Hello from the island,

How was your week?

Summer has truly arrived on our shores. Warm, even hot days and evenings, endless blue skies, happy tourists, and vibrant oleander blooms bursting out of every corner—so heavy that you can pick them up right from the pavement to decorate your kitchen table. There is this beautiful feeling of lightness in the air, a simple desire to just exist and absorb everything like a sponge.

Subscribe now

But now, even simple everyday tasks like shopping for groceries have turned into a bit of a challenge. Our nearest spot to restock the kitchen is in the center of town. It isn’t far away at all, but during these hot summer weeks, even that fifteen-minute walk through streets that feel like an oven requires real courage. Taking the road along the coast that leads to the center is completely out of the question during the day.

But really, every little challenge is a gift. It serves as a gentle encouragement to look closer and realize that you actually have far more than you think. Even when the fridge seems almost empty, the most wonderful dishes are miraculously created. And because I always love to reflect on everything, I can see that this is exactly what happens in our lives, far beyond the kitchen. There are always so many more options waiting for us; we just don’t use or see them until we are forced to dig a little deeper.

Yes, even in the kitchen, one can find useful whispers for life.

A few days ago, I finally took my first bagno, as they say here. In other words, I finally immersed my body into the sea.

I know it might sound strange—having the beach literally around the corner and being probably the last person on this island to actually make it into the water. I love the sea, and living on an island was a massive dream of mine. But I am discovering that I am not a traditional beach person. Even living on an island has so many different versions. You can create your own custom rhythm right here, one that doesn’t need to include the daily ritual of spending whole hours under an umbrella, baking in the sun, and eating gelato.

Instead, I am probably the only person on the entire island who goes for a walk along the coast when everyone else is still rejoicing in the water, carrying one odd, specific mission: to check if my favorite magazine has arrived at our town’s only newsstand—one of only two on the entire island.

Let me explain...

I have this deep passion for real, print magazines. It used to be Elle, and then Spanish Vogue back when I was living in the Balearic Islands, still running my little fashion brand. That was back when mobile phones were used only for sending quick texts to friends or making a rare call—and usually not in public. That intense passion eventually gave way to others, but it still holds a secure, quiet place in my life, even in this more moderated version.

Unfortunately, many people—at least on this island—don’t share that same love anymore, and so the old newsstands are slowly disappearing. It is not uncommon to see whole groups of people, young and old alike, sitting in a café, resting on a bench, or even walking down the street, completely absorbed in their phones instead of admiring the present moment or enjoying their company. Or talking loudly to someone you don’t know about things you have no interest in listening to.

Despite these scenes, I am not losing my optimism. I truly believe that, just like everything on this planet and in this Universe, this is just a passing season. Eventually, people will start to miss real things and return to real life. They will want to talk more, to truly share, and perhaps even to leaf through the pages of a real magazine.

Subscribe now

I am incredibly grateful that we have so many digital possibilities to be inspired, to connect, and to share—I couldn’t even write this letter to you without them. I deeply appreciate the opportunities we have today. But I always try to look after myself so that I am using technology with a clear purpose, ensuring I am not missing out on real life, or forgetting how to live it.

So, despite the challenges of modern times and the heatwave on the island, I am not letting my passions be swept away so easily. Yesterday late afternoon, I braved the heat and walked down to the precious newsstand that still manages to stay alive. First, to see if I could find my treasure, and second, to support something real.

And you can imagine my absolute joy when I found out that yes! The brand-new issue of my favorite magazine, which comes out only once every two months, had arrived that very morning and was waiting there for me. I paid for my trophy with a massive smile, tucked it like the crown jewels into my bag, and in honor of this grand event, I continued my walk along the coast. The beach was still fully occupied, slowly cooling down with the coming evening, and I felt as though I were walking on a cloud. I didn’t mind the heat, I didn’t mind the sweat, and I didn’t care about the roaring scooters. I just felt happy.

The smallest things can often bring the biggest joy, if only we are able to see them as little treasure chests full of possibilities.

I have to go now; Luca has an art event this afternoon, and we need to get prepared. I will share all about it in our next letter.

And perhaps I will also tell you something about our cat, whom we see only when she gets hungry now. The rest of the day she stays hidden away somewhere, cooling her furry body.

Have a wonderful week, try to see the opportunities everywhere, and perhaps go buy a real magazine—you might just save the life of a local newsstand, and keep something real alive.

Warm hugs,

Katy

Share

What’s new?

If you scrolled straight to the bottom with your coffee, here is a quick map of our newly blossomed era:

• Our New Roof: This entire digital sanctuary is now called The Lighter Way—a unified space to clear some breathing room, lighten up, and play with what you have.

• The Lighter Letters: This is the beautiful, simpler new name for your familiar weekly dispatches. They aren’t going anywhere, and they will always remain a free gift.

• The Audio Playground: This is our brand-new subscription room. It is home to my 17-part audio series, The Lighter Heart Playshop.

• Your Launch Gift: To celebrate, Part 1 of the audio playshop is completely open and free for everyone to listen to right now on our main page.

Subscribe now

For the foundational stories of how I first reimagined my life and appointed the Heart as Captain, you can find my first book, You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants, right here.

Hello,

We are almost halfway through this year, and soon, the sun will begin to turn back on its journey, making the days just a minute shorter each day. As much as I enjoy these long hours—sitting late on our terrace, watching the stars, and listening to the birds during the day, just like right now, dressed only in a tank top and shorts light as air, with a breezy shirt over my shoulders in the evening—I keep that exact same amount of joy for the coming season.

I love these transitions from one season to another; one beautifully balances the other. It brings new ideas and lets our visions naturally evolve.

Subscribe now

Speaking of visions and evolving, I must quickly mention our news.

If you are a subscriber to my weekly letters, you might have noticed that you received one extra email alongside this one today. It isn’t a system mistake. It is something beautiful that has finally ripened into its right form and place.

For a long time, I’ve carried an idea in my heart to create a space that would serve as the practical side of everything I write about here—a real companion to these reflections on heart-led living, following dreams, taking care of ourselves, and remembering what matters. But I didn’t want to build a heavy, rigid structure that wouldn’t feel like me at all. I wanted a place that felt airy, light, uplifting, and easy to enjoy. And I think I have finally found the perfect version.

Right next to our weekly letters—which will stay exactly as they are, right where they always were, just with the better, simpler name of The Lighter Letters—I have opened a space called The Playground. (And to give our whole digital house a perfect, unified roof, I have renamed our entire space The Lighter Way).

The Playground will hold these dreams in the form of audio Playshops and whatever playful, useful inspirations come alive in the future—starting with my very first audio series, The Lighter Heart Playshop. Because I want you to feel the frequency of this room first, Part 1 is completely open and free for everyone to listen to. The coming parts will be available to enter through a paid subscription. You can read the detailed story in my refreshed About section or inside that first welcome letter on our main page.

So, that was our grand opening news, and now, let’s go right back to our kitchen table for our Sunday sharing.

Today, I wanted to tell you about a beautiful walk we took last Thursday, crossing over one of our local hills to the neighboring village of Lacco Ameno.

We woke up to a beautifully cloudy day. I say beautifully, because a cloudy sky is a true gift on the island during the high summer season. Sometimes I almost find myself praying to God for one. So last Thursday, we were lucky, and a day like that must be used very well. That means dropping everything and taking the opportunity for a long walk, which during the hot, sunny days is a choice almost bordering on suicide.

I deeply love walking after the sun sets, just like many of the locals who refuse to drop their walking habits even when the waves of tourists begin to dilute the island. But a whole-day trek is a magnificent thing to do once in a while, even though, to tell you the truth, I deeply savor the simple, quiet rhythm of our days even during the hottest sunny stretches.

So, after our traditionally late lunch, we packed our essentials and headed off on our little adventure.

Living here has truly changed my perspective on so many things. For example, back when I lived on the mainland (terra ferma), jumping into a car just to head out for a single cup of coffee and a walk a hundred kilometers away didn’t feel impossible at all. I had this strong tendency to just spread my wings and fly here, there, and everywhere, quite often. It was wonderful, and I enjoyed it immensely. Honestly, back then, I couldn’t even imagine living somewhere that would limit my craving for those kinds of mini-adventures.

