Why I Left the United States and Moved to France - MY STORY
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 19. 02. 2021
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My personal story and what led me to change my life, leave the United States and ultimately move abroad. The USA is a beautiful country. I still come back every so often to visit my family and I enjoy visiting. And one can also live simply and frugally while in the USA. There are plenty of places in the states where cost of living is lower. However, that does not diminish the income inequality gap, lack of affordable universal healthcare and education. These are serious and practical issues that concern all people and I am happy to share my opinion on them in this video.
NOTE: This video is not sponsored. This description may contain affiliate links, but I never recommend products that I donât love and use myself! :)
Thank you so much for watching my video! :) I post a new video on slow living and simple joys every week but if you're curious to see more of my content, check out my blog and Patreon! As a writer, I have a full archive of posts written on the Simply Joys blog about how to find more joy in your life as well as slow and simple living, intentional living & values, mindfulness, and living the expat life abroad in France. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did me making it! :) Have a magical day, my friend âïž #slowliving #simplejoys #simpleliving
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Well done for making the move to come to France. I came to live in France back in and it was just to learn French. I wanted a change in my life. I stayed for 2yrs, I left and I came back for good after 2yrs of living in North American. I've also lived in Strasbourg, Toulouse (twice !!), Paris and now I live just outside of Montpellier. I even gave up my American nationality and I became French not too long ago. It's troublesome to get through but it's worth it. Again, congrats for making that big step.
@@chorton53 hi, I'm inspired by your story. I have long wanted to study French in France and hopefully stay forever. Any tips, especially on getting a visa or a job?
OMG, it was as if I was listening to my own brain...! I am in tears... I have been thinking about doing this for a very long time, but I am stuck, job, house, etc.. I am a European living in the US for more than 20 years and I fell the same way you felt when you moved, specially the comment you made about the health care system ... thank you! đ€đ€đ€ So inspiring...
Wow... you eloquently expressed what I thought in a video form â€â€â€â€ thanks
I wrote a long reply...but deleted it. I just want to say to others..don't dream, just go and live the dream! All too soon you are too old and sick to move or enjoy life.
I moved to Ireland when I was 62. By myself. Only wish I'd done it sooner. Life is simple and slow here in a small town that feels like home.
This is incredible!! Wow, Ireland!
If u don't mind..how old r u now?
@@inezyahya3433 I turned 69 at the end of January. I feel about 40 đđ
Good for you.. Carmel.... Living in ireland
@@vickifenlon2235 Happy belated birthday..đ
Over 30 years ago l left the United States to go to Canada. This was for political reasons. I discovered another kind of life and knew l did not want to return. I became a Canadian citizen and had my US citizenship revoked. I stayed a few years and since l spoke fluent french l then immigrated to France where l have been over 20 years. I live on the French/Italian border and am trilingual French,English and Italian. I have never looked back. Best decision l have ever made.
sounds so exciting. good luck to you
I too went to Canada about the same time and for political reasons. And was also deported back to the US. I ended up in Sandpoint, Idaho. Which at the time was awesome. After leaving Canada l felt like l was a prisoner of the USA. Mostly because l was poor. One of the stipulations of staying in Canada was you had to have over so much money, land, business, speak French fluently. You could marry, which l did and it was a huge mistake, we got into an argument and he didn't want to sponsor me, so l had to go. l'm 64 now and live in Maine with my ex-husband who has many mental and physical issues. Struggling again to survive as usual, in a place that from the brochures make you think it's awesome. But in reality, let's just say,
winters can be quite the challenge.
Many people talk like their from Boston. đ
The bigger cities like Bangor and Waterville are not huge but you never really get to know people very well. It's like you're not there even though you are. I wanted to move to a sweet town like Sandpoint use to be but l haven't found it yet.
If only l had studied my French a little harder! Just thought I'd say hello to another political rebel..đ
How wonderful đ„°đđđ
That is so awesome! I kind of want to try that. Iâm a proud Texan but our American society is failing.
That is a giant stepping stone.đđđđđđđ
âJust because you love something and even if youâre really good at it, it doesnât mean you should make it your careerâ. Youâre spot on!
I remember saying exactly that when I was an artist, photographer.
Exactly what happened to me
"A lot of us stick with things for years, not because we want to, but because we feel guilty if we quit." OOF, this cut to my core.
Not true. For most people - it's fear. Especially, when you have family to support.
Same thing with me! Life is different for everyone!
