Here in the U.S., we just celebrated a 3-day holiday weekend in recognition of our Independence Day.
As my husband was going to be out and about most of the weekend, my family was largely out of town and my friends had big cookouts going (and I didn’t feel like dealing with the “What? You don’t eat meat?!?” question which is inevitable at these events – never mind that I’m currently eating raw only), I decided to have a mini-business retreat during which time I would focus on writing and planning (both things I absolutely love).
Imagine my surprise when I awoke Friday morning and didn’t want to go into the office. Instead, I spent the day on the deck, in the screenhouse, on the couch, anywhere but in the office, doing. . .dare I say it? Absolutely nothing.
There’s a saying in Italian which came to me – “Il bel far niente” – it means “the beauty of doing nothing”.
I spent a week in Italy a few years ago while traveling with my Mum. It was one of the best weeks of my life – we met most of my Dad’s relatives (my Dad grew up in Italy) and experienced Italy as only a “native” can. My uncle is a history professor and he took the week off to be with us.
Of course, his English was *rough* and my Italian was close to non-existent – at the beginning of the week. By the end, I could hold my own with a toddler. 🙂
And back to my weekend. As I spent most of the past 3-4 days in a meditative haze during, all these Italian words and phrases came rushing back to me and I even found myself answering the telephone with a “Pronto” as they do in Italy, I made a decision.
I need to go back.
While in Italy, I had this profound feeling of being *home*. I made a decision this weekend that sometime within the next 12 months, I’m going to spend a month in Italy to write and enjoy the pure pleasure of the country (and yes, my hubby approves!) while still running my business.
This folks is what creating an automatic business allows you to do.
I leave you with this quote from Ben Stien “The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT.”
What can you DECIDE you want today and then make it happen?