But looking back closely now, I can see that the joy of those fast-flying trips was of a very quickly evaporating character. I just wanted more almost immediately after returning home.

Comparing that rhythm to the way of living I am exploring and developing here, I must admit, to my own surprise, that there is something deeply satisfying about these limited possibilities to spread my wings and fly—or, to put it less poetically, to just sit in a car and drive away.

Subscribe now

Sure, you can do that here too—I mean, sit in a car and go—but it will take you far less time to run out of road than it took me to arrive at my cup of coffee back then, and you will quickly be right back where you started. To drive around this entire island takes maybe an hour, or an hour and a half if there is no traffic. And there is just one main road wrapping around it, which you will be sharing with every single person and scooter that decides to move on the island. So, that kind of road trip doesn’t exactly satisfy the wild needs of the soul.

On the other hand, this natural boundary softly encourages you to use your own legs, to travel much slower, and to realize you don’t need long distances to find a beautiful cup of coffee.

In fact, I used to have a car here, but because I found myself using it less and less for both practical and mental health reasons, it ended up in the scrap yard this past winter. It was an old car, and I must add, it lived its life to the absolute maximum. It carried me to Spain and back, to my native Czech Republic and back to the island multiple times. It took me on a journey to Sardinia, which I explored entirely on my own for a few weeks a few years ago, and it shared so many of my rawest adventures.

But now, the time has come to explore another way of living. So, the car went to its car heaven, and I haven’t bought another one since. I wanted to give space to a life with a little more limitation, just to observe if this boundary can serve as an open door to other possibilities, at least for a while.

Oh, I let myself get a little carried away there! Back to our trip...

Our journey took us first through the center of our little Forio, where Luca found a new pair of sunglasses. The sun had finally decided to show up, and his old glasses had completely broken a few days before. So, we had a trip souvenir before the trip had even fully begun, which was just as good.

We proceeded along the little port with the sun hanging high over our heads; by then, the clouds had vanished completely, and it was a spectacular early evening. I felt like a tourist who had just arrived on the island for the very first time.

The sea sparkled, and the little fishing boats in the harbor gently bobbed on the small waves. We walked with easy smiles on our relaxed faces, so happy to exchange our terrace—where you feel so good you could easily spend your whole life there—for this little holiday. We walked without sharing a word; the feelings alone were more than enough.

We continued along the sweeping beach, which was still bursting with true summer life: beach volleyball, picnics, children playing and jumping on the shore, deep bronzed bodies glistening with sun oil, beach bars, and a few simple restaurants. Holiday cheer was thick in the air—with scooters, cars, and a few tourist buses on the other side of the road. Everything that makes up the beautiful tapestry of island summer life was there: granita di limoni, colorful inflatable pool floats, locals chatting in front of their doorways, and cats tucked here and there, hiding in the shadows or savoring the warm pavements.

We savored it all as we walked slowly past these moving scenes.

After a few kilometers, the road climbed, taking us up to cross the hill through a little forest that guards and offers a breathtaking view of the open sea, the coast in the distance, and the vast space. Standing there, I could truly spread my wings, breathe deeply, and fly in my mind over the wide horizon.

We stopped for a while on large stones perched at a viewpoint that gives you a true bird’s-eye perspective of the scenery. There, we savored the view alongside a piece of homemade cake we had packed for our trek. A true adventure, indeed.

The moment we entered the little forest, the temperature dropped a few welcome degrees. A deep exhale. The early evening light was pure magic. The sun tried to stretch its golden arms through the tall crowns of the trees, drawing long shadows and sparkling rays across the air...

When we emerged on the other side, with the road already descending toward our final destination, twilight was just beginning to softly unfold. The people in the next village were already dressed up for dinner. And we were finally ready to have our premio—our little prize: a cup of coffee after our special walk.

There were many places to choose from, but as always, the winner was one of the most ordinary spaces. We found a simple terrace with a sea view, sitting behind the now empty afternoon beach, where absolutely no one else was sitting. At one of the simple blue and white tables, we ordered two americanini—a local island version of a small cappuccino. Real tourists, indeed. No Italian would ever dream of ordering a milky coffee at that hour of the day.

As twilight began to fall, the air filled with the thick scent of summer flowers. The street behind our backs grew peaceful as everyone slipped inside the restaurants. We sat there, just enjoying our coffees and a moment that felt absolutely magical—the light, the soft colors, the total simplicity of it all. Sitting there dressed so simply, with no makeup but with a deeply content smile on my face, everything just felt so incredibly right.

Subscribe now

Luca looked completely happy next to me, too. And in that quiet moment, despite all the times he drives me absolutely crazy, I realized how profoundly grateful I am for a man who loves me for exactly who I truly am. A partner with whom I can be completely myself, who loves me even when I am dressed down like this, standing warmly in the middle of all the polished perfection around us. That is a true gift.

In the end, after the coffee, we ordered wine. Just a glass each, which came served with a few fresh slices of local pizza. It turned out to be the absolute best dinner in the most magnificent place we could have ever imagined.

On the way to catch the bus back home, we chanced upon a wall covered in posters of poetry. There were verses from Charlie Chaplin, Frida Kahlo, Saint Augustine, and more. Every single line spoke directly to the thoughts that had just been floating through my mind—or rather, through my heart. They were all about the important things that make life truly beautiful. And none of those things required perfect makeup or a perfect dress.

We hadn’t traveled very far in distance, but honestly, it was one of the best trips I have ever taken. Just like that. It was simple, but it didn’t miss a single thing.

Right now, a friendly orange cat has just wandered over to wish us a good afternoon, so I will take that as my gentle cue to finish today’s rather long letter. I hope it uplifted your spirits and inspired you to perhaps take a little trip of your own this week—even if it is just a few streets away—watching and savoring your surroundings a little differently. Perhaps a little more simply, and a little more fully.

Have a wonderful week, and I look forward to seeing you next Sunday!

With love,
Katy

Share

What’s new?

If you scrolled straight to the bottom with your coffee, here is a quick map of our newly blossomed era:

• Our New Roof: This entire digital sanctuary is now called The Lighter Way—a unified space to clear some breathing room, lighten up, and play with what you have.

• The Lighter Letters: This is the beautiful, simpler new name for your familiar weekly dispatches. They aren’t going anywhere, and they will always remain a free gift.

• The Audio Playground: This is our brand-new subscription room. It is home to my 17-part audio series, The Lighter Heart Playshop.

• Your Launch Gift: To celebrate, Part 1 of the audio playshop is completely open and free for everyone to listen to right now on our main page.

Subscribe now

For the foundational stories of how I first reimagined my life and appointed the Heart as Captain, you can find my first book, You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants, right here.

We just finished eating lunch—simple pasta with fresh zucchini, pomodori, garlic, onion, peperoncino, olive oil, fresh herbs, and a few pieces of alici with parmesan on top. And while Luca manfully took on the task of clearing up, I brought my laptop out onto the terrace.

I’ve placed it on the little square table by the wall in the shade, the spot where I like to drink my morning coffee. Our maggiorana plant proudly sits here alongside a jar with a bunch of fresh lavender. Right now, I am fascinatingly staring not at the screen, but at the sky, which has an incredible blue color today. It seems as if someone put a filter over it. It is almost absurd.

Subscribe now

But that’s exactly how the colors look here during the hottest summer weeks. Intense, bright, deep, saturated. Even the air feels different. It is filled with sea salt and flower perfumes—heavy, intoxicating, seducing you to drop everything and just do nothing but be fully immersed in this fleeting experience. A refreshing breeze is flowing across our terrace, running here and there, waking up my senses and reviving my ability to actually do something more than just exist.

It’s quite hot out in the sun, and even the birds have stopped their serenades for a few afternoon hours. All of our surroundings are, as usual, beautifully quiet. It is the best time to write.