Same thing with me! Especially if we have responsibilities! Life is different for each one of us.
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this also really resonated with me. I hate what I'm doing, the reason I went to college, but don't know how to NOT do what I've been doing for so many years.
You are so blessed to have found a partner in life.
Thank you, Karen đHeâs such a kind person and my best friend. Iâm a big fan of his đ»
Yes, I believe making an enormous leap and complete change of lifestyle + leaving the USA - is "easier" accomplished with a partner ... đ
I am French. Although I often find negative aspects in living here in France, I found your video so artistic, so beautiful and moving. I often tell my students or my children how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country where everyone loves sharing a simple good meal with friends, going out for a walk in the forest, having a drink outside a cafĂ© or simply wandering through all the different landscapes we are offered all over the country... thanks for sharing your experience, such a rich one. Love life and follow your own path is whatâ s most important. Life is so precious !
I had some French friends when I was young and found them to be good people, polite, friendly, jovial and helpful. At the time I was learning French and thought I would like to live in France, but the dream never came true. However, I have been to France once, namely to Paris. You know.... I liked French bread, many kinds of it ! J'aime la France ! (am Indonesian, 72 yrs)
My condolences for being French.
@@TeeGar why this agressive message ? Mind your bitterness, itâs bad for your health !
Reading this I felt so happy. Itâs things like this that feed me.
Living in the Netherlands, where spontaneity of social and meal time with friends is largely an utterly foreign concept, Iâve craved the long meals and losing track of time Iâve experienced elsewhere.
For the past year or so my wife and I have had the feeling we would be moving to France around 2024. For a long time it wasnât clear where, no place really spoke to us. We got the sense it would be a small town with an international outlook, surrounded by nature. A place people chose to move to, rather than mostly solely locals whoâve lived there forever. Then along came Fontainebleau, which is pretty well this, and so much more. Now itâs all starting to snap together :)
@@soleus333 đâșïž. I donât know Fontainebleau ( I live in Bordeaux) but Iâm sure youâll find what youâre looking for there. Love your mindset đ
I live here in the US. I was raised to enjoy the simple things in life...money wasnât our end goal. My childhood looked different than mainstream. It was a conscious choice by my parents and their parents. My husband and I made the same choice. We lived frugally and always below our means. That lifestyle gave us an uncommon freedom. We tried to raise our children that way, too, and now that they are in their young 30s, it seems that they caught on to the same principles. You can choose that lifestyle wherever you are. Itâs a series of small but important choices, that compound and make all the difference. I have traveled to Europe and lived in Australia. I love to learn things from other cultures and incorporate that into my life in the US. I think we can all learn something from each other. Wherever you find yourself living, whether USA or abroad, I believe you can make that lifestyle happen. Where thereâs a will, thereâs a way. Start small, dream big, or jump in with both feet. You can do it.
brilliantly said, i also believe in the same. you can be happy at any place.
100% agree with you. It doesn't matter where we live, it can be achieved. says the laid back Aussie, me. đ
@@aashishthakur77 thank you đ
@@Deb.-. đaustralia is dear to our hearts for sure
She's young and doesn't seem to have lived in many areas but speaks about the US as though it's the same everywhere. "Everything was a means to an end..." if that's what she chose. "Work is valued above everything else..." for some but not all Americans. Her view of us doesn't seem to be very informed or well rounded. My life and the lives of our family and friends isn't the way she portrays.
I tried explain to my son that life in the USA is not the only way to live. But unless you can experience life overseas you just donât comprehend. He did a student exchange in Germany at 15 for a month. He returned home and said âI get what you were trying to tell meâ. It changed his trajectory in life.
Brilliant! What a gift to have at 15!
@Liz H đ
Hereâs me, a French person whoâs parents moved to the US (still live here) for better and easier opportunities. What we were struggling with in France was how much entrepreneurs and small businesses are taxed, back in the 90s my parents had a hard time making ends-meet at times. Along with my fatherâs long time dream for the âAmerican dreamâ we moved here for opportunity. It can be harder and take much much longer in France to succeed in your career. Itâs funny to see what Americans think and how they dream of France, and what French people dream in America. After being in the US for 20 years now, I almost feel ashamed of how disconnected Iâve become to my French roots and am now looking to slow down and seek a simpler life.
Hello,
For my part, being a pure 80s teenager (I was 20 in 1987), I think the "American dream" has fizzled out.
