Discovering a slower, more intentional way of living wasn't something I planned—it found me in a tiny village in southern Italy. After growing up in the outskirts of Los Angeles, where success was measured by prestigious schools, expensive cars, and designer clothes, I always felt slightly out of alignment. Something deep inside told me there was more to life than the superficial values that seemed to dominate California culture.That feeling led me on a winding path. First to Tennessee, which became home for nine years, and then—unexpectedly—to this small Italian town where my husband and I now own a home. The moment I first arrived here three years ago, my body responded with an unmistakable sense of rightness that I couldn't ignore. The Italians have a beautiful concept they live by called "Il Dolce Far Niente"—the sweetness of doing nothing. It's not about laziness but about the profound joy found in simply being present without the constant pressure to produce, achieve, or accumulate.What I've discovered through this journey is how powerfully our environment shapes us. The places we live, the cultures we immerse ourselves in, and the values they prioritize can either nurture or hinder the life we truly want to create. As my husband and I prepare to split our time between Italy and Dubai (yes, another adventure awaits!), I invite you to consider your own environment. What do you genuinely value? How do you want to live? Does where you currently call home support those values? There's no need to make dramatic changes all at once, but staying open to possibilities—whether they're across town or across oceans—might lead to a life more aligned and fulfilling than you can currently imagine. After all, we have freedoms previous generations couldn't dream of. Why not explore them?If something in this resonates, I'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you're curious about life in Italy or our upcoming adventures abroad, you can follow my Substack below where I share more detailed reflections about living between cultures and the lessons they continue to teach me.Mentioned in this episode:Substack Post: The Life I’m Still Learning to LivePodcast: A Voyage Through Pages and PlacesSubscribe to my Newsletter HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE

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