Once I finish, I will just close the laptop. Maybe I will read a book about life in the French countryside, or open a new travel magazine and let myself be transported to other places just by flipping through the pages. Later in the afternoon or early evening, maybe I’ll head to the beach to watch the sunset, long after most of those who are sizzling right now under the southern Italian sun are gone. Or perhaps I will just stay right here; I have a few ideas for some creativity in the kitchen with fresh herbs, nuts, vegetables, and olive oil, of course. Sometimes that’s an amazing alternative. I could also do a longer yoga session, or maybe dance. Or maybe I will just go for a walk and reflect on a few creative ideas that I will start bringing to life next week...

It’s so easy to escape the moment. It’s so easy to let ourselves be carried away by various scenarios, options, visions, and desires. Meanwhile, the moments are passing us by—unlived, unsavored.

And yet, whenever I remind myself to please, be here!—whenever I return from whatever trip my mind was trying to take me on—I just marvel at the intensity of being present. The fulfillment, the feeling of deep satisfaction, and the awareness that in every single moment there is already so much. All the scenarios and the millions of possibilities I was overthinking are absolutely nothing compared to... this. To truly being “there.” Right here.

Subscribe now

Then, I can marvel at the color of the sky as if I were seeing it for the very first time in my life. Or at the little green insect taking its siesta in the shade of a maggiorana leaf, or the perfection of each tiny lavender bloom...

Even everything I needed to clarify, or any idea I was waiting for, comes all by itself, naturally.

It’s funny, if you think about it, how everything seems to happen in the exact opposite way we expect.

When we overthink something, we usually don’t get to the right point. Or it takes so long, only for us to discover that it wasn’t the right thing at all.

When we don’t think about it, it just appears. Like while taking a shower or washing your hair.

When we desperately want to find love, we meet the opposite. When we stop, we meet the one.

When we worry about dropping a few sizes, the sizes just increase. When we stop trying, the magic happens.

When we try too hard to say or do something meaningful, it usually comes out entirely backward. But when we have no rigid intentions, a masterpiece can be spontaneously born.

Life can be so easy. Love can be so easy. Everything can be so easy... if only we would stop thinking so much. If only we were a bit more relaxed. If only we would just savor the present moment and refuse to let our minds carry us away to far-off lands. If we let our senses and our awareness stay open and present, we can simply detect and capture each gentle hint that we truly need.

To be present doesn’t mean to do nothing at all, to be lazy, or to spend your entire day in formal meditation. To be present simply means to make your life easy, and to make the absolute most of it.

Have a wonderful week full of inspiring presence, and I look forward to seeing you next week!

With love from the island,
Katy

Share

What’s new?

My ideas about changing the name of our digital house have officially evolved, and all the pieces have finally fallen into place—exactly because I chose to let it all breathe last week and allowed the right vision to find me.

Because of this, you will receive one extra email from me in your inbox this week. It will carry our brand-new name, The Lighter Way, and a very special invitation to a fresh, cozy paid section I am opening called The Playground.

Don’t worry, our regular letters aren’t going anywhere! They will keep the exact same rhythm, they will just be arriving under a lighter, beautiful new name: The Lighter Letters.

Keep an eye on your inbox later this week for a beautiful free gift to open up our new space together!

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

I am sitting on our terrace, sipping a lukewarm cocoa-coconut “tea”—which I discovered has a much better cooling effect in the growing heat of the coming summer than a glass of ice-cold water. I am breathing in the softly scented breeze, observing my surroundings with pure marvel. Nature never ceases to fascinate, inspire, and teach me.

But it wasn’t always like that.

Subscribe now

Over the last few days, a few new “members” of our family materialized on our terrace: a few herb plants that are currently scattered across various areas of this rather large space. Not only have they started to enrich our dishes daily, but they have even upgraded the ambiance, naturally transforming the whole space into an almost meditative area. And last but not least, they started to spontaneously and without any pressure offer generous lessons on life.

I was never a big gardener. In fact, I didn’t like gardening at all. I grew up in a house with a rather large garden, with a lot of fruit trees and some vegetables—we even had rabbits. There was always work to do. Raking the fallen leaves, cutting the grass, picking the fruit, producing large amounts of homemade marmalades and tapenades for the winter, feeding the rabbits, plucking up the weeds, and so on. It was a never-ending process. And, of course, I was forced to participate.

Already then, I remember understanding how much work it is to take care of a house with a garden. I promised myself that I would never live in one when I grew up. I wanted to live in a city—preferably a big one, as the town where I grew up felt rather tiny and limited my desire to fly and see the whole world. I dreamed of a simple apartment which I could just lock and leave anytime, for as long as I wanted, without a single care. I would return from my many travels all around the world with beautiful souvenirs to hang on the walls and scatter around, creating an exploratory vibe that told everyone about my interesting life...

But… as it happens with so many conclusions we make, sometimes they are not exactly accurate.

I did fulfill my city-life dream, multiple times. I lived in apartments in various places, and I loved it. I traveled—not all around the world yet, but I did. But I also lived in a few houses—always very little and simple—which were never located in a city. And I must say, perhaps even thanks to all those various experiences which gave me a true firsthand comparison, I truly enjoyed all those periods in those small houses. It is what led me to this exact one, where I am living now.

Subscribe now

Gradually, I started to feel the joy of living somewhere simple, little, and closer to nature, rather than spending my life on the streets doing things that brought me only temporary joy. I still love cities for their energy and inspiration, but I like them for a short time now—not for living anymore. Though I am also aware that, as with everything in life, this may change again. I understand that too, but this is simply how I feel right now, and have for many years already.

Although I haven’t become an enthusiastic gardener yet—and most probably never will—I do appreciate nature much more than I used to be able to. I simply didn’t give it a chance before. I was focused on other things. I didn’t stop often enough to observe a plant—to just watch how it grows, how tiny leaves are forming one after another, or how, if you prune a little part of it, a new life will appear almost overnight, as if by magic.

When you live in a simple environment, you cannot avoid this awareness. It slowly starts to creep into you. It just happens. Not because you force yourself to meditate or practice mindfulness. It comes on its own. Because all the space that was once occupied by so many things, activities, and distractions is now empty.

And in this “emptiness,” you will naturally start to see the details that were always there—the things that bring you a joy that won’t leave you. It will just grow. As will the peace and a sense of connection within you. That’s not magic; that’s just life in its pure essence entering your liberated space. It’s just life entering your own life. And this is marvelous.

But of course, you can find this space and time anywhere, if you want. Not everyone is born for a life on a tiny island or in forgotten parts of the world. Even in a city, there is enough space and time for you to dedicate to observing, to marveling, to truly seeing. And then feeling a joy that costs you no money—just a little bit of your time.

Sending you warm, oregano and menta-scented hugs, and I look forward to seeing you next week—Saturday, or Sunday most probably :)

Katy

Share

What’s New

Enjoyed this letter? It lives in the same universe as my book, You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants. Available now on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

Hello, how was your week?

Here on the island, Summer suddenly arrived, as if from one day to the next. I haven’t even had the time to take out my lighter clothes; they are still tucked under the bed, squashed into a few bags, because my “armadio” (wardrobe) is only able to contain one or at maximum two seasons at a time. Besides the fact that it is rather small, I share it with Luca, and it is the only space for clothes in our house—but I love it exactly as it is. Even if I wanted to, I don’t have space for more things, so I am naturally protected from buying stuff that I don’t really need. And that was actually one of the fundamental reasons why I wanted to live in a simpler place—to need less and spend my time better.

Subscribe now

So here I am. Wearing almost the same thing every day, not only because it is what I can actually see in our well-stocked “armadio,” but mainly because it is… so liberating.

It’s not that I don’t care at all about how I look and focus only on my inner beauty. I still love to leaf through fashion magazines (and I am talking about the real paper ones, as there is nothing better than holding colorful pages and diving into a world of fantasy and imagination… well, real things are just irreplaceable) once in a while. Once upon a time, that used to be one of my regular passions, a source of inspiration, and designing clothes for my little brand used to make my living.

But I fulfilled my “fashion dream.” I enjoyed it thoroughly, I learned a lot of things, and after a decade came a time when I started to lose the excitement of all that. I started to feel the need to simplify, and to “produce” something more “meaningful” than nice dresses.

