From the Founder, July 2019
Happy July!
I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful summer and taking time in the sun (with sunscreen, of course) and spending time with loved ones.
I was fortunate enough to visit Paris and Puglia (Italy… the heel of the boot) around my birthday last month and it was magical. I love Europe so much – somehow, even though I’ve never lived there, it always feels like home.
This was my first visit to Puglia. I had heard great things about it and that it was still untapped, not touristy, and there’s tons to explore, all of which is true. Being the ultra-planner that I am, it was hard not to fill the days with multiple excursions, beach visits, and of course, delicious meals. But what I realized by the end of the trip, was that one of the best things about Italy is the relaxed and laid-back energy. It’s how present and in the moment people are. Nobody is in a rush. Nobody is worrying about the future. And nobody is losing any of the joy of the moment. Such important reminders.
By the end of the trip, I was planning less, rushing less, and worrying less. It didn’t matter if we checked everything off the list – it was much more important to deeply experience each of the places we were. And to RELAX!! Yes, the food was still ridiculously delicious and worry not, I didn’t miss a meal. But the feeling of slowing things down and making sure that no matter where I am, I’m actually there is priceless. It’s what I’ve brought back with me and I’ve made that feeling – and doing whatever necessary to experience it daily – a priority.
I encourage you to think about that too – how can you be more present with loved ones? In a meeting? In a repeat conversation with a friend? When you’re exhausted and stressed? Lots of practice is the answer. Let’s take the journey together! (And figure out when we can go back to Italy!)
Wishing you all good things.
xx,
Amy