When I was little, in the 1970s, there were only 3 TV channels in France. And since Wednesday is a day off for children in France, we so have the right to watch the film on Tuesday evening.
And on the third channel, every Tuesday it was "western". Ditto on Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening, quite often it was American films that were scheduled. All the children of my generation grew up with the image of "cowboys and Indians".
At the time everything that came from the USA was a dream for the French: the cars, the many films on the magnificent 60s in the United States, the campuses, route 66, music of course, Elvis Presley was not still dead, Jackson Five was going full blast, Marilyn Monroe was the star, James dean, the idol, etc.
The French songs for the most part were covers "adapted" in French language.
Artists such as "Cloclo", Johnny Hallyday, Eddy Mitchel, Dick Rivers, etc. spoke only of the USA. You only have to read the stage names they had chosen to realize this. To call oneself (Maurice) "Chevalier" was no longer a guarantee of success in France at that time. It was out of date.
Those French artists even dressed USA, ate USA, lived USA. This was where we had to succeed.
And then the 80s and 90s passed by there, the cold war started to seem ridiculous to us in France.
The decisions of Reagan the cowboy president concerning the economy, this way that Americans had of talking only about money, success, etc. all the time; suddenly seemed very childish to us. The "American way of dream" was starting to really take a turn for the worse here.
Today, I'm, and the majority of French people with me, completely cured of this inferiority complex vis-Ă -vis the Americans. This doesn't prevent us from respecting them, as well as their way of life, and of course without forgetting very long friendship unites both countries and even started before own birth of free America. But that doesn't mean much to us anymore, this ways of live where you live to work and success in business as if your live depended of it. I see around me that more and more people are tempted by a more rural way of life, a return to sources and respect for the time, the rhythm of the seasons and of life. Even if pardoxically, they've a lot of trouble letting go of smartphone. Despite everything, many try the adventure in France.
I did everything to leave Paris and its suburbs and come and settle in the south (Perpignan).
I still have about ten years to work before retirement. And I hope to enjoy it as long as possible after.
Today, I think I'd hate living in America, really. It doesn't make me dream at all.
Sometimes I've complaints about my small country. but it's like with my own family, it never lasts very long and it never takes away the love I have for it.
Long live France.
Friendly,
I feel you!!! Weâre about the same age. Growing up watching all the Hollywood movies, living in America was the biggest dream of many people of our time. Today we would have chosen a different way to spend our precious youth if we had known the truth, but we were too naive and one track mind. Definitely go somewhere else to retire for sure:-) there is no dream here!!!
@@chenyeh9053 You've got it ...it's exactly that!
I'm French and moved to the US in 1990, I've lived more years in the US than in France. For the first time, because of Covid, I've been in France for months, since July, and I'm wondering, WTF was I thinking when I moved to the US 30 years ago???? I have to go back though, but not for too long.
Makes me think of the phrase, "The grass is always greener..."
I live in the US and agree with your sentiments about our culture. My brother lives in NYC and I see the stress he lives under. I live in TN, however, and am cultivating a life of slowness and simplicity. I think it can be done here despite the cultural norms. I was tired of working jobs I didnât enjoy, so my oldest daughter and I started an Etsy shop three years ago that allows us to do what we love, and take time off when we need a break. I must confess that one of my dreams is to visit France and I hope to learn to speak French someday. Your videos are beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.
I definitely think a slower, simpler life can be done in the U.S.! For sure! But I think the U.S. minimum wage/employer expectations and healthcare can make it more difficult to live slower for a lot of people depending on where you are. I've worked jobs in the U.S. (even in a small town in Virginia) where the bosses didn't want me - or even allow me -to take lunch breaks away from the computer. I had to be "on" all the time. I also had an office employer tell me when I started the job that 2 weeks vacation is allowed but ill-advised and most people there don't take the full 2 weeks. But most of my work experiences were in NYC and Virginia. So cool to hear that you have an Etsy shop and you're able to have the time to do what you enjoy!
Interesting yourexperience of work work work; I was thinking that maybe you attracted this craziness, I know it exists and is espoused, so you would seek an environment elsewhere that resonated with your values. And the beauty of France is amazing!
How lucky you're, having made your dreams come true! Yes, life is to be enjoyed but in reality human beings have to work hard to the point of finding it difficult to enjoy what has been earned. It's also my dream! But unfortunately it would be impossible for me to have it. I am already old, aged 72 yrs. Greetings from Jakarta from an old woman đ
@@helenawoods where in Virginia. If you were living up around the DC area, I can understand. That is a totally unrealistic part of the world.
