Il Dolce Far Niente

It is Sunday morning, a somewhat cloudy and cold morning that allows for a little guilt-free relaxation. As I enjoy my Sunday breakfast of French toast—no calorie counting today—and sip my favorite Hawaiian hot tea, I’m reminded of the Italian phrase "Il Dolce Far Niente," which translates to "the sweetness of doing nothing."

In the U.S., however, our culture emphasizes productivity. I find myself battling the voices in my head telling me that I should finish my patient charts, I should get outside to haul dirt to my garden, and I should complete my Italian language homework before my lesson tonight. Should, should, should. If I listen to these internal demands, I end up feeling guilty and unworthy for not being productive. But I now I tried to change my mindset to everything will get done in due time. The true sweetness of Sunday lies in not scheduling my day down to the hour. I believe embracing the sweetness of doing nothing is essential.

If you travel to Italy, resist the temptation to visit ten cities in ten days. While everything is beautiful and seems like a must-see, you'll miss out on the tranquility and joy of a day meant for enjoyment. The tulips are beginning to bloom, the trees are transforming from shades of yellow to green, the birds are singing again, and the toad has returned to my pond. Why in the world would I want to be productive?