Over the past few years I’ve had the privilege of spending time in Italy. 

It’s become a favorite place of mine and I’m dreaming up my next trip as we speak.

But until my next trip, I’ve been thinking about the things I love and learned about Italian culture that I want to cultivate right here in my home this summer. 

The Italians know how to savor life.

And I find it so inspiring. 

Shops close after lunch for “riposo” (an afternoon nap and time for rejuvenation).

Families linger at dinner for hours. 

Kids play in the piazzas late into the evening while parents sit nearby, chatting and enjoying each other’s company.

People walk slowly after meals. 

Food is cooked fresh with local ingredients. 

They rarely seem rushed and they aren’t obsessed with squeezing every last drop of productivity out of the day.

What stands out to me most as a very busy American who lives by her to-do lists: no one acts like enjoyment has to be earned first.

They sit down for an espresso in the middle of the afternoon. 

Order (and enjoy) dessert without making it a moral decision. 

Every time I visit I am inspired to live differently. 

To slow my life down and make time to savor simple daily pleasures and rituals. 

And as we approach mid-summer, I’m reminding myself (and perhaps you too) to slow things down and embrace a little of that Italian way of life…

I want to:

☕️Sip my morning coffee on the patio, instead of gulping it on the go.

🧺Pack a picnic and linger until the sun sets with family and friends.

📖Read a book instead of starting a new productivity project.

🍅Cook a fresh, homemade meal and enjoy the process of being in the kitchen.

🌅Watch the sunset without rushing the kids to bedtime.

Slowing down is not only good for our quality of life, but good for our health too. 

Here’s to less rushing, less optimizing, more savoring.

Are you with me?

Did you know? Every July in the Lindywell community we focus on getting out to play and enjoy life more. Whether that’s wild, adventurous play or a slower paced leisure, I encourage you to join us.

Click here to join the community and get 14 days free.