Lisa-Marie, this piece is pure alchemy — turning resistance into revelation. I love how you described Naples as “a gorgeous dump” that slapped you awake. That’s exactly how some places work on us — they shake loose the parts we’ve kept too tidy.
The Maradona metaphor is brilliant too — messy brilliance over polished perfection. As someone who left a structured behavioral-psych life for slow travel and storytelling, this line hit home: “Maybe I can mirror the most famous mural of Diego… imperfect, constantly repainted, and always becoming.” What a powerful reminder that transformation isn’t sterile — it’s gloriously human. -Kelly
I like this idea that maybe I AM THE PLOT TWIST! Maybe I am the wildcard character in this story that comes out of nowhere. I kind of like that character for me. Thanks for making me stop and consider this.
Isn't it fun to consider that we are all the plot twists, Vivian? It provides such a sense of freedom to think that you are the thing that supposed to change the story, not hold it together.
Lisa-Marie, this piece is pure alchemy — turning resistance into revelation. I love how you described Naples as “a gorgeous dump” that slapped you awake. That’s exactly how some places work on us — they shake loose the parts we’ve kept too tidy.
The Maradona metaphor is brilliant too — messy brilliance over polished perfection. As someone who left a structured behavioral-psych life for slow travel and storytelling, this line hit home: “Maybe I can mirror the most famous mural of Diego… imperfect, constantly repainted, and always becoming.” What a powerful reminder that transformation isn’t sterile — it’s gloriously human. -Kelly
Place is a wonderful healer.
I like this idea that maybe I AM THE PLOT TWIST! Maybe I am the wildcard character in this story that comes out of nowhere. I kind of like that character for me. Thanks for making me stop and consider this.
Isn't it fun to consider that we are all the plot twists, Vivian? It provides such a sense of freedom to think that you are the thing that supposed to change the story, not hold it together.