La Dolce Vita - choose joy unapologetically
The guilt of allowing pleasure and why it's so important
Have you ever noticed how we all long for a good life but how we feel almost bad the moment we truly allow pleasure?
We often feel guilty about enjoying vacations, getting massages, treating ourselves to an afternoon of pleasure, or spending a Sunday doing nothing. Yet we crave it. The pleasure, the joy, or simply the silence. “It’s what Italians call La Dolce Vita — the sweetness of life — and what the French call la joie de vivre, the joy of living.”
The previous generation felt like they were growing up with the belief that they worked hard. It's almost reached a point where I feel like we have unconsciously created a hustle environment that constantly keeps itself busy rather than allowing joy and lightness in.
Choosing pleasure sometimes invites odd looks.
"You’re going on vacation?"
"You’re doing something you love?"
"You spend a Saturday relaxing?"
You sometimes feel more like a terrorist having done something wrong than a human being who has the right to enjoy life unapologetically. I realized how hard it is to fully claim a life like that. It’s almost as if we wait for someone’s permission or confirmation to fully enjoy ourselves. But quite frankly, we may never receive it. You may only receive weird looks or reactions that range from incomprehension to jealousy or confusion. However, what else are we here for?
La Dolce Vita needs to be created. Others don’t have to comprehend your choice or lifestyle. Let them give you odd looks. You’re not here to enjoy yourself at the weekend or once a year on a holiday. You’re here to make the most out of each day. Unapologetically.
That became one of my greatest learning lessons over the years. Today, I almost felt guilty for indulging in a crème brûlée and a nice coffee, reminding me of this lesson once again.
Then I was reminded: don't wait for others' approval or even for permission to enjoy this life fully. You’ll wait forever.
First lesson: Don’t wait for permission. Claim it.
Second lesson: Don’t hoard money thinking you need it for your retirement.
I’m not saying to spend money irresponsibly, but what about a full bank account once you're retired, only to realize you haven’t enjoyed yourself as much as you could all these years saving up?
Some people wait for retirement to spend money and time doing what they love, but now you’re in your best years. If you’re healthy and fit, why not do now what you wish to do in your retirement? You’re not getting younger.
Lesson 3 I was reminded today: Embrace a lighter approach to life. Take life less seriously.
Feel like driving to the city and enjoying an ice cream, even just for a 30-minute break? Do it. Unapologetically.
“But the washing…"
"But the work…"
"But my family…"
Yes, but when are you filling your cups?
Biggest lesson: La Dolce Vita is a way of life that is created.
Don’t wait for it to arrive one day. It’ll never happen.
“But is it not arrogant?"
"Am I not too much?"
“Am I not too egoistic?”
“Who am I to enjoy an ice cream on a Wednesday afternoon or a creme brulee on a regular Sunday afternoon in town?
That’s the mind’s voice.
The mind is like a boring uncle who’d like you to work 24/7 and have zero fun.
If you allow that nagging voice to take over and control your life, you will most likely end up experiencing "La Vida Terrible" instead of the "La Dolce Vita" you had envisioned.
Allow the heart to guide you. Follow the little nudges. That’s where the joy is felt. Imagine you come home energized having spent an afternoon away. Life will feel so much easier; even the washing will go smoother. And if you can’t wash today, quite frankly, tomorrow is another day.
When we take things more lightly, we realize how we produce our own stress and lightness. Some people are amazed at how others live la dolce vita. I personally believe they simply allow themselves to slow down.
T
hat’s how you break through the “hussle” culture and allow more of La Dolce Vita.
Not once a year on a much-deserved holiday in Italy. But whenever and wherever you are.
La Dolce Vita starts with your mindset, not your location.
If you enjoy this, I share 10 tips on how to create those little moments of joy. All my E-Books are short, easy to follow & packed with insights & ideas.