Back then, my next dream—about my inspirational path—started to take shape. Soon after, I published my first book, onto whose pages I poured out all my experiences, what I had learned, what I realized, and what had ever helped me to understand and follow my gut.

But besides simplifying my career field, I felt the urge to physically move somewhere where I could spend my days more meaningfully too. With simple things.

And I am so happy I followed. I trusted. And I let myself be navigated by my heart, even though the path led many times up and down—into very deep and low points. It’s not every day the happiest day of my life, but then I always remind myself that I am on my path. That this is what I am choosing, and everything changes as if by magic. My perspective, my perception. And I remember the times I was still dreaming of many things that I am living now, that I have around me in my life, and I am just grateful and even more determined to continue exactly on this path. The one dictated by nothing else than my heart.

Subscribe now

Right now, writing this letter, I am sitting outside on our large terrace, which is almost larger than our little house inside, and which from now on for a few months will definitely become our living area. In the middle of the table sits proudly a plant of “basilico,” a wonderful edible decoration. I love to touch its fine leaves and smell my fingertips. On a smaller table in another corner of our terrace, Luca is sitting, creating as well, and there is a “maggiorana” plant—another companion for our dishes. There are more fragrant plants scattered across the surface of our outside living area. And of course, there is birdsong, and some voices from the neighborhood. Mothers are calling their families to Sunday gatherings around their tables, and silence is slowly spreading across the whole area… the greenery is shining, as it was raining a lot in the last few days… the sky is blue and promises a later visit to a nearby beach, and a magical sunset, directly into the sea horizon…

Well, we might not have the largest “armadio” here and our simple house couldn’t exactly be called luxurious, but I was never attracted by luxury. I always tended toward what was authentic, even if imperfect and not so comfortable, because it definitely offers more life, and a space and environment where you can truly be. And even be yourself.

Have a wonderful week, and think about it—maybe even you can simplify something, somewhere in your home, or your life?

I send you basilico and sun-scented hugs from the island and will see you next—probably—Sunday!

Katy

Share

What’s New

Before I leave you to your Sunday, I want to share a little about where this space is headed. In the coming days, you will notice a few changes around our digital home. To better reflect our shared journey, this publication will be renaming itself to The Lighter Way by Katy Yaksha.

Please don’t worry—your weekly Sunday letters are not going anywhere! They will simply live under a new section called The Lighter Serving, arriving in your inbox exactly as they do now.

We are simply expanding our kitchen table. I am quietly preparing a brand-new paid sanctuary called The Playground, which will hold my upcoming audio guides, alongside a section called At Our Table for deeper reflections on natural health, lifestyle, and food.

Thank you for breathing, slowing down, and walking this path with me. More beautiful details are coming soon.

The refreshed edition of You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants is officially live! It is the foundation of my life philosophy, and I can’t wait for you to have it in your hands.

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

Yesterday, we went to Naples. That’s why I am writing the usually Sunday Dispatch today. But change is essential once in a while, as it breathes fresh air into anything that might become a repetition and lose its appeal.

Exactly that was the reason for our spontaneous expedition. A “little” change of surroundings to contrast the slow rhythm of our simple island life. To remind ourselves of the gratitude to have the absolute privilege to live here at the moment. But also to enjoy the energy of a high-vibrating city. And may I say, Naples is quite a city!

Subscribe now

But I would be lying if I said that Naples is one of my favorite places to spend my time. Naples, for me, is more of a challenge. And challenges—those are my favorites. For the same reason as changes.

I think most of us are not born to seek big or even small challenges and changes on a daily basis. We are completely fine with things as they are. We even, maybe secretly, like stereotypes. They are so comforting, even though, after a while, not fully satisfying.

But maybe it’s just me.

Maybe it’s the character of the air sign of Libra in which I was born. Maybe it is the artist’s soul, ushering me to go and seek inspiration, new points of view, experiences. Of all kinds. In the end, nothing is good or bad. All is part of life.

As Naples is a part of our life here. An easy possibility to change the scene, even if just for one day. All we need to do is board the ferry and let ourselves be “carried” away… to a completely different reality. Isn’t it quite exciting?

Already for the ferry ride, it’s worth it.

We always choose the big, slow ferry, for which we even need to take a local bus, as our little port only serves the faster aliscafo. Which many of the locals and tourists opt for. Yes, you save an hour of your time—but is “saving” time always an advantage? Besides, for this extra time, you pay double and you cannot even enjoy your journey outside on the deck. For safety, you must be squashed inside like a sardine in a limited space with whomever might be traveling with you on that day. If you ever come visit Ischia, I highly recommend choosing the slower journey. There are many reasons for it…

I think traveling on the water, on the sea surface even, high up on a huge thing made of iron, is a kind of magic. I always like to find a quiet corner—although the engine of the huge boat makes sure there’s not a truly quiet corner anywhere on board—but I mean, a place where I can sit, preferably alone or with those who don’t feel the need to report their whereabouts on their phones or talk or comment loudly. And observe the island as it moves further and further away from me… the waves, the moving mass of deep blue water, the seagulls which always accompany the boat during the whole trip like guardian angels… the dancing sparkles on the water, the shores of Procida, the little neighboring island, and the shores of the terraferma, dotted with houses and greenery. And there is even a lighthouse, majestically perched on top of a cliff, around which the boat glides…

And when the boat approaches the port of Naples, which honestly seems more like an industrial, quite abandoned area where the original port was temporarily moved, in the background, you can start to recognize the shapes of majestic buildings, palaces, houses, churches… and start to feel the bubble of excitement building up in your body… and despite your not exactly loving this city, you are utterly happy that you pushed yourself out of your lovely nest infused by birdsong and the smell of jasmine, and are right now, right here, more than ready to dive headfirst into a full-sensory experience which this city will most definitely provide from the first moment of your visit to the last.

Subscribe now

Now, back in our lovely little island home, with the ever-present birdsong in the background, the before-mentioned jasmine-perfumed air flowing inside and filling all spaces outside and in, I feel that my balance is well leveled, right in its place. I feel inspired, grateful, energized for everything I want to do these days, for my creative projects to move on, for other projects to develop, and for the slower days on the island. And I am looking forward to the next impulse to go and leave our setting, and am curious where that will be. Naples again? Maybe…

Now, I need to go. Lunch to cook, some housework to be done, some creative steps (even if this is already one of them) to be taken, the afternoon walk to be enjoyed… The Cat to tickle…

Even she is always doubly grateful for our presence anytime we leave, even if just for one day. We can feel that even she is then more aware of all the things that she maybe starts to take for granted… the bowl of fresh cat food, the tickle under the chin, the attention, the company…

Turns out that we all—cats included—need change and some challenges once in a while. Besides helping us enlarge our horizons and recharge or rebalance our energies, they help us refresh our eyes so that we can see all the treasures that we have.

Or, something like that :)

Have a great week, push yourself a little, do something different, make some change, and I will “see” you, let’s say, perhaps, next Sunday with a fresh Dispatch!

Warm—jasmine-scented—hugs,

Katy

Share

What’s New

The refreshed edition of You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants is officially live! It is the foundation of my life philosophy, and I can’t wait for you to have it in your hands.

Right now, I am completely immersed in my next book, Joy Is in the Simple Moments. This work is a direct reflection of my life here—a gathering of poems and soulful reflections that follow the four seasons on the island. It’s a celebration of finding extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

As a subscriber, you’ll get occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into this new journey (and probably a few stories about the lessons the island is still teaching me). You’ll also be the first to know when the new book is ready for the world!

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

I love it when I wake up to a cloudy day. Here on the island, deep in the Mediterranean, it is not a frequent event. Therefore, it has the taste of something to be lived well—treasured, almost. It’s so special! Truly magical, if you allow yourself to feel it.

But, of course, not everybody shares my fascination with cloudy skies and rainy days. Most of the locals have the exact opposite opinion. Brutto tempo—horrible weather—they simply call it. No further explanation needed.