You can still learn French now.
Try duolingo đ
Very nice video. My wife and I are French and went to live in Boston for 7 years. We hesitated a lot between staying or moving back to France. We eventually made the decision to move back to france and thatâs what we did 8 months ago. Everything that you have said is true, but some are more or less accurate depending on oneâs situation or where you live in the US. The cost of living in Boston was outrageous. Paying $3000/month for daycare was a financial hardship when rents are also crazy high. But things can be very different when you live in Texas, Plano, or The Woodlands for instance, or even in Alpharetta, Georgia. Wages are still pretty good and the cost of living is very low. Of course, thereâs still this broken healthcare system and very few weeks of vacation, unless youâre lucky, but making a living in those areas are much easier then in the major cities. The US are huge, there are plenty of cities that can offer good quality of life. After 6 months after moving back to France, we almost decided to move back again to the US. Once youâve lived great adventures abroad, going back to your home country can seem somewhat awkward, youâre not exactly on the same page as your fellow citizens as you have learned and discovered so many things and other ways of living or other cultures. Things arenât all black and white and things arenât that bad in the US and the grass isnât always greener abroad. Weâre originally from Paris, that could be compared to NYC in terms of quality of life, and for that matter, we decided to move to the south of France, on the Mediterranean Sea coast. As glamorous as it can sound, everything is not as romantic and beautiful, but overall it is a very nice place to live and with the kind of social benefits you listed in your video, and thatâs why we eventually made the decision to stay here and give it a try. Quality of life is very good and weâre much less stressed and anxious now.
It will take time, but technology is just around the corner that will toss pharmeceuticals and current corrupt medical systems to the curb. I know , I am not guessing, nor hoping. The best IS yet to come
May I ask what city did you move to?
@@pandorapandora1816 We're next to Montpellier in the south of France.
Any advice for someone who would like to move to France??
Preach girl! I'm from India and I live in France. In my country, everyone is taught to take up a STEM program and move to the US. I haven't ever been there but the thought of moving there stressed me out. I had this strong gut feeling that it wasn't for me and I'd just have a whole life full of student debt and a fight to compete with people from all over the world to have a respectable career and I really did not want that. I struggle with bipolar disorder so that stressful life isn't for me.
I moved to France when I was your age, 24. I am going to turn 26 soon so I think we are roughly the same age and oh boy that really was the best decision of my life. I live in Lille and have been to Strasbourg, it's beautiful! I have a french partner and his outlook on life is exactly what I was looking for.. he never judges me based on my accomplishments or my flaws, he has the best work life balance I've ever seen and although he is proud of his work and his job it is not his identity! My friends in India still have the same American view, they measure your success based on how much you work, the hustle culture is growing so strong in big cities back home, it's really not for me. Back home I'd be called lazy but here nobody sees me that way. I work hard but I value my mental health and my relationships. Not even once did my partner judge me for not finding a job on time or not working the weekends etc.
I'm so glad we are here. To all the French people, you really are lucky and the good part is that most of you do realise that! I love this country :)
Oh my god! I am in the US and I want to move to France. Iâm looking at graduate schools. I also have bipolar disorder. Itâs made my bachelors take longer than I was hoping (and my grades were bad before I got diagnosed and medicated). I really hope they see my turnaround in my grades and let me in. I donât know anyone else with bipolar and itâs nice to hear youâve had a successful journey so far đ I have the same fear. I know Iâm capable intellectually to fight amongst others in US work culture, but with the ebbs and flows of bipolar, I know I need a life that is more flexible and less stressful. I hope I can make the same journey to France as you someday soon. :)
@@pooploops oh I hope you can make it here! To be honest my journey wasn't the smoothest, I had failed 2 exams as well because of bipolar plus j took a couple of months after my graduation to decide on my course. That's when I chose France and came there in 2018. It was perfect except that I had a manic episode and I was hospitalised here and had to go back home. But I loved the country so much I decided to come back again next year after recovering so I came back in 2019 and successfully finished my graduate program. So you see it was quite a bit of a roller coaster ahhaa but to me you sound like you know your illness well and can manage it even better than me so I hope you do come here after the whole pandemic thing turns down a bit :)
Hey Iâm an Indian too. Iâm 19 y/o and live in Mumbai. Iâm honestly stressed out by everything. How can I move to France or Italy for this type of living ?
