I've been in a bit of a slump since I got back from Paris.
It happens every time, as much as I try to prepare myself for re-entry back into my normal life. I sleep in, I procrastinate, and I wish I was back in that beautiful city. Call it what you will - extended jet lag, a vacation hangover, or just laziness - all I know is that every time I come back from a trip to Paris, things just don't feel quite right.
That's why I've decided to re-christen my town Paris, New Jersey.
Okay, so they might not actually rename the town, but I'm going to my best to make my life at home more like my life in Paris. After being in Europe for a little while, I become aware of certain aspects of American society that drag me down. Not that Parisians have it all figured out, but I'm going to make an effort take the things I love about Paris and incorporate them into my "real" life here in Jersey.
Here's what I've got so far:
1. Slow Down.
Here's one thing the French have figured out. They take time to savor the things they enjoy. It could be something as simple as a drinking a cup of coffee, but Parisians make it a ritual, a cherished piece of time to relax and take everything in. Americans seem like they're always in a rush, just trying to get from point A to point B. Very few people seem able to sit still, just to exist in a moment. It's almost taboo to sit alone in a cafe or park without reading, working, or constantly checking your smart phone. I'm going to make a point to stop rushing through life, to really enjoy those little every day moments of beauty.
2. Simplify.
The first thing I thought when I walked into my house when I got back was, This place is huge! My three-bedroom bungalow isn't large by American standards, but after getting used to life in a postage-stamp sized studio, it felt enormous. The next thing I noticed was all the stuff. I keep my place relatively clutter-free, but hidden in every closet and cabinet are clothes I don't wear, kitchen gadgets I never use, and random junk that does nothing to improve my quality of life. Parisians don't have the luxury of space, so they're forced to pare down to the essentials - things they need and things they love. The people they surround themselves with, and the experiences they have together, are more important than things. I want to adopt the same philosophy. It'll take some time and elbow grease, but I'm going to clear out the junk and simplify my life in order to concentrate on what really matters.
3. Unplug.
I admit it, I'm addicted to technology. A year ago, I didn't even have a smartphone. Now, when I'm not working on my desktop computer, I'm usually either on my laptop, my tablet, or iPhone. And then there's the TV. I'm not as bad as some people (we don't have cable or Netflix, and I try to avoid games), but my husband can attest to the fact that not much gets through when I'm held captive by one of my screens. It's not that the French don't have smart phones or watch crappy TV. It just seems like they are better able to create separation between the digital world and the real world. Aside from work hours, I want to reduce my screen time to an hour or two a day. What will I do instead? Have real conversations with people, make art, read, and participate in the world around me.
4. Explore local treasures.
Every day can't be like vacation. I'd never get anything done, I'd spend all my money on fun stuff instead of bills, and I'd probably gain 50 pounds from eating out all the time. But that doesn't mean I can't have fun exploring the treasures my local area has to offer. That's what weekends are for, right? In Paris, I spent time visiting the city's unique landmarks, museums, parks, and eateries, letting loose and getting inspired. I plan to seek out the hidden gems all around me in an effort to have new experiences and keep the inspiration flowing. If you have any suggestions in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area, let me know!
5. Shop small.
I hate big box stores. They suck the life out of me, and yet I still depend on them for most of my shopping. Food, toiletries, household essentials, even clothes... it's all there. The convenience factor is undeniable, but what about the experience? Shopping is a Parisian ritual. There are countless boutiques and specialty stores throughout Paris, and shop keepers take pride in knowing their product and helping customers select the perfect item. These types of shops (and especially these types of employees) can be rare in the States, but I'm lucky to live in a town with several locally-owned shops, a diverse restaurant scene, and a fantastic farmer's market. I'm not saying I'm going to go cold turkey. I'm sure I'll still make trips to Target and Wegman's. But I'd love to give more of my business to local shop owners, and hopefully come out with better quality products and a more authentic, personal shopping experience.
6. Feed my senses.
Inspiration is like food for me; I can't live without it. Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic. I obviously won't drop dead, but my quality of life definitely decreases when I'm feeling uninspired. When I was in Paris, I was actively seeking inspiration and creating. I took my camera everywhere, went to art exhibits, strolled through flower gardens, listened to street musicians, sketched outside, and was generally more aware of and more receptive to my surroundings. Just because I'm not in Paris doesn't mean I can't do the same. Why not take my camera with me when I go out to run errands, sketch in the park on a nice day, or catch a local band playing at the coffee shop? If I open myself up to the possibilities, I can easily find the beauty in every day.
7. Ignore the rest.
This is one of the most important things, and also one of the most difficult. By myself, walking down the cobblestone streets of Paris, I felt like a better version of myself - creative, joyful and confident in a city of art and artists. At home, I often feel the weight of other peoples' expectations - all the things I "should" be doing, the judgement I perceive from a society that places so much importance on career, climbing and money. I have a great network of family and friends who fully accept and support me for who I am. So why do I care what society says? This is my life, and my happiness is what matters the most. I'm going to put my dreams first, and maybe (just maybe) create the life I envision for myself and my family. The naysayers, the haters and the judges can say what they will. I'm not going to let them hold me back any more.
