MERCI, PARIS

I arrived in Paris hoping to discover a new city.

I left having discovered a new version of myself.

Paris taught me that life isn’t meant to be rushed. It’s meant to be experienced. Somewhere between opening the windows each morning,

hearing students sing as the city came alive, getting lost on streets I’d never walked before, and dancing through Fête de la Musique, I stopped worrying so much about what came next and started appreciating where I already was.

It taught me say “oouu lala” and to let go.

To stop trying to control every outcome.

To stop waiting for the “perfect” moment.

To stop believing that life begins after the next goal is reached.

Instead, I learned to simply live.

I fell in love with speaking French, even when I made mistakes.

I looked forward to seeing the older woman on the park bench every evening.

Even the grocery store became part of the adventure, where every interaction was another opportunity to be brave enough to try.

Those moments weren’t extraordinary because they were in Paris.

They were extraordinary because I was fully present for them.

The greatest souvenir I brought home wasn’t a photograph or a ticket stub.

It was self-love.

The kind that grows when you trust yourself enough to explore, laugh at your mistakes, welcome the unexpected, and realize that you are capable of creating beautiful memories simply by saying yes to life.

Paris reminded me that happiness isn’t found in doing more.

Sometimes it’s found in slowing down, letting go, and living a little.

Merci, Paris.

For reminding me that the best relationship I’ll ever build is the one I have with myself.

C’EST LA VIE!