This is my first post for 2025.

It´s shameful but its true.I thought nobody reads my Blog anymore and it´s non existent.I have been in a hibernating mode and been too lazy to finish all the drafts I´ve made.It´s not a deliberate neglect on my Blog for the past months but actually I was just, and been really really busy having a so-called life. Juggling from work, family life and the never-ending daily routines, time flies fast.Winter is having its last run and here comes another season, Oh Hello Spring!Today is surprisingly warm here in Germany, a bright 15 degrees on an early March.I randomly saw Crocuses sprouting like crazy from the ground, signaling the much awaited end of the cold tundra here in Bavaria, also, seems like Cherry blossoms and Daffodils will bloom soon and that makes me excited!

On the other side, the lovely sun is shining brightly, and invited me today into a slow pace mode and had a little bit of time travel moment.A time to reflect and think, with my coffee and bunch of Blog ideas, I scrambled into my old self and in front of my laptop trying to put my thoughts into words.I´ve missed writing so far, I admitted to myself and this time, I chose to think about Italy and “Il Dolce Far Niente”.

I stumbled upon this lovely passage while watching something on Tv and it talks about enjoying little moments in life, the sweetness of doing nothing–” Il Dolce Far Niente“.It´s a famous Italian phrase that translates into the sweetness of doing nothing.I love the sound it makes in the roll of my tongue but I love most the meaning behind it. I thought I understood it as idleness, laziness or just being cozy, but then when I dig into it deeper, it does makes sense.Doing nothing, couching or staring into blank space or whatever ,of course all of it really sounds soooo appealing, tempting, nerve.wrecking but somehow unreal.

Can i really afford the luxury of doing nothing?

To enjoy it to the fullness of its sweetness must be really something good for Italians so maybe for me as well?Or to you as well dear readers?!

But how do Italians do it?

Personally, Italy is one of my favourite country. There´s something about Italy that makes my heart skip.I always looked forward in going to Italy and its a dream come true. I have only seen a part of it and it has more to offer.While traveling in Italy, I must say that this passage is somewhat true. Italians have this so-called flair about “Dolce Vita” or the sweetness of life.Italians prefer bliss with their Cappucino and calm while sipping Espresso Dopio in any time of the day.Rushing makes no sense and a slow paced lifestyle is much meaningful.

Taking things slowly is far more awesome than accomplishing multiple tasks in one time.It doesn´t matter how many hours it takes to make their hand-made pasta dishes , whether Tagliattela,Ravioli and all their scrumptious delicacies– it all boils down to enjoying every bit of that hearty meal with people you love is all that matters.

In Italy, it´s not a guilty pleasure to enjoy Gelato anytime of the day.Gelato is not only for children but adults indulge in it too.When we are in Venice, we had Gelato twice a day in summer since its very hot and you can´t go wrong with so many yummy flavours.At the start of the day, a glass of Spritz and wine welcomes any tired soul.There is always a reason to sit down, chat and enjoy the views,or just watching the people passes by.Idleness can be a very good pastime and habit.While we stayed in this lovely hotel in Riva last Summer, there was dancing every night. The pianist would play a lovely playlist and the kids would dance to it while parents have the pleasure of enjoying a glass of Lillet or cocktails every single night.With the views of Olive trees, Oleanders and mountains, there´s really no bad vacation in this place.We really enjoyed every moment of it.We were present, paying carefully to our surroundings, and very relaxed.

There is something about being present, enjoying things at a time, being fully immersed in that moment that is so priceless.No rush, just enjoying every second.Many times, my coffee gets cold and I hate it. It´s because I do other things rather than enjoying the warmth of the coffee that I´ve made.The ending is always the same, I regret it and throw the rest of it in the sink.

Wasted time, wasted cup of coffee.

The Italian way of their approach in life is really something precious and many people nowadays can´t comprehend to it because we´re just busy glued to our phones and not really hearing what other´s say.”Il Dolce Far Niente ” simply says that we need to savour more of life´s little pleasures,savouring every simple moment and embracing a well-balanced lifestyle .

I am having a hard time digesting this at first. I have been a goal getter and everyday I love ticking off what´s on my list.When I don´t get things done, I get anxious and totally restless. I like to work on schedules since I thought that is absolutely normal. Living in Germany made me into a List machine.Everything needs to be done in the right order and therefore achieving the results that want in a timely manner.Pondering on this Italian phrase– — I am living my life the opposite way and it felt so wrong.

So I tried to understand it to my best abilities and reflect on my own lifestyle.I thought to myself that I wanted to find out and experience that same sweetness, the weird idleness and just do nothing.When you learned another language, translations can be funny so to speak! Literally, Il Dolce far Niente is actually doing nothing and yet having the most of even simplest things.Italians couldn´t be blamed, they are actually one of the few countries included in the Five Blue Zones, where people live exceptionally long and well into old age.I watched that documentary and I found it really interesting to go down to our basic routines, diet, lifestyle and habits to the road of longevity.

After work, I would ride my bicycle and sit on the benches and watched the water from the river glistened against the sun like diamonds admire my surroundings.The warmth of sunshine on my face, the chilly breeze that calms my tired body-it´s good to be embracing “Il Dolce Far Niente” on my own tempo.Being grateful and contented of what I have really helps and understanding to let go of the things that I cannot control.This time, I pay attention to my breathing and take things slow.It felt good, so next time, instead of rushing to cook dinner, I opt for a quick run.

In the end, Il Dolce Far Niente is not just a phrase–it´s the way to approach life.

Until then,Ciao!