Marino once lived what many would call a successful life: an entrepreneur, father of four, running a thriving gardening business with a routine dictated by appointments and responsibilities. But despite his work and the success, he felt he was losing the most precious resource—his time. Every day was a race, every decision a strategy to keep everything afloat, yet he kept asking himself if this was truly what life was about.

After years of stress and inner resistance, Marino finally listened to the voice of intuition, urging him to take a leap into the unknown in search of something more authentic. In the end, he found the courage to leave behind his entrepreneurial career to pursue a new lifestyle, grounded in self-sufficiency, a connection with nature, and a simplicity that exudes freedom. Far from the chaos of the city and the frenetic lifestyle, everything took on a different value, a sense of beauty he hadn’t noticed before.

Deconstructing and Facing the Fear of Change

It wasn’t easy for Marino to leave everything behind and embrace this new lifestyle. He had to completely deconstruct not only his routine but also his identity and financial situation. Initially, the thought of moving from economic stability to complete self-sufficiency was daunting. But it was precisely this experience that taught him the value of a different kind of wealth.

The moment I managed to let go of control and fear, trying to have faith and hope, everything I needed came to me—as if by magic.

Marino recalls. Thanks to a friend who gifted him a house and land in the Lombard Pre-Alps near Lake Maggiore, he found a new sense of abundance.

Surrounded by forest, he began to see Nature as both a guide and a powerful ally. He discovered that the earth, if cultivated with love, reciprocates abundantly. Each day, he learned to trust the process and to foster a positive mindset even without the material security he once had. Today, Marino says he wouldn’t go back for anything: he lives simply but feels utterly free and fulfilled.

Energy Self-Sufficiency and the Imof System

Marino strives for total self-sufficiency, even when it comes to energy. By utilizing renewable energy and managing resources carefully, he has minimized his dependency on external sources.

For electricity, Marino uses thirty solar panels, while for gas, he uses a gas cylinder or a wood-fired stove. In winter, he heats water with wood, and in summer, with a solar thermal system. Currently, he’s only connected to the grid for water, but his goal is to dig a well to achieve full water independence.

Another essential part of his self-sufficiency is the Imof septic system, a biological waste treatment system that turns waste into natural fertilizer. This system allows him to recycle all organic waste, which is treated by microorganisms and transformed into nutrient-rich water used to fertilize his garden.

Self-Production and Food Self-Sufficiency

A cornerstone of Marino's new life is self-produced food: every choice is made consciously, and every resource is used with gratitude. With his available land, he has created perennial regenerative gardens that require minimal maintenance and provide a constant, natural yield. Instead of supermarket shelves, Marino relies on his own soil, carefully cultivating the vegetables and herbs he needs. Thanks to this approach, he no longer consumes packaged products and proudly speaks of the superior quality of his home-grown produce compared to industrial alternatives.

Moreover, for Marino, growing his food is not only an ecological choice; it’s also a way to reclaim an ancient tradition, where the harvest is a celebration, and home-grown food has an entirely different taste and value.

Synergy with Nature and Regenerative Agriculture

One of the most remarkable aspects of Marino's journey is his approach to synergy with nature. He dedicates a large part of his day to caring for his garden, cultivated through regenerative agriculture. It’s not just about growing crops but doing so intelligently, respecting the balance of ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.

Regenerative agriculture involves practices that not only avoid depleting the soil but actively aim to rebuild it. This approach works in harmony with natural cycles, enriching the soil with organic matter and allowing microorganisms and biodiversity to maintain soil fertility. With minimal human intervention, Marino lets nature regulate his garden’s ecosystem autonomously, intervening only when necessary and reducing water and mechanical tools use to limit soil compaction.

Water and Beneficial Microorganisms

Marino has developed a deep passion for experimentation, especially with water. Contrary to common practices, he gradually stresses his plants by withholding water, avoiding frequent watering. This method stimulates roots to grow deep, seeking moisture, making the plants more resilient and self-sufficient, even during droughts.

Marino has also discovered the importance of beneficial microorganisms for the health of his garden and water. Thanks to a mix of generative bacteria, his plants develop greater immunity and do not require chemical treatments. These microorganisms, recognized by science as safe and effective, are invaluable not only for plants and water but also for animal and human microbiota, stimulating immune defenses.

Creative Recycling: Building at Zero Cost

The need to save money awakened an unexpected creativity in Marino. Every element of his home and garden has a story of repurposing and transformation. His greenhouses, for instance, are built with recycled irrigation pipes and hazel branches, while the kitchen, bed, and furniture are all made from salvaged or gifted materials. This philosophy of reuse has given Marino both economic advantages and immense satisfaction: with a few euros and a bit of ingenuity, he has managed to build functional, comfortable, and welcoming spaces.

Slowing Down to Be Present

For Marino, his days now start very differently than before. He now has a routine in sync with natural cycles: waking up with the sun, free from the pressure of a clock or phone notifications, has become his new normal. This allows him to shape his days according to his body’s natural needs, rather than the other way around.

Reflecting on his journey, Marino smiles:

When I worked as a gardener, I often stopped, got out of the truck, and went back to look over my work because, in the rush, I couldn’t really see it.
Today, his life is a continuous search for balance between doing and being. Living slowly and close to nature has taught him to appreciate each moment, to live each action with presence and intention. In his new routine, Marino indulges in the luxury of simply observing. Small details that once escaped his notice are now integral to his day: a falling leaf, a budding flower, a growing plant, birdsong in the morning. This ability to live in the present has granted him an inner peace no material success could ever equal.

Solitude as an Opportunity for Growth

Undertaking such a radical path led Marino to confront both judgment and solitude. His family and entrepreneurial friends didn’t understand his choice and looked at him with great perplexity. Over time, Marino learned to see solitude as an opportunity to deepen his connection with himself and build more authentic relationships with people who share his values. This isolation, unexpectedly, became a space for enrichment and inner growth.

The Value of Time and Rediscovering Talents

One of Marino’s most profound reflections looks back on time and work. By leaving a traditional job and a money-centered life, he realized we often overlook the true cost of our routines. Instead of chasing a lifestyle that doesn’t satisfy us, Marino encourages anyone fearing a lack of money to take an honest look at the real cost of traditional work. When we consider all the expenses tied to our lifestyle, how much value truly remains?

Free from the demands of a job that deprived him of time for himself, Marino discovered and developed his gifts. This journey of personal growth opened the door to new skills and satisfactions, forever transforming his life.

In a Nutshell

Marino’s story is one of a man who chose to shift from the hustle of material success to a life dedicated to freedom and self-production. After leaving his entrepreneurial career, he moved to a farmhouse in the Lombard Pre-Alps near Lake Maggiore, where he now lives self-sufficiently. Through regenerative cultivation of his perennial garden, solitude, and connection with nature, Marino learned that true wealth isn’t in possession but in presence. A life lesson that inspires anyone driven to change their life to let go of fear and embrace trust.