I sostantivi italiani più comuni – Tempo e calendario

At the beginning of a new year, I open my calendar and look at it calmly. In this century, time feels fast, but I want to go slowly. I write down only a few things that I want to do. I follow a simple rule: three things each week. I do not want to fill my time with a thousand activities. So I divide the year into small parts: one week, then another. Every day I choose one simple thing and do it. Sometimes one minute is enough to start, and one second is enough to say: “Yes, I do it”. When I see the date on the page, I feel that it is my moment.

This morning is a busy day, and I look at the time on my phone. I have an appointment at nine, and I do not want to arrive late. Once I missed the bus and I learned the lesson. In that moment I said to myself: “Calm down.” I take a breath and I pack my bag. Every minute counts, but I do not have to run. I also watch the seconds that pass, and I smile. In a moment I am out of the house and I leave.

In April I see the first flowers and I feel spring. In April the air is lighter and the morning is cool. In May the days are warmer and I stay out more often. In June summer arrives and the sun stays until evening. After a period of heat, in September the air changes and autumn begins. In October I put on a jacket and I already think about winter. Each season has a different rhythm and each month has a character. When I look at an old family calendar, I think about another century.

This week I have a meeting with my boss. I write the date on the calendar and I check it twice. I choose a clear time plan: forty minutes. Then I add ten minutes for the questions. So the meeting lasts one hour, and that is it. First I prepare a small number of notes, so I am clearer. If I arrive early, I wait in silence. If I arrive with a small delay, I say right away: “Sorry.” In that moment I think only about speaking well and finishing.

Usually my day starts early in the morning. At that moment everything is calm and I think better. In the afternoon I do lighter things and I prepare the next day. In this period I do not want to always be in a hurry. In the evening I close the computer and I eat calmly. Before I sleep I check the time only once, then it is enough. At night I want to rest, because the body needs energy. Sometimes I stop for a moment and I take a one-minute break. In that second I understand that I can go more slowly.

On the weekend I try to make some space for myself. I do not put a big number of commitments. I set a limit: two things a day, no more. If I can, I take a short vacation nearby. In spring, in April and in May, I walk and I look at the colors. In summer, from June, I choose a longer vacation and I go to the sea. In autumn, in September and in October, I stay at home in the evening and I read. In winter I prefer to stay in the city and drink something warm. Each season teaches me a different way to use time, month after month.

When a party comes, I think first about the date. I choose a weekend day and I send a message to my friends. For me the party is also a simple meeting. I make a clear appointment: my house, at eight o’clock. I also ask for the exact time, so everyone understands. In this century many people check the time on their phone, so it is easy. I set a limit for the party time: two hours, then we’ll see. If a person arrives late, I do not get angry. At that moment I offer a drink and I continue the party.