I’m writing this blog from the little balcony of our home for a few days in Northern Italy. It’s been a really long time since we had a break outside the UK (like it has for most of us!) and although I was a tiny bit anxious about travelling, it is really really lovely to be exploring somewhere new.
We’re staying in a small hotel in the Imagna Valley just north of Bergamo, with incredible views down over the valley and a really magic stillness and peacefulness (aside from the happy chatter of birds) that is just what my soul needs this week.
I mentioned on Instagram a couple of days ago, that learning to recognise our capacity before we reach it is so important.
Our world turns so fast now (remember how we said in lockdown we wouldn’t let it go back to how it was?). At least mine does, and it often feels conflicted with how I feel inside. In my heart I feel drawn more and more to slowness and the gentle consideration of what might be next rather than rushing headlong. But running a business, being a human, and living in the 21st century, I often find it really really hard to live that slower pace. The result being that I can easily end up feeling really out of kilter, and just recently, teetering on the edge of burnout.
I think this time I’ve just about caught it, known myself well enough to step away just at the right time, and trust that resting and pressing pause will be a help not a hindrance to keeping to my path.
Maybe it’s a good day today to stop, just for a minute or two and ask yourself the same question. What is your capacity? How close to reaching it are you? And maybe if you’re there, it’s a good day to readjust slightly.
Thank you to Sasha at Frank and Feel for giving me the nudge to consider my own capacity in her newsletter a couple of weeks ago.
In the bakery…
Have you seen out new Wedding collection? We’ve launched a whole collection of new biscuits. From thank yous to your photographer, bridesmaid requests and even a gorgeous gift for a wedding morning treat to your love.
Plus we have a brilliant new biscuit subscription that counts down to the big day in the loveliest way. A fab engagement gift or treat for yourself if you’ve recently said ‘I do’!
With love from Italy
Caroline
💕
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This week I’m...
Reading… "When The Stars Go Dark" by Paula McLain - I bought this at the airport yesterday and cannot put it down!
Listening to… "Best Friends Therapy" with Elizabeth Day & Emma Reed Turrell - a friend sent me a link to this new podcast series and I am so grateful that she did. I’ve just listened the ‘Shoulds and Oughts’ episode and spent the whole 38 minutes nodding my head in agreement! I have a feeling the series will be full of those lovely moments of thinking ‘well thank goodness it’s not just me'.
Planning… what to do at Lake Maggiore, our next stop on our little holiday. If anyones been I’d love to know your recommendations and tips!