My mind is always running. I'm thinking about when's I can fit a quick meal in between classes, what time I should leave to catch a bus, getting to work on time, among many other responsibilities. The only break I take involves sleep. Being successful means working hard and always "grinding." I've recently started to take things slower and appreciate the moment.

I'm currently on a study abroad trip in Bologna, Italy. The culture there embraces taking a break and taking things slow. Shops and restaurants close for a few hours during the middle of the day to take a break and have lunch. When you sit down to eat somewhere, they never bring the check to you. You have to ask for it because they don't want to rush you. People here enjoy eating out and just sitting there for hours having a conversation. People use their phones less and focus more on talking to each other presently.

Here the days seem to go by slower as I take my time to do things. Now, I don't mean that in a bad way, just that it feels I'm actually living in the moment and enjoying it. I'm not necessarily in a rush to be somewhere or feel like I always need to be busy. Here, I always feel refreshed and ready for the day. I'm not groggy in the morning or dreading the day. Of course, I could be thinking like this because I'm in Italy and everything here is new and beautiful. However, I think this shift in attitude has to do with the perspective I've taken away from my experience here so far.

I'm learning to take it slow, that I don't always need to be doing something or working on something. I'm beginning to see that I don't always need to be on my phone. I'm instead immersing myself in the people and moment around me. I've been at dinner eating out and I sit longer than I usually would and it feels great. Something so small makes my day because I feel like I'm enjoying everything about my day. I take long walks here to get around; I'm not rushing to get to where I am. It's peaceful and I find it relaxing, being able to take my time and take in my surroundings.

I don't know how manageable it will be to be able to carry on my day like this back at home once I begin a stricter schedule but I don't want to give it up. I'm ready to embrace everything.