Professional Satisfaction - It's Why I Write For Causes And Volunteer For Decades

This is a story I told in my LinkedIn profile. Maybe it could be interesting for you, too.

The greatest professional satisfaction I have yet had is to see the prosperity in Puerto Rican communities, which had lived on the edge of starvation for four hundred years before I wrote my advertisement. -- Ogilvy 

The first time I wrote for a cause happened many years ago. 

Organizers of a summer camp for underprivileged children from a US state (which I can't remember now) reached out to me for help. I believe it was in 2006 or 2007. At that time, I had a blog on Blogger where I wrote in English. 

I wrote an article and posted it on my blog. I also shared it across various platforms as I usually did — submitting the website URLs to blog aggregators and promoting it on social media. 

After writing the article, I completely forgot about it. My intention was simply to help in any way I could. I didn't think that someone living in Italy could assist someone in the United States with their writing. 

 To my surprise, in the following fall, I received an email from the organization expressing their gratitude for my help. They even included photos from the summer camp. As a teacher, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It served as confirmation that the world is small and that even small steps can make a difference. 

 Since then, I no longer doubt that I can contribute in my small way to improving the world. We don't have to spend our entire lives searching for a grand purpose to turn the world upside down. Just do what you are trained to do, no matter how small, and it can make a difference.

The Highest Library in Europe Is In Val Maira, In Italy

 In Val Maira, time appears to stand still, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era. One of the region's intriguing attractions is Europe's loftiest library.

Nestled in Marmora (CN) in Val Maira, this remarkable library sits at an elevation of 1,580 meters and owes its existence to Father Sergio De Piccoli, an erudite Benedictine monk. The library finds its home within the spacious confines of the Marmora rectory, celebrated for its vast array of literary treasures.

Life in the mountains seems frozen in time, and a visit to this unassuming library leaves an indelible mark. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a modestly furnished room, serving as a multi-functional space with a bed, kitchen, and table all in one. Descending further reveals a labyrinth of rooms brimming with books, some exceedingly rare, forming a collection exceeding 75,000 volumes. They permeate every nook and cranny, some forming series so complete they're unmatched elsewhere.

Navigating through the corridors, visitors are enveloped in the aroma of aged pages and the weight of history. Each book holds a story, a fragment of knowledge preserved through time. Some volumes, now relics, evoke a sense of reverence as they whisper tales of eras long past.

As one wanders amidst the shelves, the library becomes more than a repository of books; it becomes a sanctuary of wisdom, a testament to the enduring pursuit of knowledge. Father Sergio De Piccoli's vision has created a haven where the past converges with the present, offering solace and enlightenment to all who venture within its walls.

Indeed, the highest library in Europe stands not only as a testament to human endeavor but also as a beacon of intellectual curiosity amidst the majestic peaks of Val Maira.

 To see all the photos of this walk, 
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Mysterious Lady Of Stroppia Waterfalls, Piedmont, Italy

Has it ever happened to you that you see a creature that no one else can see? This is what happened to me when I was walking with friends near the cascades of Stroppia not far from Chiappera, Piedmont

 The Maira Valley is situated northwest of Cuneo, in Piedmont, near the French border. I had never heard of this place before our visit. My friend’s husband enjoys keeping destinations a secret until the last moment. And we did not know where we were going.

As we approached, we could see the waterfalls. 

Despite the hour, there were already groups of people leaving from the parking lots. I must admit that the location was stunning, with its distinctive mountain shapes and numerous, towering waterfalls. It’s worth noting that there are countless trails for extensive hikes. 

I later read that there is also a 14-stage trek to discover the entire Valley. But that day we had only time to see the cascades.

The entire valley is practically uncontaminated because it lacks industries and pollution, making it a true paradise for nature lovers. There are no other villages beyond Chiappera. 

 Generally, in all similar valleys — of which there are many in Italy — the food tastes amazing. Locals either use their produce or purchase from neighbors, resulting in authentic, natural, and delicious flavors.

Nevertheless, hotels and restaurants are typically small, family-run establishments, so it’s advisable to make reservations in advance. This is because it’s not sustainable for them to remain open without bookings. Additionally, the owners might reside in a different place closer to urban areas. =>>>

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Rejuvenating Body, Mind, And Spirit At The Foot Of Mont Blanc

Meet Sofia, a hardworking woman in her mid-thirties who lives in a small town in Italy. Sofia works long hours at a local restaurant, and her days are often filled with the hustle and bustle of serving customers and managing the kitchen. Despite her love for her job, the stress and physical demands of her work often leave her feeling exhausted and drained.

One day, Sofia's friend tells her about the incredible natural hot springs in Pré-Saint-Didier at the foot of Mont Blanc and suggests that she take a day off to visit them. Intrigued by the idea of unwinding and rejuvenating in the soothing waters, Sofia decides to take her friend's advice and makes plans to visit the thermal baths.

Legends of the Devil's Bridge: A Tale of Cunning and Deception

 I was looking down from the bridge when a man passing by in his car turned back and approached me. “What are you doing here, my lady? Are you okay? Please don't jump off the bridge,” he asked me very seriously. I was surprised. I was in a public place and not doing anything wrong. Yet, this man stopped in a location where hardly anyone passes by just to talk to me… He understood my confusion. “Don't worry, I don't want to harm you. Don't be afraid. This place has a bad reputation: many people come here to commit suicide. I stopped because I was worried that you might be searching for the best spot to jump off, and I wanted to console you…”

I was taken aback by his concern and compassion. I assured him that I wasn't planning on jumping off the bridge, but I was just taking a moment to clear my head and enjoy the view. He seemed relieved and we ended up having a long conversation about life, struggles, and the importance of reaching out for help when feeling overwhelmed.

After our conversation, he offered to take me for a cup of coffee and we ended up spending the rest of the afternoon talking and getting to know each other. It was a random encounter that turned into a meaningful connection. I never expected that a stranger would show such genuine care and concern for me. It was a reminder that there are good people out there, willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the man who had stopped to check on me. It was a simple act of kindness that made a big impact on me. I promised myself that I would pay it forward and be more aware of those around me who might need a listening ear or a comforting presence. That chance encounter on the bridge taught me that sometimes, a small gesture of compassion can make all the difference.

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