It’s okay; we all have different tastes in the playground of life. That’s what makes each of us authentic. Or “strange,” in the eyes of others. I wrote about the latter in my last Dispatch.

Subscribe now

Today, and all through this past week, I have been in heaven. The cloudy sky brings an almost unnatural calmness to the island. The tourists, who are more present with each passing week, hide in bars, restaurants, or thermal pools. Even the locals stay home in front of the television.

Today is domenica, and the silence is even deeper because of the local ritual of long family lunches. We don’t belong to the Sunday Lunch Club, luckily. Long ago, when Luca was still learning about my “strange” approach to life, he proposed that we should perhaps join his family for il lungo pranzo di domenica.

We didn’t go. Not once. We go for coffee or a visit, but I have never been a fan of the “marathon” Sunday lunch, even long before I landed on this island. I was born like this. It has nothing to do with anyone else; I simply prefer to spend my time differently, and my approach to food is not the “regular” one.

So, we enjoy our Sunday lunches however they come. Sometimes it’s a spontaneous picnic; sometimes we stay home. It’s almost always at a time that falls far outside the “standard” schedule.

I am happy for those who enjoy their gatherings, but I am equally grateful for those who don’t force me to do things I simply don’t feel like doing. I am lucky to be able to use my energy and time in a way that resonates with my innate setting. To simply be who I am. I have the same approach towards others, as I believe everyone should be free to choose how they spend their precious time and energy.

Subscribe now

Last Tuesday was Luca’s birthday. Because birthdays are another example of a different approach we both embrace, we spent his special day in a very relaxed, simple way.

Long gone are the days when I waited for birthdays, Christmas, or New Year’s as if they were the only highlights of the year. These days are still very special to me, but in a different way. I prefer them much less loud and much more slow.

Slow, because I want to truly feel the magic of the day. I want time for reflection, for looking back at the past year, and thinking about where I’d like to go next. I want time to send gratitude to life itself. I simply want time to feel.

The more years pass, the more I realize I already have the most precious gifts. I choose to live with less, so as far as material objects go, I usually don’t need or want anything. What I truly need during the year—a book, some clothes, a new coffee cup—I get for myself.

Luca has come to understand this over the years. He already lived much more simply than I did before I started my adventure here, given that he was born on this tiny island. A few days before his birthday, I asked if he had any special wishes for his day. Did he want to do something “special” this year?

His answer was simple: “I just want to spend the day the way we usually spend our days.” He actually felt a little anxious about the subtle pressure to “do something special.”

As always, when we find something we need to clear or find the “why” behind, we talked about it. We arrived at a simple conclusion: when you are a teenager, these days are highlights because they are the only times you are allowed to do exactly what you like. But as you grow up and start to build a life that actually suits you, you spend more and more of your days exactly the way you like. You create a version of life that makes you happy every day—not just a few days a year.

If you follow your heart, respect your needs, and live (or are on the way to living) the way you desire, then when a birthday comes, you don’t feel the need to live it “differently.” You just continue to live the way you like.

I know I am not “regular.” I am strange to many. But if this approach sparks something within you, I am happy.

This letter evolved into something more philosophical than I intended! I haven’t even shared my recent food experiments or news about The Cat (she has turned into her wild spring self, only appearing once or twice a day to loudly demand food). But I will leave it here and share more next time.

I’m off to enjoy the cloudy skies, a long walk along the calm coast, and eventually a very late Sunday lunch. I don’t even know what we will prepare yet; the fridge will surely navigate us toward something divine.

I wish for you to spend your time and energy exactly the way your heart feels—in the next week, and not only then.

Warm hugs,

Katy

Share

What’s New

The refreshed edition of You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants is officially live! It is the foundation of my life philosophy, and I can’t wait for you to have it in your hands.

Right now, I am completely immersed in my next book, Joy Is in the Simple Moments. This work is a direct reflection of my life here—a gathering of poems and soulful reflections that follow the four seasons on the island. It’s a celebration of finding extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

As a subscriber, you’ll get occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into this new journey (and probably a few stories about the lessons the island is still teaching me). You’ll also be the first to know when the new book is ready for the world!

Subscribe now

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

Today, I am sitting on the terrace, embraced by a warm blanket, because the breeze is still very sharp in the shadow. I like the contrast of knowing that not far from here, down on the beach, there are people probably already swimming in the sea, while I have warm, soft socks on my feet.

But then, I am not a tourist anymore. Or better yet, I never was. A traveler, yes. A tourist, never!

Subscribe now

What’s the difference?

A tourist comes to vacate. To enjoy a week or two of free time, eat pizza and gelato, drink wine on crowded pavements, wear linen clothes, colorful dresses and big hats. They come to sightsee, shop, sunbathe, and flirt... and they definitely arrive between May and September at the latest.

The traveler avoids the summer season. They come when they can truly connect with the soul of the island. They are the odd ones. They avoid the obvious; they choose the strange. The locals don’t always get them. Why visit in the “worst” times of the year? when everything is closed, the weather is moody, and there is absolutely NO ONE? What could they possibly want to do here?

I am absolutely the odd one. I have always been, actually. Even before my arrival to the island—here, it just became official.

I visited for the first time in the oddest period of time: January. Who the hell would visit Ischia in January? A lunatic. Exactly. That’s me. The crazy person who wears warm socks when others wear swimsuits. Who goes for a walk when others sit for an aperitivo. Who watches the stars or the horizon in the dark while others watch their phones. I could go on for a long time...

I was odd for Luca, too.

On our first date, he told me exactly this: “You are so strange!”

We had met to go out for pizza, which for me was a very casual event. I didn’t know then that even going out for pizza is a very official event here. He arrived all shampooed, ironed, and polished. I arrived directly from the beach. I had just put on some mascara and Labello in the car, and swapped my flip-flops for black leather sandals. I wore jeans and a simple white t-shirt under a parka.

The next thing he asked me was if I wanted him to drop me home so I could take a shower. I laughed. Very funny!

Off we went. I must admit, my humor almost left me when we arrived at the “pizzeria,” which turned out to be a very polished restaurant with white tablecloths. There was even a piano player! And all the guests were dressed as if they were attending the opera.

It took me time to understand the local habits, yet I will never truly embrace them. More than ever, I am starting to fully embrace—with great joy and gratitude—my “oddness.” I’m starting to understand that to be weird, strange, or crazy simply means to be... different. Authentic.

Today, I don’t mind people who don’t get me. I will happily continue being strange to many and an inspiration for others who may feel odd as well. Luca, on the other hand, eventually embraced a much more relaxed approach to... well, everything. Luckily for both of us! I will always stand by the opinion that with a relaxed approach, life is much better. And with love, of course.

So, being faithful to my “oddness,” I’ve embraced a new ritual over the past week. A regular evening walk, just by myself. I know, it’s not rocket science and doesn’t sound that odd. However, here, it actually is—at this time of year, I mean. Right now, the energy of the island is focused on the “tourist” activities I mentioned before. Long walks, solitude, deep reflections, or yoga... such activities don’t find much attraction here at the moment. Anyone still doing them is definitely considered weird.

Subscribe now

But because I live here, I know that keeping my healthy habits is essential for me to feel good in my body, mind, and soul.

I never realized before, when I was dreaming of life on an island, that it could bring such challenges. But it is like that with all dreams. Dreams are wings for our souls, but when a dream comes true, we start to see the true colors of it, too. All of them. Some nice, some... not so nice. But even that is part of the deal. The point is to focus on the colors we resonate with and to create our life around the things that nourish us on all levels. However odd they may seem to others.

In the distance, the fireworks have just started—another very odd, almost daily event here. (It’s 6 p.m. and still bright daylight, which makes it even weirder, but who am I to judge!)

It is almost time for me to change into my trainers, fill my water bottle, pop some healthy cookies in my bag, and head for my evening walk. I look forward to the colors of the sky after sunset. I look forward to the feeling on the way back, with 8 km in my legs, a clear mind, and a body that is happily tired and full of fresh energy at the same time.

And then, when I walk through the center of our little village-town close to home, maybe I will stop for a premio—a reward. A cup of coffee, or even a glass of wine.

