There’s something magical about marking a milestone birthday in a place that feels like it’s straight out of a postcard. For me, that place was Italy.  Before I set foot on that plane, I was convinced I had a decent handle on joy—I’d read the books, listened to the podcasts, and tried all the usual tips. 

But somehow, this trip brought it all into sharper focus. I’m generally a planner by nature (partly from years working in digital communications, partly from being a single mom). Yet, despite my meticulous arrangements, Italy had its own way of surprising me. It wasn’t just the food or the breathtaking scenery that did the trick—it was the shift in how I experienced time, how I viewed life’s little indulgences, and how I soaked in the day-to-day moments I usually let slip past.