Italy Taught Me to Waste Time Well

What a quiet afternoon in Florence revealed about life, time, and what really matters

Firenze just before sunset

In the U.S., wasting time often feels like failure.

But in Italy?

Wasting time is sacred. It’s an art. A ritual.

A rebellion against hustle culture—and a return to presence.

When I first moved to Florence, I thought I was there to immerse myself in art, language, and culture.

But one of the most life-changing lessons came not from a museum, a tour, or a textbook.

It came from a quiet Wednesday afternoon with nowhere to be.

A Simple Afternoon in Santo Spirito

It was one of those perfect, in-between days in Florence. I had no meetings, no lessons, no plans, and—maybe for the first time—no pressure to do anything.

I found myself in a small café near Piazza Santo Spirito, sipping an espresso I never finished, a notebook by my side that I never opened.

Around me, life hummed softly.

A couple argued gently over lunch.

Two nonni sat in silence, slowly savoring their gelato.

A cat curled beneath a nearby motorino, unbothered by the world.

And me? I was just sitting. Just being.

No phone in my hand.

No guilt in my gut.

That’s when I first understood the Italian phrase: dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing.

Life Beyond the Checklist

Back in the States, I measured my days by checkboxes.

✔️ Workout

✔️ 10,000 steps

✔️ Post to Instagram

✔️ Check something—anything—off the list

Even my vacations had itineraries packed with restaurant reservations, walking tours, and sightseeing goals.

I used to pride myself on being efficient.

But in Florence, I watched people linger.

They lingered over their wine.

They lingered in conversations.

They lingered like time was something to be savored, not managed.

Presence is the Real Luxury

Italy taught me a truth I’m still trying to hold on to:

🟡 Your worth isn’t tied to your output.

🟡 Rest doesn’t need to be earned.

🟡 Presence is its own kind of productivity.

It wasn’t until I stopped filling every minute of my day that I started actually feeling those minutes.

I noticed the warmth of the sun on my shoulders as I walked down Via dei Serragli.The way the last bite of lunch lingered longer than the first.The stillness in a moment when nothing was expected of me.

And in those small, seemingly wasted hours, I found a version of myself I didn’t know I was missing.

A Gentle Challenge for You (and Me)

So here’s my invitation—one that’s equal parts challenge and gift:

Waste some time this week. On purpose.

• Sit outside without checking your phone.

• Let your tea go cold as you stare out the window.

• Take the long way home.

• Pet your dog/cat longer than necessary.

• Cook slowly, even if you’re hungry.

  
  

Because some of the richest moments in life aren’t the ones we plan.

They’re the ones we allow ourselves to feel.

Let’s Stay Connected

If this story stirred something in you, I’d love to hear it.Drop a comment or reply and tell me:

When was the last time you truly wasted time… and loved it?

And if you’re craving more slow travel, soulful stories, or a travel experience that feels like a reset for your spirit, come visit me at trulyitaly.tours or subscribe on Substack.

Because Italy is never in a hurry.

Maybe we don’t have to be either.

❤️Kate