Have a great week, and never be afraid to be who you need to be.

Warm hugs (indeed),

Katy

Share

What’s New

The refreshed edition of You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants is officially live! It is the foundation of my life philosophy, and I can’t wait for you to have it in your hands.

Right now, I am completely immersed in my next book, Joy Is in the Simple Moments. This work is a direct reflection of my life here—a gathering of poems and soulful reflections that follow the four seasons on the island. It’s a celebration of finding extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

As a subscriber, you’ll get occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into this new journey (and probably a few stories about the lessons the island is still teaching me). You’ll also be the first to know when the new book is ready for the world!

Subscribe now

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

Hello, how was your week?

Until now, I have never really encouraged you to leave a comment—mostly because this is all still so very new to me! But today, before I forget again, I want to start by asking you to share your thoughts or observations. Leave a comment below! Let me know how you feel, how you are liking these letters, or what you would love to know about life on a little island.

My last week was “a little” centered on publishing the refreshed edition of my book, You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants. This project is where I have been pouring all of my creative energy over the past weeks and months. Last Wednesday, I took a deep breath and finally hit “PUBLISH.” And then, I exhaled. I exhaled even more the next day when I received the confirmation email letting me know that my book is live and ready to spread inspiration around the world! Wow…

Subscribe now

When you finally see your creation out there in the world—something you built step-by-step, learning so many things along the way—you feel a special kind of pride. It isn’t “ego-pride.” It feels more like you grew a little right alongside the thing you brought to life. It is a beautiful side effect of any creative process. It is the reward for all of us crazy dreamers who simply cannot leave our hearts unlistened to, and who choose to follow a path that is sometimes unsure and unknown. There is always so much to learn. But oh, what a path it is…

For the two days that followed, I felt a little tired—mostly mentally. Because, yes, creating a book when the entire creative team consists of just... you... takes a massive amount of concentration.

On top of that, the brightness of spring and the growing hype of tourist energy slowly entering our little island are still challenging my inner peace and the balance of my days. It is so easy to let the things you don’t exactly love steal your joy, causing you to focus on them instead of everything else that you truly do love.

So, one option is to start being grumpy from now on until the season finishes in the autumn. But that, obviously, doesn’t make any sense!

There is another option: to practice awareness. To be mindful. And that, besides prioritizing more self-care, is exactly what I started to focus on during the last few days.

Take yesterday, for example.

I went for a walk later in the afternoon, just as the sun was getting closer to the horizon. I walked my preferred path: around the sea, through the center of Forio (our little village-town), along the small port, and around a large beach. I stopped at a point where the sand stretched out before me, sat on the warm wall behind the beach, and just observed the spectacle. From a distance, I could hear teenagers shouting as they played beach volleyball, some music, and two German tourists having a loud discussion. A car passed by here and there. But I chose to see the beauty that was so present.

And I felt calm. And grateful. Very grateful, indeed, when I remembered that I actually live here. That I won’t be leaving after a one-week holiday without ever really understanding the true personality of this island. I felt grateful that I know exactly how this beach will look in just a few months. I felt grateful that, for now, I can be part of this almost-summer celebration of the joy of life. And I felt grateful that I was born as a creative person who can color her own world, anywhere. Who knows that the choice is hers to feel good—anytime, anywhere.

Subscribe now

Okay, so I went a bit too poetic and philosophical there, and very bright, almost like the spring! And of course, I don’t feel this high every moment of my life. No, no. That would be a lie. Even though I just published a book that is so optimistic and full of zest for life, even I have days where I fight with myself and a mood that feels heavy. But as I said, even then, a part of me is always awake. It’s as if that part is observing the rest of me struggling through the day, almost smiling at my grumpy face.

At least I have learned to keep this within my own world, rather than letting the inner fight spill over onto someone who just happens to cross my path and irritate me.

I have learned that when I am not at my best, the best thing to do is to just let the feeling fight itself out. It will pass. Like a storm. I keep quiet, stay out of everyone’s way, mind my own business, and let it boil. I take care of my body, eat good stuff that is light and clean, do more yoga, dance at home (even alone), drink tea or good coffee, read a good book, and maybe even have a glass of wine. Slowly, as I observe my thoughts, all the rage and imbalance start to recede. And the beauty starts to emerge. Little details.

Yesterday, it was fireflies—le lucciole. I saw a few right here on our terrace while I was sipping a glass of wine in the dark after my walk. A little miracle. I saw le lucciole on this island for the very first time years ago, and I will never forget the marvel of it. I still marvel just the same every single year I see them.

And then there were the stars. And half of the moon shining straight down on me. It was almost quiet all around, save for some children screaming in a nearby hotel garden—but they were just playing, I reminded myself. And I felt good.

Even the cat seems to be searching for her balance. Sometimes she walks around in and out, in and out, meowing as if to say: “Do you also feel like this?”

Luca is the only one in total Zen. Or better yet, in his element. He was born here, so there is no struggle for him—just pure happiness to see the blue sky and bright sun shining every day. Sometimes I ask myself, and even him, how did the two of us ever meet? Two different planets. Opposites attract, indeed. That must be it.

Well, it’s time to go for a walk.

Have a great week! Allow yourself to have some moody moments if they come, and let them dissolve in silence, calmness, and by taking care of yourself.

A presto!

Katy

Share

What’s New

The refreshed edition of You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants is officially live! It is the foundation of my life philosophy, and I can’t wait for you to have it in your hands.

Right now, I am completely immersed in my next book, Joy Is in the Simple Moments. This work is a direct reflection of my life here—a gathering of poems and soulful reflections that follow the four seasons on the island. It’s a celebration of finding extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

As a subscriber, you’ll get occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into this new journey (and probably a few stories about the lessons the island is still teaching me). You’ll also be the first to know when the new book is ready for the world!

Subscribe now

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

In the course of just one week, the winter jackets, hats, and scarves have started to feel almost absurd. One day, you are happily wrapping your winter gear tight around you, unable to imagine leaving the house without it. Then, the very next morning, you head to the market to pick up vegetables and find yourself sweating in that same outfit, calling the crazy, unreliable weather names—and not very silently, either.

Island life can be challenging in so many unexpected ways.

Subscribe now

The pace at which the seasons change here is startling. In spring, a day can start with heavy clouds, only to reveal a bright blue sky a few hours later. The sun shines as if it were July, and suddenly, all your noble plans for “creating” and doing “important things” vanish. All you want to do is grab a towel and head to the beach.

In my case—since I’ve never had a great passion for baking my body like a fish on a grill—the limitless blue skies and fresh sea breezes awaken a different craving: the need for discovery. To enlarge my horizons. To leave the island and feel another place, even if just for a day.

The light and the colors are so much brighter now than in the winter months; they encourage the simple desire to truly experience life itself.

So, instead of a beach towel, I “grabbed” Luca, and we made a few discoveries last week.

The big event was a spontaneous trip to our neighboring island, Procida. It is even smaller than Ischia, which is almost hard to imagine. It happened quite naturally. Friday morning, I was sipping my coffee at the kitchen table, the door ajar to let in the birdsong and the scent of blooming flowers. I was mentally preparing my “tasks” for the day, but then I just felt it: Today is the day.

I went out to the terrace where Luca was sitting with his own coffee, and he said he felt the same. Today was the day.

We packed a bag of nuts, some crackers, water, and—of course—spare pullovers and scarves. Then, we set off. We went because we could. That is the beauty and the advantage of the artist’s life: you can be spontaneous when you realize that the tasks can wait, but “today life” is the priority.

The feeling on the boat was magical. Watching Ischia recede until the colorful houses resembled a mirage or a child’s plaything—surreal and beautiful in the morning haze. When we set foot on Procida, it felt entirely different. Like two siblings: seemingly similar on the outside, but two entirely different persons within.

We crossed the tiny island on foot, walking from the port to a long beach of dark sand. We nearly fell asleep there, lulled by the sound of waves encouraged by a strong wind. There were only a few people—a mother with a child, a couple—all enjoying the simplicity of a deserted beach. So relaxing. So uplifting. So... everything.

