O Sole Mio – My Song of Gratitude

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Joanne Natale Spigonardo

November 13, 2023

When I hear the song Il Sole Mio I feel gratitude in my heart for a day of sunshine, a day of hope. Even as the sun is setting the astounding beauty that is so simple yet so complex lightens my soul. It is a Neapolitan love song that was composed in 1898 by Eduardo Di Capua, while the lyrics were written by the poet Giovanni Capurro. To me Il Sole Mio is a song of appreciation, and promises for a bright future ahead.

As November progresses to Thanksgiving Day, I’ve been thinking more and more about Il Sole Mio. The lyrics explain that sometimes even simple things are spectacular. When I hear it, I feel gratitude for the goodness of the Earth, I feel gratitude for the love that surrounds me, for the sun that encompasses my life. I feel gratitude for each day, that it can be a new beginning for me to fulfill God’s purpose. It reminds me that to serve God and to serve others is a gift not a burden.

Il Sole Mio represents to me the essence of the Italian persona, finding the romance in life, it could be a whimsical smile, the laughter of children, and the surprise of finding so much happiness that is right in front of us each day. Italians embrace life fully, and that is what the song is telling us to do. The song is timeless and has been produced by many artists in so many variations, but the message is the same. Everyone has his or her sun, it represents different things to each of us, but the universal message to all of us is to look for positive energy. The message is to look for the many gifts facing us, and to be grateful for them.

After a year of many challenges, I’m looking ahead, and hoping to remain a sunshine girl, no matter what faces me. I’m basking in the light that is right in front of me, and I am grateful. Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

About the Author

Joanne Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty.  She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB.  For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

Published by spigonaj

Joanne Spigonardo Business Development Consultant Specializing in Sustainability, Higher Education, Career Management, and Public Relations In her former roles, Joanne served as Senior Associate Director at the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at Wharton. Joanne was also part of the Communications Office. She held positions as business manager of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists and for the Wharton Alumni Magazine. Joanne also served as the media relations coordinator. When with Alitalia Airlines, Joanne worked as a sales representative. Joanne graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a BA and later graduated from the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education. She has a strong background in development, management, marketing, and Italian language and culture. As a Wharton Mentor, she coached new employees on professional development, and is active in Penn’s Grievance panels. Joanne was on the board of governors for the University Club. Joanne is chair of the Delaware County Penn Alumni Interview Program and oversees alumni volunteers. As an alum of Penn and Wharton, and also a parent of two Penn graduates, she is a strong advocate in promoting Penn. At Wharton IGEL, Joanne had been in partnership with GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands, the Ethical Corporation, Pira Packaging International, Public Relations Society of America, the Green Sports Alliance, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the Italian Consulate, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association, and the Nature Conservancy, as well as, many other NGO and government offices. She has brokered hundreds of corporate relationships for Wharton. Joanne is the author of her book, White Widow, published on Kindle and Amazon. The book is a fictional novel about 19th-20th Century Italian immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB

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