I arrived in Turin on a Tuesday one summer and if there’s one thing that truly stood out to me since arriving, it’s how different the pace of life is.
Back home, it feels like I’m in a rush—there’s always something to do, somewhere to be, and never enough time to get it all done.
But here, it’s as if the whole country is in on a little secret: life is meant to be savoured, not rushed.
I’ll admit, this slower pace is challenging for me. I find myself growing frustrated when things take longer than expected or when people are in no hurry to move things along.
Meals are leisurely, strolls are unhurried, and nobody seems to be racing against the clock.
My instinct was to push against this slowness, but after a while, something shifted…
While people watching in a piazza and eating agnolotti (ravioli stuffed with minced lamb), I began to notice something: the people here are genuinely happy.
Old married couples walk down the cobblestone streets, hand in hand, smiling at passersby.
A group of young teens showing each other TikToks and laughing together.
Friends gather around a table for dinner, with several empty wine bottles accumulating.
They are present, engaged with each other, and having a great time.
That’s when it dawned on me.
I realized that by slowing down, they actually savour each moment more fully. Whether it’s enjoying agnolotti, taking a walk, or simply watching people gather in the piazza, this slower rhythm invites you to be present and truly experience what’s in front of you.
The Italians even have a phrase for this: “dolce far niente”—the sweetness of doing nothing. There’s a certain magic in just being, without the rush or the urgency to do more. It’s a lesson I’m slowly learning, and one I think we can all benefit from.
When we slow down, we create space for connection, joy, and deeper experiences that aren’t just about ticking boxes.
In North America, we tend to move through life on autopilot, constantly looking toward the next task, the next goal, the next thing to check off the list.
Instead of focusing on what’s next, my first lesson on this trip is learning to find beauty in what’s now.
So, my question to you is: Where in your life are you rushing? What moments are you missing out on because you’re too focused on what’s ahead?
I invite you to take a step back.
Breathe.
Savour the moments, big or small, and notice the beauty that comes from simply being present.
Are you ready to embrace a new pace in your life? I’m here for it! Book a free discovery session with me to explore how you can use coaching to transform your life.
