I decided to move to Africa and leave Paris because I could not breathe anymore. I love the sun and a permanent blue sky gives me energy to work better.
However, what this amazing adventure taught me is to trust myself. I will never let me down. I will find a way to overcome the obstacles. I can count on myself to be there. Such priceless lessons can often be learned when we take calculated risks my friend my sister.
I feel so much healthier and happier since I took the plunge and moved south.
I am so grateful to be able to breathe at last. I used to spend days locked inside, working in an office 14 hours a day at some point.
Enjoying fresh and clean air, sunlight and being surrounded by nature makes a big difference.
My friend Justine from Blog d’une partageuse was sharing her project to move south so all I can say is “Go for it my friend my sister!”
Of course some things are more important, like teaching our children that they are enough, as the great Marisa Peer would say.
Nevertheless, if each one of us decides to switch off the wifi at night, we protect our brain.
The bonus? Turning our cell phone on air plane mode at night.
In regard to brain health, I love the work of Jim Kwik, who is a brain expert after having overcome a brain injury when he was a child.
Let’s break loose of rigid identities. We are ever-changing and always growing.
I was the perfect city girl, so at ease in the urban jungle.
Then one day, all of a sudden really, I felt called by nature. I could not handle the polluted air anymore. I moved from a world of grey concrete and subway noises to a beautiful and peaceful countryside.
I feel so blessed to have followed the current of my intuition. I feel guided within life, as if I was moving like a flowing river.
If I say #divinefeminine and #ecofriendly lifestyle, if you like women who do not take themselves seriously but who have excellent ideas on serious matters, if you feel exhausted after the last holiday season, then our guest today can make you enjoy the next holiday season in a more peaceful way.
Her name is @douceur.sauvage on Instagram which is French for Wild Softness. We started the interview (available in French here) asking ourselves if it was a good idea to lie to our children about the existence of Father Christmas.
Then we moved the gifts and @douceur.sauvage taught me how to wrap presents in fabric: this beautiful ecofriendly practice is called Furoshiki. I was very impressed! This is a brilliant idea which saves so many paper.
On a practical level, she suggested turning all our parties into pot luck. The idea is to allow the hosts to feel rested and ready to enjoy the gathering instead of running around like crazy and cooking for 12 people, while the guests can proudly share a traditional dish they lovingly made themselves.
Lastly, Marie-Laëtitia from @douceur.sauvage shared some of her wisdom about the lunar cycle and how it can influence our lives as women. Far from typical New Year’s resolutions which can feel strict and sometimes harsh on our body, she suggests we look at each new moon cycle as a rebirth. We can look back on each month and set intentions for the coming one in a kind and loving way, making sure our whole year is a time for new beginnings.
A small Japanese music box. It is the only object from my childhood which remains. Not because I lost all my stuff, but because I choose to feel light and free.
I had to move homes multiple times in my life. Moving always requires a good organisation and logistics skills. Nevertheless, I never felt the weight of belongings, nor did I was ever prevented from moving because of material goods.
I left France for Africa with only one suitcase. With the music box. However, I moved there with a heart full of magnificent memories, of the warmth of the people I love and of the pleasure experienced by the children and I in various places we went together. So much lightness. So much freedom.
I have no idea if saging a home is working or not.
However, I love cultivating an open mind.
I was inspired to do a sage ritual by Dara Dubinet (@daramuse).
I also heard that Native Americans used sage to purify a place. Doing this ritual is a wink to the child I was, with a passion for Native Americans.