Subscribe now

Later, we stopped at one of the few open places for a glass of red wine at an outdoor table. We watched the little port fall asleep as evening arrived. The restaurant behind us was bursting with life, but we assumed they were mostly locals. There were very few tourists. Just like us.

The late evening walk back to the main port was magical. We met a few cats, and from the heights, we could see the flickering lights of the coastline in the distance.

Returning to one island from another is a unique feeling. I didn’t even mind the bus ride home, which is usually a challenge. Between the teenagers glued to their phones and the loud music, the space felt like a crazy funfair. With the road lining the coast in rich, winding waves, it’s like being on a toboggan. Rather exciting, really!

But even this belongs to life here. Just like the tourists and everything they bring with them. Sometimes we would like only “half” of the thing, but white only makes sense because black exists. It is only because of the dark sky that we can see the stars.

We enjoyed our pre-season trip to Procida immensely. We are enjoying everything the island offers right now, and I will try to embrace everything that is about to arrive.

As for The Cat, she has truly awakened her instincts. She is no longer the hibernating home-cat. Perhaps as a “thank you” for our care, we were gifted a large mouse and a bird this week—both perfectly placed on the threshold and dead, of course. I nearly stepped on them when I opened the door. How lucky we are!

Oh, and I almost forgot our kitchen discovery! With spring comes the natural need for “cleaner” food. Today, instead of our winter Sunday pasta ritual, we had basmati rice with pan-seared vegetables and parmesan. I also experimented with homemade “Nutella”—just hazelnuts, brown sugar, a little cocoa butter, and ghee. It tastes amazing! In fact, I’m going to have a few spoons the moment I finish this letter.

Speaking of which, I better go!

I leave you to your own discoveries and explorations. I look forward to reporting back next Sunday.

Have a wonderful time,

Salty hugs,

Katy

Share

What’s New

As we move into the beginning of this new week, the "simmering" in my laboratory is finally complete. In just a few days, the refreshed edition of You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants officially arrives. It is the foundation of my life philosophy, and I can’t wait to finally place it in your hands.

Right now, I am completely immersed in my next book, Joy Is in the Simple Moments. This work is a direct reflection of my life here—a gathering of poems and soulful reflections that follow the four seasons on the island. It’s a celebration of finding extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

As a subscriber, you’ll get occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into this new journey (and probably a few stories about the lessons the island is still teaching me). You’ll also be the first to know when the new book is ready for the world!

Subscribe now

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

What a bliss it has been, this week following the burst of energy that came with Easter. The island has returned—if only for a little while—to its slow-rhythm setting. Of course, there are tourists walking the streets in their full summer gear now, while we locals still trust our winter jackets and aren’t afraid to add a woolen scarf or a hat.

We must accept that a new season is coming and our lazy, quiet days won’t return until autumn. (Honestly? I can’t wait.) I love every season, but I always need a little time, especially in spring, to start appreciating its new offerings.

Subscribe now

Better weather also means the start of “expedition season.” There is a certain marvel in walking across these hills—which aren’t so high, really—and breathing in the wide horizon from a seagull’s perspective.

We went on our first spring expedition last week. It was a multi-purpose journey, as we needed to pick something up in a nearby village. You can take the local bus, of course, but a ride on island transport is often a rather... challenging experience. Besides, why not walk if you can? I love using any opportunity to combine the necessary with the pleasurable. It transforms even the most boring task into an enriching experience—one you can celebrate with a glass of something good afterward. Exactly as we did.

Our path led us up the hill toward the lighthouse on our side of the island, continuing toward Panza. We took the Via Panoramica—the panoramic road—around the coast. It is one of those rare places on this active island where you can enjoy pure silence; you can even hear the waves breaking many meters below you. It is definitely one of the best spots here.

We arrived at our final destination just as the sky began to color itself with the beautiful shades of the “after-sunset” palette. We felt every kilometer in our legs, which called for a stop and a nice glass of wine.

The question was: where? Panza is true countryside, where people live from the land, growing vegetables and tending to small animals. But since the season started with Easter, we found a lovely glass of local wine on a restaurant terrace overlooking fields and houses, with the sea stretching out beyond it all.

Right now, as I write these words, I am sitting at our kitchen table. I’m inside because there’s a cold wind running through the terrace, but more importantly, there is loud music thumping from somewhere nearby. I suspect one of the little B&Bs decided to celebrate their opening with a garden party. It seems everyone within a few kilometers must be part of it, whether they want to be or not.

“C'amma fa” (What can we do?) as they say here, usually accompanied by a shrug of the shoulders. We live on a tourist island. It’s part of the deal.

Personally, I don’t like being part of something I haven’t chosen myself. But again: C'amma fa? Should I be angry and complain? Should I go over there and say what I think?

I believe the best thing is to simply keep enjoying my writing, my cup of coffee, and the good music we have playing inside. When I finish this, I’ll go for a walk by the sea. I feel better already. Complaining never brings anything good. Trying to see the beauty in everything, on the other hand, always does.

Subscribe now

As for the highlight of our “Kitchen Laboratory” this week? I’d say it was today’s asparagus ravioli. We didn’t make the ravioli ourselves—it’s our Sunday treat to buy the ready-made kind. We are in Italy, after all, and one of the things you can rely on is that even the supermarket pasta tastes great!

More ideas are boiling in my creative pot lately. One of the newest is a dedicated section right here for food—one of my true passions. Not just the creative side, but how we can play with ingredients to feel light and healthy without sacrificing the pleasure of divine tastes. “At Our Table” is beginning to simmer.

Luca is successfully proceeding with his “Cat’s Book” project (I’ve included a little evidence this time so you can see how such a book comes to life). And as for The Cat—our master—even she is overwhelmed by the arrival of spring. Sometimes we don’t see her all day; she disappears to explore all the new smells and creatures that were hidden during winter. It’s nice to see her wild instincts are still there, even if she can spend all day snoozing on a warm sofa or a table.

She reminds me that we are the same. It is good to spend winter slowly and indoors, but spring gives us the opportunity to awaken our instincts and explore the world around us.

So, have a wonderful week. Do something “wild,” or just a little bit exploratory. I look forward to bringing you a new report from the island next week.

Warm hugs,

K.

Share

What’s New

Right now, I am completely immersed in my next book, Joy Is in the Simple Moments. This work is a direct reflection of my life here—a gathering of poems and soulful reflections that follow the four seasons on the island. It’s a celebration of finding extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

As a subscriber, you’ll get occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into this new journey (and probably a few stories about the lessons the island is still teaching me). You’ll also be the first to know when the new book is ready for the world!

Subscribe now

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

The island has officially decided to wake up, and honestly? It’s a bit of a luminous shock.

One minute it was just us, the sea, and the locals—the kind of “Beautiful Silence” where you can (sometimes even) hear a cat sneeze three streets away. And then, poof. The ferries started to arrive with the first wave of Easter sunlight and a sudden, excited hum of voices that haven’t quite learned the island’s “slow-motion” setting yet.

It feels a bit like someone suddenly flipped on the overhead lights while I was still happily squinting in the dark. (And naturally, I haven’t exactly mastered the art of looking ‘island-chic’ when the grocery store is suddenly a crowded theater.) (Not that I ever care.) (But still…)

Subscribe now

So, I did the only possible thing. I started to accept it. (Or at least, I am trying.)

Luca is doing fine. After all, he was born here. He’s actually loving it, like the rest of the locals—they truly hate the winter—even though, out of respect for me, he tries to pretend it’s just as hard for him as it is for me. I appreciate that.

But as the days pass by, I must admit the luminous shock is slowly fading. Little by little, I’m starting to give in to the seductive smell of flowers bursting from every possible surface, the play of light at sunset, the freedom of leaving the doors ajar in the afternoon... and the birdsong melody accompanying our days.

We’ve started visiting the vegetable market more often again. In the winter, we both felt like bears hibernating—enjoying the stillness, the reading, watching a good movie from time to time, and quiet walks, of course. Nothing big, just a very simple rhythm: a lot of creativity in our warm little kitchen and a “sea of time” for our souls to work on our projects.