@@howardlovesyouu Hey, you're still young which is great, so to move in France/Italy something that is non negotiable is knowing the local language. I'm still learning but I got lucky and found an English speaking job so I can manage. Normally however they ask for French language (fluent, not just basics) 90% of the time. Same for Italy, and most Italian students actually move to France because job opportunities are scarce in Italy.
I think your first step would be to learn the language, preferably also speak with natives because learning French from Indian teachers is a no go, they speak really slowly and have heavy Indian accents. So it's kind of a waste of time and money because you won't understand the local French here if you're not used to the native accent and speed. I learnt French in France from the natives so my pronunciation and accent is closer to the French one. I still don't sound 100% French Ofcourse but atleast people understand me here and I can understand them easily, my Indian friends who didn't work on their accents have trouble tho.
Long story short, language is super important for European countries. And you're 19 so you can easily reach a B1 or a B2 level before you do your masters!
As far as jobs are concerned, in France there are lots of opportunities in tech.. I do product management for example but there are others as well. Then there are job opportunities in sales/marketing. If you want something more "sciency" with pure research focus or academic focus I'd suggest Germany. For business and technology, France is the best.
Also, try understanding French culture etc. I totally winged it without any research and luckily it worked for me but I wouldn't suggest everyone to take a risk like that, so yes in the end, do your research both in terms of language, culture and job prospects.
Also, try approaching your local "Campus France". They guide and counsel students who wish to move to France.
Hope this helps. Cheers :)
@@Pumpkiwi47 thank you so much for this info didi. i really wish to move to europe but you know how restrictive indian parents are ...
U have an old soul for such a young person. U have found what others take a lifetime to learn. Happy for u both. Wishing u many many happy yrs
To all the Americans in the comments talking about moving overseas, my heart goes out to you!! Itâs unfair how low your wages are and how you donât get healthcare and a social safety net. But never forget that we have those things in other countries (Australia, where I am, and European countries, etc) because of struggle and fight. We STILL have big protests every year and strikes for minimum wage workers, unions are something we push for and never take for granted. Americans need to stand up together and push for these things too, the rest of the world will be right behind you :) the lack of unionisation is honestly shocking to me, it makes me sad that many Americans have been brainwashed into being proud of their own exploitation. You deserve so much better
Yes yes YES!! Preach it Greta! I love this. Pinning this comment because it deserves to be heard.
Yes to all of this!!! I even hear a lot of people actually complain about unions here and I donât understand !!
@@subtropical1228 Yep that's what I was getting at! I see a lot of "Americans are strong, we don't need that crap, we don't need someone else to look after us" but they're looking after huge corporations and big business by allowing themselves to be exploited!
@@helenawoods omg thank you! I appreciate that, I was actually really scared that people would be angry about this ahahaha.
But yeah, trust me, if companies and government here were allowed to exploit people, they would, but Aussies (and I know for a fact the French do too) kick up such a huge fuss when it happens that it keeps them in check. I'm a big believer in the power of the people :)) xoxo
min-wage is about to go up to $15.00 per hour in America. So things are starting to get better...
I'm french and I found your channel because I was searching for videos to improve my English. I subscribe to yours because I love the subject of slow living.
I love my country but I never realized how much blessing we are to have all of this. Thank you, you help me realized it!
Your videos are beautiful, I love the plans, it's like we're watching a movie đ€©
Your story is really inspiring, you both are really courageous, thanks for sharing it with us !! âš
aw thank you for your sweet words Milly! :)
@@helenawoods You're welcome đI love your channel âš
@Milly Lou - You write very good English.
NYC is so overhyped and expensive, as is California. Stress is the name of the game, as well as cynicism and corruption here. This video is beautifully written and delivered. Brava!!
NYC is a big, concrete dump. Nothing else.
This is like a movie. Your voice is so soothing and calming. The shots are so beautiful.
Hello, are you in Holland?
Beautiful video. You are very blessed that you found the secret to happiness at such a young age. Many people donât realize this until they are too old. Iâm dying to get out of the US and live a simpler life. In the US no matter how you try to live simply, itâs always a rat race and so much consumerism, it could drive you nuts and into a constant state of anxiety ....itâs the culture here.
Thank you :) We are on the same wavelength! I always love reading your sweet comments!
@@helenawoods , Hi Anna, I love your story. I just saw you videos it brought me to tears. I would love to come to visit France one day.