Welcome to Paris, New Jersey! Population: Me.
It happens every time, as much as I try to prepare myself for re-entry back into my normal life. I sleep in, I procrastinate, and I wish I was back in that beautiful city. Call it what you will - extended jet lag, a vacation hangover, or just laziness - all I know is that every time I come back from a trip to Paris, things just don't feel quite right.
That's why I've decided to re-christen my town Paris, New Jersey.
Okay, so they might not actually rename the town, but I'm going to my best to make my life at home more like my life in Paris. After being in Europe for a little while, I become aware of certain aspects of American society that drag me down. Not that Parisians have it all figured out, but I'm going to make an effort take the things I love about Paris and incorporate them into my "real" life here in Jersey.
Here's what I've got so far:
1. Slow Down.
Here's one thing the French have figured out. They take time to savor the things they enjoy. It could be something as simple as a drinking a cup of coffee, but Parisians make it a ritual, a cherished piece of time to relax and take everything in. Americans seem like they're always in a rush, just trying to get from point A to point B. Very few people seem able to sit still, just to exist in a moment. It's almost taboo to sit alone in a cafe or park without reading, working, or constantly checking your smart phone. I'm going to make a point to stop rushing through life, to really enjoy those little every day moments of beauty.
2. Simplify.
The first thing I thought when I walked into my house when I got back was, This place is huge! My three-bedroom bungalow isn't large by American standards, but after getting used to life in a postage-stamp sized studio, it felt enormous. The next thing I noticed was all the stuff. I keep my place relatively clutter-free, but hidden in every closet and cabinet are clothes I don't wear, kitchen gadgets I never use, and random junk that does nothing to improve my quality of life. Parisians don't have the luxury of space, so they're forced to pare down to the essentials - things they need and things they love. The people they surround themselves with, and the experiences they have together, are more important than things. I want to adopt the same philosophy. It'll take some time and elbow grease, but I'm going to clear out the junk and simplify my life in order to concentrate on what really matters.
3. Unplug.
I admit it, I'm addicted to technology. A year ago, I didn't even have a smartphone. Now, when I'm not working on my desktop computer, I'm usually either on my laptop, my tablet, or iPhone. And then there's the TV. I'm not as bad as some people (we don't have cable or Netflix, and I try to avoid games), but my husband can attest to the fact that not much gets through when I'm held captive by one of my screens. It's not that the French don't have smart phones or watch crappy TV. It just seems like they are better able to create separation between the digital world and the real world. Aside from work hours, I want to reduce my screen time to an hour or two a day. What will I do instead? Have real conversations with people, make art, read, and participate in the world around me.
4. Explore local treasures.
Every day can't be like vacation. I'd never get anything done, I'd spend all my money on fun stuff instead of bills, and I'd probably gain 50 pounds from eating out all the time. But that doesn't mean I can't have fun exploring the treasures my local area has to offer. That's what weekends are for, right? In Paris, I spent time visiting the city's unique landmarks, museums, parks, and eateries, letting loose and getting inspired. I plan to seek out the hidden gems all around me in an effort to have new experiences and keep the inspiration flowing. If you have any suggestions in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area, let me know!
5. Shop small.
I hate big box stores. They suck the life out of me, and yet I still depend on them for most of my shopping. Food, toiletries, household essentials, even clothes... it's all there. The convenience factor is undeniable, but what about the experience? Shopping is a Parisian ritual. There are countless boutiques and specialty stores throughout Paris, and shop keepers take pride in knowing their product and helping customers select the perfect item. These types of shops (and especially these types of employees) can be rare in the States, but I'm lucky to live in a town with several locally-owned shops, a diverse restaurant scene, and a fantastic farmer's market. I'm not saying I'm going to go cold turkey. I'm sure I'll still make trips to Target and Wegman's. But I'd love to give more of my business to local shop owners, and hopefully come out with better quality products and a more authentic, personal shopping experience.
6. Feed my senses.
Inspiration is like food for me; I can't live without it. Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic. I obviously won't drop dead, but my quality of life definitely decreases when I'm feeling uninspired. When I was in Paris, I was actively seeking inspiration and creating. I took my camera everywhere, went to art exhibits, strolled through flower gardens, listened to street musicians, sketched outside, and was generally more aware of and more receptive to my surroundings. Just because I'm not in Paris doesn't mean I can't do the same. Why not take my camera with me when I go out to run errands, sketch in the park on a nice day, or catch a local band playing at the coffee shop? If I open myself up to the possibilities, I can easily find the beauty in every day.
7. Ignore the rest.
This is one of the most important things, and also one of the most difficult. By myself, walking down the cobblestone streets of Paris, I felt like a better version of myself - creative, joyful and confident in a city of art and artists. At home, I often feel the weight of other peoples' expectations - all the things I "should" be doing, the judgement I perceive from a society that places so much importance on career, climbing and money. I have a great network of family and friends who fully accept and support me for who I am. So why do I care what society says? This is my life, and my happiness is what matters the most. I'm going to put my dreams first, and maybe (just maybe) create the life I envision for myself and my family. The naysayers, the haters and the judges can say what they will. I'm not going to let them hold me back any more.
Welcome to Paris, New Jersey! Population: Me.