But what a joy it is to have a fridge full of fresh produce again to inspire our daily cooking experiments!

I’ve included a photo of one of our staple dishes these past few weeks: artichokes. These are simply boiled in water for about 40 minutes, stuffed with garlic and parsley, then drizzled with olive oil. We enjoy them just like that, with a piece of fresh bread or some crostini. What a dinner!

Even better, the specialist for this delicacy is Luca. In this case, I am the one waiting for the sweet call: “It’s ready!” And then, just like The Cat, I’m at the table in no time, shamelessly accepting being served. Just like a princess. Although I love cooking and experimenting with new dishes every day, I love it just as much when a man can cook.

Subscribe now

Beyond our market visits—which are almost always accompanied by spontaneous picnics by the church above the sea, just a few minutes’ walk from the town center—Easter arrived this week.

Easter on the island—like any reason to set off fireworks—is a grand event. There is a massive performance in the port and in the center on Good Friday, reenacting the story of the Passion.

It’s fascinating. After sunset, all the streetlights in the center are switched off. Usually, the streets are lined with candles instead (though not this year because of the wind). Dramatic, hypnotic music plays from amplifiers throughout the city as actors walk the streets dressed as ancient inhabitants of faraway lands. Many of the locals truly look the part; their faces look centuries old—not in age, but as if they belong to another era. There are horses, gladiators, belly dancers, and so much more.

I don’t follow this or any other religion, but this was the second year I ventured out, curious to watch and feel the unique atmosphere. It was powerful. After a while, I left the center and the past centuries behind to head home. Walking by the sea, I felt myself returning to the “here and now.” I felt happy—somehow even more so—for who I am. Sometimes, it’s good to see other “worlds” and realities. It shines a light on the things we have and perhaps take for granted.

I returned home to find Luca enjoying a quiet evening with The Cat. It was such a warm welcome. We prepared a simple dinner—I don’t remember exactly what, but definitely something from the market—and spent the rest of the evening reading.

In the morning, I savored freshly brewed coffee from our new cups (which you can see in the first photo). Since there isn’t a boutique on every corner here—one of the “less” parts of living more—the wait for the delivery felt like a grand event.

For some, a GRAND event might be the tradition of Easter; for others, it’s a simple cup for their morning coffee. There are no measurements for joy.

It’s late afternoon now, and I think this moment calls for a good cup of coffee.

Have a great rest of the weekend and a wonderful week ahead, full of both GRAND and small joys.

I’ll see you next week with more fresh island updates!

Warm hugs,

Katy

P.S. My refreshed edition of You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants is coming out very soon—this month! In the meantime, you can see more right here.

Share

What’s New

Right now, I am completely immersed in my next book, Joy Is in the Simple Moments. This work is a direct reflection of my life here—a gathering of poems and soulful reflections that follow the four seasons on the island. It’s a celebration of finding extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

As a subscriber, you’ll get occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into this new journey (and probably a few stories about the lessons the island is still teaching me). You’ll also be the first to know when the new book is ready for the world!

Subscribe now

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.

This morning, I sat at the little wooden table—the one we haphazardly built from an old chair and a stray piece of wood found on the street—just outside the kitchen door. With a good cup of coffee in hand, I realized the foundation for this new direction was finally built.

It’s funny how when you finish a project that took a little longer than expected (as they usually do), the realization dawns on you slowly. It’s as if your body has already arrived, but your spirit is still somewhere back on the road. But if you stop for a while—exactly like I did this morning—you finally get it. You made it! Phew… what a relief. All the steps in the diary, ticked off. You’ve learned so much. You feel like a totally new person. It’s not just the project that evolved; it’s you, too.

Subscribe now

Well, I’m getting carried away with my enthusiasm, as usual. I’m just that kind of person (as you’ll come to know). I’m easily swept up by a wave of excitement because I simply love to feel joy. I think that’s a good thing. Somewhere along the way to growing up, we often lose that ability—maybe because we don’t give ourselves the time. The time to appreciate what we’ve done, what we’ve learned. We forget to stop regularly so our spirits can catch up and celebrate the progress, whether it’s tiny or great.

So, this morning, while my coffee went cold (the wind was strong today and it definitely didn’t feel like the end of March), I was slowly realizing all the steps that led me here.

… The refreshed edition of my book, You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants, is ready! I almost couldn’t believe it. Weeks ago, this felt like Mount Everest. But truly, if we want something deeply—if we feel it in our hearts—we find the patience and the “how.”

… And this place! The Simple Joy Dispatch. A long-held vision for a space where I can share reflections, island life, recipes, or any inspiration I find. I’d feel like a thief keeping it all to myself! I hope I’m right and that you find it useful, too.

There’s more that has evolved, but I won’t bore you with the details of my personal transformation. This place is meant to transport you here—to this tiny, authentic island in the South of Italy where I landed eleven years ago. Think about this: I was only planning to stay for one week! Plans just don’t work sometimes. Or often, to be precise.

Today’s letter is just an introduction, but I promise the next one will tell you more. Sounds like a plan? Actually, better not—we know what happens with plans.

I’ve added a few pictures from the last few weeks. You’ll see the two main protagonists of my life: Luca, my partner, and The Cat. Or rather, the cat who allows us to share a space with her and serve her. This is my first time living with a cat since I was a child, and she is teaching me so much. Mostly, how to be a better, less selfish person. Not that I think I’m a bad person, but still… there is so much to learn. A cat as a master is one of the best things one can wish for.

As you’ll discover, my stories will always include food. We are in Italy, after all! On a little island with many limitations, those “walls” often become doors to new possibilities. For example, I spend a good portion of my time—with great pleasure—experimenting in our rather primitive kitchen. You don't need professional equipment to create dishes that look—and especially taste—like they belong in a five-star restaurant. (Trust me on this one.) You just need the desire to try, play, and have fun. Then you share it. Buon appetito!

In the picture, you can see our Sunday lasagne. I was a bit of a new experiment; I’d always thought lasagne was too much trouble, too much time, and just too much of everything. But it’s actually so simple. And the small effort is definitely worth it. We made this one with “zucca” (pumpkin), tomato sauce, feta, parmesan, and a whole sea of extra-virgin olive oil. Heaven!

Subscribe now

Wow, this letter is getting long, isn’t it? I don’t know. I feel as if I’m talking with friends sitting right here in our little kitchen at the large table. The gas heater is blasting near my feet, a candle is flickering, my tea is long cold, and The Cat is happily snoozing on the opposite chair—probably dreaming of her evening paté (her favorite ritual). See? You don’t need much to be happy. Luca is in the next room drawing; he’s immersed in a new book project inspired by The Cat. It will be beautiful.

Later this afternoon, I’ll head out for a walk—at least I hope so, as the rain is currently pouring down. I love that late-afternoon light when the sun starts to dip. We live on the west side of the island, so the sun sets directly into the sea every day. Well, almost every day. It’s stunning, but it means a lot of light. I mean A LOT. I never thought there could be such a thing as “too much light,” but living here has taught me that I definitely need “a little bit of everything.” Even a dream life on a little island has its challenges.

Okay, I think that’s it for today. I know you have more to do than just read this letter! Go, have a beautiful time, and perhaps dive into some ‘kitchen experiments’ of your own—if that’s where your heart wants to be.

I’ll see you next week. My plan (ha ha) is to write these on Fridays or Saturdays—maybe Sundays—to keep them more or less weekly.

Until next week!

Warm hugs,

Katy

Share

What’s New

Right now, I am completely immersed in my next book, Joy Is in the Simple Moments. This work is a direct reflection of my life here—a gathering of poems and soulful reflections that follow the four seasons on the island. It’s a celebration of finding extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

As a subscriber, you’ll get occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into this new journey (and probably a few stories about the lessons the island is still teaching me). You’ll also be the first to know when the new book is ready for the world!

Subscribe now

Explore the foundation of this heart-led life:
🏝️ Visit my website
📖 Read You Can Do Anything Your Heart Wants

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you enjoyed today’s Dispatch, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder to breathe today.