Small dreams definitely resonates with me. My situation is different - I live in London, have 3 kids and my husband is a high earner. I've been a SAHM for 12yrs and actually am pretty happy doing that. But I feel like I shouldn't be! Nobody has said anything directly to me but I struggle with saying "this is actually a choice" rather than an unfulfilling stop-gap to facilitate my children, which I feel like I'm supposed to think. Societal pressure is very real
yes!!
Are you sure itâs not you who creates the pressure?đđ»đ
@Elaine - I felt so deeply drawn to respond to your comment as, although I am not a mother myself, I truly feel there is no higher calling in this life than to be a mother (or parent).
I was raised in a deeply toxic patriarchal environment where my motherâs efforts, care, creativity and general femininity were scoffed at, minimised and even ridiculed - like her life as a SAHM had no value.
I now see this came from my fatherâs deep patriarchal conditioning, insecurity and mental unwellness. Conditioning that many unconsciously promulgate without thinking.
I am sorry my mum went through this (as do so many), and although she too had her troubles, Iâm grateful she did the best she knew how to do with what little (emotional) support she had.
To me, nothing is more sacred and important than raising the next generation of humans with wisdom, love and true intelligent values and priorities. IMHO, ALL endeavours should be in support of this and if your husband has the kindness and wisdom to understand and support you all in this, all the better.
In summary... Own it, lady!! And bless you on your sacred and what Iâm sure is a deeply fulfilling path.
đđŒđ
I live in Europe, so I can't relate to living in USA. But I do relate to the need to slow down, to go into nature. Your message is imensly profound you know? You're talking about someting people are slowly (veryyyyy slowly) waking up to. What do we really want? We've grown up believing it would be things such as a job, money, fame, etc... We've been fooled, and fooled ourselves. Because even when people have all that, they don't seem to be happy. There is always something missing. We lied to others and ourselves trought the years, decades, century... But the truth is hidden. I believe it's hidden in our hearts! You've seemed to follow your heart because your words are so wise. And they ressonate inside me. You've been doing an amazing job with your voice. I feel like our personal journey does not have to be lonely. We can learn and share. Kindred spirits. đ
Wow thank you Sandra!! Your words mean so much - so nice to connect with you kindred spirit! We value the same things đđŠ
@@helenawoods thank you! You have the gift of comunication. I feel like you've been reading my mind, but comunicating what's there with more clarity. Bringing it to light. Thank you very much! â„
THIS! I've been reading through the comments of both French people and Americans looking over the fence and seeing the grass as greener. But, as you say, it's about realizing we need a slower more nurtured pace of life, living from our hearts. †Thank you for your comment.
The USA is a beautiful country. I still come back every so often to visit my family and I enjoy visiting. And one can also live simply and frugally while in the USA. There are plenty of places in the states where cost of living is lower. However that does not diminish the income inequality gap, lack of affordable universal healthcare and education. These are serious and practical issues that concern all people and I am happy to share my opinion on them in this video.
Girl this video needs to go viral because you are speaking truth! I resonated so deeply with this! Such a beautiful video.
I am both French and American and I love both countries very much. I love your videos they are so calming and peaceful. I always love when people say beautiful things about France ... or America. What strikes me is how blind we often are to what we actually, French and American, have in common. Also to beauty all around us, anywhere, anytime.
Really happy I stumbled upon your channel. I recently quit my corporate job to live a more purposeful, slow life and although it's only been a few weeks, the amount of stress and anxiety that's been removed is incredible. Next step is moving to either Germany or France with my partner in the next year or so. The United States really isn't what we were made to believe it was as children. I'm ready to enjoy life.
This is exactly why my partner and I left the US 3 years ago. We lived in France for 3 months (near Pau). It was wonderful. We've continued to try out lots of countries (15 so far) to see where we want to make home. Life for us is so much richer. And I don't feel the constant racial tensions like I did in the states. I love that you're speaking freely and honestly about how America isn't the greatest country in the world. When people can't have simple human rights like health care and affordable housing, something is drastically wrong. I'm subscribing to your channel!
I am swedish and Always been a traveller..since some years we lived in Italy and Uruguay with our four kids....now we decided to live fulltime in Uruguay, here we will soon buy a peace of Land and make our dream come true...Uruguay is very peaceful and more simple,slowliving!!!!...the sun is Amazing!! Europe feels very unsafe right now..follow your Dreams and Just " do" it, even of its scary , Life is to fragile and short!!
