CONTEXT

We’re constantly bombarded with messages to do more, to work longer hours, to be more productive, to earn more.

But in this constant hustle, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

What if the key to fulfillment is found in slowing down and embracing what you already have?

The Italian way of life embodies this.

Here are 7 of my favorite Italian sayings, and what we can learn from them about savoring the moment for a more meaningful life.

(And yes, 4 out of 7 of them are food-related. 🤌)

THE 7 CONCEPTS

1. Il dolce far niente

“The sweetness of doing nothing”

Lessons:

• Master the art of enjoying the moment— without the need to be productive or busy. 

• Take time to recharge. (You’ll have your most creative ideas if you give your mind a rest anyway.)

(Fun side note: If “il dolce far niente” sounds familiar, you probably heard it in this film. I love that 60 second clip so much. 😂)

2. Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano.

“He who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far.”

Lessons:

• Be patient and take things at a steady pace. It’ll bring you far more success in the long-run (by avoiding burnout).

• As James Clear says, consistency is more important than intensity.

3. L’appetito vien mangiando.

“Appetite comes with eating.”

Lessons:

• Sometimes you have to start something to find the motivation to continue.

• Don’t wait for enthusiasm or inspiration to strike. Begin, and it will come.

4. Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco.

“Not all donuts come out with a hole.”

Lessons:

• Not everything will go according to plan.

• Accept the things in your life that turn out differently than you hoped. They can still be delicious. 🍩

5. Anni, amori, e bicchieri di vino — non si contano mai.

“Years, lovers, and glasses of wine — these should never be counted.”

Lessons:

• Age is just a number. You are never “too old” to reinvent yourself.

• Life is short, and must be lived to its fullest. Cherish and celebrate the most enjoyable moments.

(If this one also sounds familiar, you might’ve heard it in this film scene.)

6. Meglio soli che male accompagnati.

“Better alone than in bad company.”

Lessons:

• You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. (So choose wisely.)

• The surest sign of confidence is someone who is comfortable being alone.

7. A tavola non si invecchia.

“At the table, one does not grow old.”

Lessons:

• The best meals are savored in the company of others, and time seems to stop. Good food and conversation will keep you young.

• As Esther Perel says, “The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.” 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The Italian art of living slowly is not about indulgence or laziness. It’s about allowing yourself to be more present and find joy in the simple things.

After all, life isn’t lived in the big milestones. Life is lived in the small moments between those big milestones.

If you’re curious to dive deeper in the Italian art of slow living, I adore the book Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town by Douglas Gayeton. It’s a gorgeous coffee table book that I found in a small bookshop 10 years ago. He took all the photographs while living in the rural (slow) town of Pistoia, Italy. (You can view a sample of the photographs here.)

I’ll leave you with a final thought:

You can’t add more time to your life. So add more life to your time.

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you celebrating. I hope you get to savor good food and good conversation with loved ones.

Jade

P.S. Thank you to everyone who booked a coaching call with me in November. It was such an honor meeting all of you. And December is already filling up. If you’re considering becoming a thought leader on LinkedIn, book your coaching session now. You can read tons of client reviews here. 🔥

P.P.S. Sending a warm welcome to everyone who joined The Quiet Rich community since last week! Learn more about The Quiet Rich here. 🎉