Hey there Reader,
Letting Go,Leaning In: What Italy Taught Me About Living Fully
As this lands in your inbox, I’m still soaking up the beauty, culture, and deep soul nourishment of Northern Italy. It’s been a trip without a packed itinerary—just a desire to explore, to feel, to learn, to be immersed. To follow curiosity over obligation. And honestly, it’s been a gift.
There’s something about walking through Venice – surrounded by water, history and the quiet reminder that nothing stays the same forever. Where history and beauty sit on every corner—reminders of time, of art, of what it means to leave a legacy.
In Florence, I get to admire all the beauty of that town including Michelangelo’s David—a masterpiece born not from perfectionism, but of vision.
Pisa, the Tuscan countryside, the winding roads, the music drifting from open windows, the wine, the culture, the food and the pasta (oh, the pasta!)—all of it brings new experiences and ways of opening up that I could not have imagined.
And in the background of all this is a quiet truth settling in my heart: we can all live with more intention and wonder, no matter what life looks like right now.
This trip has reminded me—yet again—that joy isn’t just something we wait for. It’s something we create. We have to choose it. Sometimes through bold moves, and sometimes through the smallest acts of presence.
Let me say this clearly:
You don’t have to be on a plane to Italy to reclaim joy.
You don’t need perfect timing, endless resources, or a five-year plan.
But you do need to believe you’re worth it.
You are deserving of joy.
You are capable of change.
You are allowed to say yes to what lights you up—even when it makes no sense on paper.
Whether your version of adventure is booking a last-minute trip, finally saying yes to a new job, or just making Saturday mornings sacred again… let it be yours. Let it be guided by the soft voice inside you that knows what you need—and not by the loud chorus of “shoulds” around you.
I’ve spoken with so many clients who feel stuck in the grind. Stuck in routine, in fear, in beliefs that say, “This is just how it is now.”
But that’s not the whole story. You get to write your next chapter.
Even when life feels heavy.
Even when money is tight.
Even when you’re not sure where to begin.
Let this be your reminder: You are not stuck. You are becoming.
And becoming requires intention, not perfection.
A few thoughts to ponder this week:
- What would feel like a “yes” to your soul right now, even if it seems small?
- Where have you been holding yourself back out of fear—or false responsibility?
- What’s one area of life you’d like to experience more beauty or spontaneity in?
A few small steps to try this week:
✨ Wander without a plan—take a different route, visit a new café, or let your day unfold without checking your to-do list.
✨ Reconnect with someone you’ve been missing—call, text, or make a simple plan. Nourishment comes through connection.
✨ Add beauty to your life—fresh flowers, a new playlist, a favorite meal, or simply noticing what’s already around you.
✨ Say “no” to something that drains you—and “yes” to something that lifts you up. Practice honouring your own rhythm.
Final thought:
I’ve been learning—again and again—that softness is not weakness. It’s power.
It’s what allows us to feel joy, to hold grace, to be present and awake to the magic still unfolding.
When I return, I’ll be bringing back more than memories. I’ll bring back clarity about what I want to release and what I want to hold closer.
Let this be your permission slip to do the same.
With love from Tuscany,
Marianne
☀️🌻🍷
PS: If you’re craving support as you navigate your next chapter—whether that’s a life transition, burnout recovery, or just finding more joy in the everyday—let’s talk. Coaching is where we bring your dreams into focus, together.
What’s Coming
- Stay tuned. When I am back I will post what workshops and calls I am looking forward to hosting. BUT…don’t wait for a workshop if you are feeling the need for change and feel stuck – then I can help. Consider booking a “Your Next Chapter” session to jump start your life.
- What is “Your Next Chapter” – 90 minutes private session- a laser coaching session to hone in on your top priorities and create clarity and a guide for your new path forward.
contact me at : marianne@mariannepreston.com
Staying Connected
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