“Quanto Basta” (“Just Enough”)

I just recently saw a delightful and thought-provoking Italian film, entitled, “Quanto Basta.” In Italian, this is technically a cooking term meaning, “just enough.” How do you know when it’s exactly enough? There are no steadfast rules in place; it’s up to your own individual discretion and taste, and as the film itself, and life in general, demonstrate, you are the only one who can make that call to figure it out! It’s not just about how much salt to put in your sauce; it’s about leading a balanced life

So then, the question that we should always be asking ourselves, is, “How much is ‘just enough” in our own lives? Well, I think that we first have to love ourselves enough to set boundaries, to use our time and energy as we see fit, to find those things that we truly enjoy and pursue them. At the same time, it’s also important to include the power of kindness, empathy, compassion, and love towards those we meet along our path. That said, as we journey through our life, with all its challenges and struggles, we need to know when enough is enough, not necessarily to “give up,” but rather to “let go,” of that which is no longer working.

First and foremost in my own mind are our relationships. The rapport we have with others, be they friends or family, are very important to leading a good life, but when we try to forcibly manipulate the dynamics, holding fast to unrealistic expectations, we no longer do justice to ourselves and them. Sometimes it is vital to realize that you’ve reached the “Quanto Basta” point, that it’s enough, and it’s time to let the natural order of things take over.

I’ve especially used the “Quanto Basta” philosophy in dealing with my thoughts about those people who are no longer in my life, whether it be due to death, estrangement, or just a natural progression of events. Striving forcibly not to think of them, lest we become too sad, or maybe even angry, is simply counterproductive! Better to let the memories come, acknowledging how much we miss them, allowing ourselves to remember the essence of who they once were, to us, which can produce such a good feeling, and, maybe, even a smile or two. But, also important is knowing when to put a temporary end to our thinking. “Quanto Basta!) –until the next time.

The same holds true with our worries, anxieties, problems, difficult situations, and challenges, about which we can obsess, trying desperately to resolve, to the point where we work ourselves into a frenzy, even losing perspective, and maybe even sleep. It’s essential to step back, take a deep breath, and let go of that over which we have little or no control – to find another way. “Quanto Basta!”

This wonderful philosophy of “Quanto Basta,” of which we are at the helm, speaks to the avoidance of any and all excesses, to strike a balance in our lives, in order to enjoy and appreciate this one and only life we have. It’s a wonderfully melodic mantra to remind ourselves when to stop and change gears. “Quanto Basta” – I’ve now reached the end of my musings about this  – for today.:)