In this episode of Shhh! I’m Learning, we chat with Valeria Paolillo, a passionate language teacher and the founder of Vita Semplice in Italia. Valeria shares her journey to becoming a language teacher, her struggles and triumphs with learning English and Chinese and French, and how she’s embraced mindfulness and slow learning as essential parts of her teaching and personal growth. Discover how Valeria’s retreats offer participants a unique opportunity to connect with language, culture, and themselves—all at their own pace. Valeria also opens up about the importance of savoring the language learning journey, the value of self-awareness, and how to let go of perfectionism to truly enjoy the process.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The concept of mindfulness in language learning. How slow learning can transform your approach to mastering a language. The power of connection over perfection in communication. Insights into Valeria’s retreats in Sicily, where participants experience authentic Italian culture and simplicity. Practical tips for staying kind to yourself while navigating language challenges. Memorable Quotes: "Slow learning means going at your own pace, unless you have a work-related exam or another goal. But if you’re studying for enjoyment, it should be enjoyable. If it becomes stressful, it’s no longer what it should be. My values, which I hope to convey, are about listening to yourself, having fun, relaxing, not judging yourself, and not demanding too much—because there’s always time." - Valeria Resources Mentioned: Vita Semplice in Italia – Website Vita Semplice in Italia – Instagram Italian transcript English transcript Connect with Us: Follow Martha on Instagram: @ShhhImLearning Follow Valeria on Instagram: @Vita_Semplice_in_Italia Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow language enthusiasts.