I lived in the UK all my life, worked hard but looking back never really had enough time to myself. My husband and I moved to Spain six years ago and it's the best thing we ever did. Our life is simple and yes we don't make as much money. But the things that mean the most to us are the things in life that are free. And the freedom and the choice to spend each day as we want. Totally love your story Helena, I think it was meant to be.x đŒđ»đ·đ”đŸđđżđŠ đ
I lived in France and it opened my eyes to a lot of things. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to experience another country besides their own. â€ïž
I am Spanish, I live in the North of Spain. You have described our life and culture completely. Here time stops, we enjoy socializing and just having a long siesta on the porch... Great decision you made.
I am American. My parents (long story) moved to Zarautz in the north of Spain in the 1970's. I was a teenager. Among many memories, I will never forget the pure magic of driving through the Pyrenees Mountains. And I will never forget the paella!
Hi Helena, I lived in various countries in my life, including Turkey, United Emirates, France, Uk and Ireland but I knew what true happiness is the very same moment I set foot in Sardinia with my partner who I met on February 24th 10 years ago đ I'd never live abroad again as I learnt to appreciate my homecountry much more after all those experiences, although Italy has many problems. But the quality of life I have here cannot be compared to any of the countries I lived in before, except France but only in small towns or villages, not Paris for sure! Small places are ideal for people like me who do not practice consumerism, hate shopping and want to spend most of their time in the Nature with their dogs.
Your video was beautiful and very inspiring, loads of love and a presto dear! â€â€â€
âPeople who... want to spend most of their time in nature with their dogs.â
YES!!! THIS. IS. LIFE. đđŒâ€ïž
I am late to the party, but this is amazing. My husband and I lived in Belgium for 3 years for his work, and we are back in America now. Belgium changed me forever, and now I am far more interested in having enough, and not being stressed about it. Beautiful video and story!
Your story resonates with me, that's why I moved to France. You told it beautifully. So sorry you lost your father â€
Heart of Kentucky. Good morning Simple Joys. I've already prayed for you and yours. You are actually very productive, making your videos. I know it is easy to do what you love. My dad once told me to do what I love. He also said, popularity is not important, in the end, it doesn't matter what your name was, in the end, all that matters, is what you did for others. He also said, Life is suppose to be fun. Katie.
Good morning Katie! Aw thank you for your prayers thatâs so kind of you! đI can be quite productive when Iâm in a flow state and itâs fun to do! I love when inspiration comes knocking. đ oh Yes this is so beautiful, I resonate with all these words. We connect on the same things! đđŠ
Iâm a hopeless romantic so I always thought Paris was it for me the first time I visited. To make sure it wasnât just the adrenaline of being in my dream place the first time around, I went back for the second and it felt like home again. Going out for walks alone, spending time with family, the lights, the peace and tranquillity was still there. I love my job as a Nurse in the US but I applied to the teaching assistant job in France to get back to my dream country. Thank you for aspiring us all and continue to live your best life. đ„°đ„đ
So much of what you said is exactly how I have been feeling. I left NYC last fall after nearly 8 years. I thought that I hated living there until I moved in with a family member who has made my life a living hell. I now live in a much smaller city with fewer amenities in Upstate NY and have never been more miserable. I dream every day of being able to leave this life behind and go somewhere else where no one knows me. The time I spent in NYC at first, was exciting, but after a while, it became tedious, loud, smelly, frustrating and made me an angry person. I work from home and spend half of my day watching videos like this in preparation to move to another country.
Loved this video â€ïž I did the same and left the US for Portugal in 2019 when I was 26, and it was one of the best decisions Iâve ever made! Iâm working on staying here long-term as well.
Did the same thing three months back! Got my Portuguese citizenship and I've been trying to live slower in the time since. In many ways, life here is better.
I loved your video, thank you!! Coming from Cuba and also living in France, I understand perfectly your situation, I identify with it, even if our home countries have nothing in common. It may not be easy sometimes, specially with bureaucracy haha, but it's definitely worth it, thank you France for receiving us !!!
Helena as someone who spent 32 years in corporate America chasing the $, I have to say that if I had it to do all over again I would have followed your path. You have wisdom and foresight beyond your years. I look forward to following your adventures on CZcams and hopefully one day will find my own way to get some of the peace you seem to have found.
