Hello old friends, new followers, and fellow bloggers-

Happy May! It’s a new month which means new content and an opportunity to share everything with you. If you did not know, I was blessed to spend a week in Paris the second week of April. April 9-16th, to be exact, and to say my life changed is an understatement. Paris did something to me that I did not expect; that magical, beautiful city awakened me to a new level of self. I now know what I want, where I want to go, and how to get there. My trip to Paris was my first European adventure, my first trek over the pond, and I feel braver than ever as I envision a whole new life. In the spirit of all things Authentic Love, I am sharing the five things Paris taught me about romanticizing my own life. You can’t wait on a boo; you gotta love yourself and love yourself hard. So, here it goes – here are five things Paris taught me about romanticizing my own life. 

1. Paris taught me that if you want something, you can have it. I remember buying into the belief that I would only experience nice luxury trips with a partner. There was this unspoken rule that to be single was to be limited. That is simply so far from being true. In the game of romanticizing your life, you cannot wait until you’re in a relationship to treat yourself. Girl/Boy, treat yourself kindly now. If you want to take the trip, take the trip. If you want a nice bag, buy it for yourself. If you want a great meal, book a reservation and attend dinner. You must be willing to invest in yourself! As I frolicked around the city, I ate great meals, booked meaningful experiences, and had the time of my life. And guess what?!? I’m single! Your girl took herself to Paris on her own dime because she lives her own life. If you want something, you can have it, and you do not have to wait for anyone’s permission to enjoy the finer things in life.
2.  Paris taught me to slow down. In Paris, booking an hour and a half to enjoy your meal is customary. I remember sitting in a cafe or restaurant for hours, speaking with friends, and thoroughly enjoying my meal. My friends and I would flag down our waiter/waitress to ask for the check. There is something in being present at the moment with people you love. I realized that I live this all-gas, no-brakes lifestyle for what? I’m tired all the time, I can’t remember what I did the day before, and I am lacking in my ability to connect. Sitting with others and taking our time to have beautiful conversations over great food is the ultimate flex. What’s the point of doing all of the things if you need help remembering what was done the next day. If I was going to live a soft romantic life, I would have to slow down.
3. Paris taught me to dream bigger. I’ve always wanted to live in a big city, but I settled for being around my family and friends. When I spent those eight days in Paris, I realized I was dreaming too small. It was time to return to my inner desires and to dream bigger. No one is going to create the lives we want but us. We are solely responsible for making sure our dreams come true. From navigating the Louvre to biking around Versailles to admiring the richness of the Chateau de Versailles, I realized that I, too, could live a beautiful life. It was up to me to craft that life with my decision-making. I could no longer take a backseat in my own life. Either I would expand my dreams or remain frustrated in my comfort zone. It was time to dream bigger!
4. Paris taught me to try again. I went to Paris and opened my heart to love again. There is something about when you’ve experienced much pain in love relationships. That pain can make you callused and cold. It can make you jaded, skeptical, and super critical of the love you see around you. I have experienced so much pain in my love relationships, so by the time I went to Paris, I had no hope for a romance, but boy, was I wrong? As I walked by the fresh flowers, watched the sunrise from my balcony, and engaged with those around me. My cold wounded heart began to heal, and I realized I was again open to love. Open to falling in love, open to giving love, and open to receiving love. Paris healed me and opened me back up to the possibility of love. Loving your life gives you the freedom to welcome new love from a new person into your life. Many want to love again but are afraid or in pain from the last heartbreak. In this journey, I am encouraging you to heal, and if that means going to Europe to do so, then so be it!
5. Lastly, Paris taught me to be brave. It takes courage to do something that you’ve never done before, to go somewhere you’ve never been. We are all one step away from changing our lives, but we must leave our comfort zone. Navigating the streets of Paris, speaking my newly learned language: french, and being so far away from home filled me with courage, validated my ability to adapt, and reinforced that I could indeed do anything I set my mind to! Becoming brave is part of romanticizing your life; more adventure awaits those willing to go beyond their comfort zones.

Paris was everything I imagined it to be and then some. I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to go to Paris, France, and I cannot wait to go back someday soon.

Until next time,

Simone