I think I've found the secret to being content wherever you are in life.

I'm not really sure if this is a legitimate Italian ideal or if it was just a genius thought that our tour guide had while we were parading around Italy this summer, but I heard it with every cell in my body. I've been reminded of it every day since we returned from our European adventure.

It was the second to last night of our tour and we had been driving toward Florence all day. I was sure that our trip could not get any better, as we had just left the beautiful city of Venice.

As we pulled up to our hotel for the night, our wonderful tour director told us to dress "sharply" for our dinner out that evening, for our tourist clothes were no longer appropriate. She said to bring our cameras with us too because we were going to stop for a breathtaking view on the way to our meal.

Fast forward an hour, and we were rolling up to this beautiful scene.

(Here is where I won't mention that our director preceded her speech about feasts with a lovely little chat about the most attractive male statue in all the land.)

She said: "There is a time and a place for feasts; we don't get them all of the time. There is a time for a feast for your mouth, eyes, nose and heart. Right now, I want you to focus in on the fact that this is a feast for your eyes. I promise you'll never forget it."

When I walked off of that bus with every intention of feeling every bit of the moment as I took in the view, I felt my heart shift. I remembered everything I had learned in church about recognizing God's blessings in our lives and being thankful for them. I was reminded that, even though the world is hustling and bustling around me, I should not forget to be completely present wherever I'm at.

Here's how to have a colorful life: Start paying attention right now. Tomorrow doesn't matter; next week doesn't matter; next year doesn't matter. What matters is what's going on right in front of you. I can't wait to have more of these tender little moments that turn into defining moments.

Whatever you do, just don't forget to stop and smell the flowers on your next passeggiata.