words was the power to push forward through life:

— Never allowing fatigue and bone-stabbing pain as an excuse for not finishing school.

— Never using daily wicked pain or an inability to walk as an excuse not to work.

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About the Author

Lisa Gigliotti is an attorney who has lived for more than twenty-five years with severe rheumatoid arthritis and serious myasthenia gravis. Through those years’ thirteen major surgeries and use of a wheelchair Lisa has maintained a fulfilling and positive life.

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About the Coraggio! Books

Based on Old World principles, the books and lessons explain the importance of loving yourself and others. Coraggio! illustrates how courage-inspired love can benefit your health and improve your relationships.

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