Learning To Go Slow

I'm an Australian who decided to fly to Europe on a one-way ticket and live life at a slower pace.

[learningtogoslow]

Wrapping up this little junket to Barcelona and I feel my spirits have been lifted. .. I've really appreciated the quirky branding of the 'Chic & Basic Lemon Hotel' and it's given me some food for thought on an idea I've had brewing. .. Check out what they have written on their hotel soap packaging! .. Also I'm pleased to report that I'm finding a bit of writing mojo returning on the train journey home 🙌🏼 .. Lesson for the week (or year!) when rest calls ... rest! No need to judge it, just enjoy it 🌿 (at Hotel Chic & Basic)

[learningtogoslow]

A successful day showing my sister and father in-law around La Rioja Alta. Kicked things off with a winery tour at Ramon Bilbou, lunch in #Sajazarra and then coffee in #Haro ☕️ (at Ramón Bilbao)

[learningtogoslow]

So nice to be able to lap up a bit of warmth and sunshine! Taking my office outside this afternoon 🍃 #worklifeintegration

[learningtogoslow]

This week has been a bit of a write off. We've been attempting to have a legal person witness me signing an Australian document, but nobody wants to know! .. So we've had to make an urgent 4-hour road trip to the Australian Embassy in Madrid in order to arrange a witness. .. I have an appointment in the morning. .. Meanwhile I'm making the most of being in #Madrid. This cinema is across the road from our hotel and they are screening 'Red Sparrows' staring Jennifer Lawrence ... in English 🙌🏼 .. I've been hanging to see this movie 🎥 .. Have you seen Red Sparrow? .. #MiVidaAbroad #MovieBuff #CinemaLover

[learningtogoslow]

Giving money a purpose beyond paying the bills ✨ .. I've noticed that when I have no specific plan for the income generated through my business (apart from paying the bills) then the flow of money slows down OR some unexpected thing pops up and 'swoop' ... there goes any extra cash 💰 .. Money likes to have a purpose. So when you don't choose one, it will be chosen for you. .. I've also found that 'bills' are not a super magnetising purpose money. .. How do you decide on some 'other' or 'additional' purpose for your cash? .. Start with looking at what you don't want. .. For example I realised that I don't actually like going to the hairdresser. I find sitting down for a few hours quite laborious. .. So I decided that if I must go to the hairdresser then I needed to find a luxurious one. .. And I did! .. This is an original painting hanging up at my new salon ... this whole setting just oozes 'upper cruster' doesn't it? .. Other highlights for me include the reclining massage chairs at the basin and real coffee served up in real ceramic cups ☕️ .. #GiveYourMoneyPurpose

[learningtogoslow]

BTW today was #DaniSpaDay! .. It started with a scenic country drive past rows and rows of sleeping grape vines and budding blossom trees 🌸 while enjoying the smooth and sultry tunes of #Sade. .. Upon checking in to Wine Oil Spa Villa de Laguardia I was presented with a fluffy bathrobe, slippers, towel and swimming cap, nice! .. After changing in to my swimmers (aka cozies) I entered the ‘spa circuit’ which consisted of: .. * Heated pool with massaging jets * Polar bath (12ºC) * Jacuzzi * Contrast showers * Foot spa with river stones * Turkish bath (steam room) * Finnish sauna .. The highlights for me were the Eucalyptus infused Turkish bath (so divine), the sauna and the massaging water jets. .. Next I had a lovely Natura Bissé facial in a peaceful room with sweet little candles scattered around. .. I really loved the orange scented facial mist that my therapist used a few times during the treatment … and the luxurious foot massage I received while my mask was on. .. After leaving the spa facilities I checked out the hotel restaurant and was seduced by the warm duck salad on the menu … I was not disappointed! .. It feels good to be getting back into this ritual of having spa days. Being accountable to my mentor for booking this in definitely supported me in making this happen ✨ .. I’d love to hear what you are doing to see to your #VocationalSelfCare ... no matter how big or small. ..

[learningtogoslow]

How often do you sit down with a fiction book (a real one) and read? .. It's almost embarrassing to think about how rarely I have done this over the past few years. .. Growing and nurturing my business has been my main priority ... too much of a priority if I'm honest. .. Every spare moment has been utilised by engaging online. And when I have read a book it's always been non-fiction and related to business. .. I've really enjoyed this phase of intense focus but now I sense it coming to a natural completion. .. I'm starting to carve out new habits and ways of enjoying my time that do not involve my business. .. Habits like taking a break in the middle of the day and reading for 30-minutes or so ... on work days even! .. How deliciously luxurious ✨ .. Would you like to join me in #Reading30MinutesPerDay? .. #BookWorm #Introverting #SimpleThings