Having been home a mere 24 hours-ish from Paris, I’ve realized a few things. Like, the river of life has continued to flow and I’m suddenly stepping back into the swift current (i.e. “Mom, I have a Reader’s Theater/birthday party/assignment TODAY…). And how you must allow for a small grieving period from post-vacation let-down. Maybe that’s owed to missing the beautiful chateau or the fine patisserie. More likely it’s due to the daily realities of laundry, dishes and dashing about. I’m so loving being with my fab family again, but also wishing we could share this kind of slower life experience all together. As I still savor my memories, sort the highlights and choose what to change, enjoy a few final thoughts.
Final Pearls from Paris—What I’m Grateful For
Taking time away from regular daily life. I came home to a shocker: lovely Mother’s Day cards, a sparkling clean home, ALL the laundry finished, and a new dishwasher that actually works. Can somebody say fabulous? Now I’m thinking Chelsea should do another modeling trip so the yard will get done…
Learning 10 key French phrases. When traveling, it’s not only courteous but it was actually helpful to learn some of the language. From “How much is a train ticket?” to “Do you take credit cards”, I found that the time devoted to a few key phrases actually paid off (until people thought I understood French and rattled off the answer in record speed).
A baby in a stroller. Who knew that going to France with a baby would prove to be so HELPFUL? Apparently, French people love babies, or at least loved Chubs. I believe we received incredibly friendly treatment the entire trip—and priority status from airlines to attractions to restaurants—simply from toting our sweet Chubba.
The tumorous neck pouch. When in use, this handy item helped me keep all passports, plane tickets, and money in one place, and was easy to use (until, of course, I didn’t use it, then promptly loss my credit card).
Baby Signing Time videos. For whatever reason, my baby loves these. So in a moment of crisis or I-cannot-be-soothed, I would put on a Baby Signing Time video and he would groove to the beat while learning some sign language.
Adjust. As I mentioned in a post, I was attempting a go-with-it attitude throughout the trip. And I’m here to say that from start to finish, through many changing variables and expectations, this way of approaching the adventure was absolutely vital in making the trip such a success for my daughter and I.
A great web director at home. When I had two minutes and some wi-fi, I’d send off some pearls and photos and trust Jill Holmes, my amazing wonder web woman, to make it all fabulous. Which she did. A great web director—don’t leave home without one.
Eat the baguettes. I did not diet, I did not accomplish set goals, and I did not regularly exercise. Instead, I gave myself permission to eat, sleep, and enjoy connecting with people as I desired. Some women I met ate less than 1,000 calories a day and survived on Diet Coke. But eating the French way, I only gained one pound (and we chalk that up to water weight, right?) which is a testament to me that life is to be deliciously lived!
Embrace an adventure. Before I left, I was nervous about navigating the flight, a foreign country, food prep for the workshop and a host of other things. But I’m so grateful to have embraced the adventure! Now, back at home, I’m surprised how much I miss being in France, and how much I feel changed—not in monumental ways, but in small, simple things. I see my home life with fresh eyes, what needs to change, and what can be more fully enjoyed.
Last night I made fresh broccoli cheese soup in our Vitamix, with a beautiful salad full of yummy extras (not just straight from the gourmet bag to the bowl). And so far I’ve dressed nicely each day (not just my fave sweats or pjs), which worked out well at the store when a woman stopped, stared, then asked, “Are you Connie Sokol?” Was grateful that I hadn’t schlepped in my rundown “leisure wear”. And whether it’s been organizing my disaster of an office with Chubs “helping” or preparing a fun treat for the kids coming home, I’m so far able to hold onto at least in my soul a little of the “mode de vie francais”, living the more present French way of life (which is likely not even close to how they really live, but still…)
So my final thoughts are these: create an adventure in your life today, something joyful and exciting and that takes you out of your comfort zone. A new hobby, updating the look of a room, scheduling a stimulating trip. Whatever it is, spring has sprung and life is moving on. Step into the water and enjoy the swim.
Vivre une vie joyeuse (or whatever Google translate says for Live a joyful life!)
Connie
P.S. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you wonderful, wonderful women, wives, and mothers. And to Alison Ruth for winning the Grand Virtual Gift Basket!!