We are Americans (also from CA) and had the opportunity to move to Germany for a couple of years and moved the whole family over (teens and dogs) - one of the best decisions we ever made - we got to live in a sweet little town Potsdam while my husband commuted into Berlin. We had to move back to the states to help support my parents in 2017 but it was wonderful and I can absolutely see us doing it again in the future. Our experience was the same - less stuff and more actual living - a much more balanced and sane pace. Most importantly our kids got to see first hand that there is another way to live. Neither one of them want anything to do with typical rat race and see through the charade. We are now living in a tiny rural town in SC - I don't think we will ever move back to suburbia again. We have our own chickens, our own garden and it's the peace and quiet that we value the most.
Interesting life story!
This is beautifully filmed and edited Helena! Itâs great that youâre sharing you step-by-step process too. We love your content!
CONTENT WORKING ENTRY LEVEL. This speaks to my heart. The struggling conversations with my family about how I have a masters in theatre but I genuinely just love being apart of the service industry. It makes our stories richer and our art that much more complex, nuanced, and beautiful.
Live your own life !!! So happy you are doing what you want :-)
Oh my God! Your video is SO beautiful!
The visual, the content, your voice, your message! This is a TRUE artist work!
I haven't been moved by a CZcams video for a while, or maybe ever! It almost made me cry, really. Thank you so much!
Country side in the US is also very slow moving. Itâs only in the major cities that things are very fast paced .
Love your videos! I've adopted the simple life in the US for quite some time and I see the trend growing here thankfully. With homesteading, homeschooling/Charlotte Mason and slow living on the rise, I hope to see a shift in our priorities here.
Yes I hope there is a big shift! That is fabulous đ Excited to watch đ»
The point is Americaâs pay up the nose for everything whilst other countries help there people. In America you will be homeless as soon as you canât pay your bills. While in countries right next door in Mexico and Canadia offer healthcare, free education free internet at no cost. America just cannot compete. In American terms⊠America is not great.
Im crying watching this video,we came to America because we believed in American dream,but now me and my husband working 12 hours a day at warehouse for 5 sometimes 6 days a week ,we have four kids ,we can barely save $200 ,i feel so stuck ,i feel like we are not living
Wonderful video. As an American who adores Europe and would love to live there, I agree with every single word.
So nice to hear this from a young person; it took me way too long to figure this out. I am fortunate to have dual U.S. and Italian citizenships, and can live anywhere in Europe visa-free. My husband and I are moving to Spain later this year.
Only just found your channel today. It has made a rather rubbish day so much better. I, along with my wife and mother, am looking to relocate to France, for all the reasons you have spoken of. Bless you, and may all your dreams and wishes come true.
Helena, Another beautiful video and thoughts. I turned 59 yesterday and have been in France for 5 years now. Life here is truly beautiful but I have a profession that is not at all supported here and this is my challenge. I have to decide whether to stay or leave. I agree with everything you said and unfortunately, the lifestyle you left in the US is spreading a lot in the world. The world is becoming better consumers and forgetting how to connect person to person. Social media is thriving even more during the pandemic but it is my hope that in our isolation and social restrictions at the moment, that we will relearn the value of human connection and face-to-face conversation. As an ex-professional photographer, I wanted to say how remarkably beautiful your images and vignettes are in your videos!
Moi je sais que vous pouvez relever ce challengeđ«đ·đȘ
I've lived abroad, and it is amazing to discover so many things. But I have also seen that you can be amazed in America too. Live simpler, enjoy the little things, help one another, turn off the media, be thankful to see the stars at night. Silence and stillness is only scary when you are used to hearing traffic and people everywhere. If you find what you truly love, you won't miss the busy, demanding, action filled life. You can be happy again.... Less is always more, so much, much more. đ
What an inspirational video....To follow one's bliss as philosopher Joseph Campbell states is to find one's true self and joy in life. Not everyone can pick up and move to France and your description of the stress and importance of career and attaining wealth in the U.S. is certainly valid....particularly in our large cities and affluent neighborhoods. But there still are many areas in more remote parts of the U.S. that are still living a more laid back lifestyle, particularly in rural back country areas. Much of the media and government influence has caused the American dream to fade with the excessive valuing of oneself based upon material advancement, in particular income and educational degree. But there is a current awakening among the younger generation such as yourself to going back to basics, with self sustenance, growing ones own food and living what is currently termed living 'off the grid'....cottage core or simplified living. It is not an easy choice as the cost of living is a real issue as well as excessive .taxation which are always a factor in scaling down, but it IS feasible As is the case in all choices it all comes down to what is of most importance to a life well lived...one of integrity to ones true self....and we no longer equate what we do to who we truly are. And the well-known axiom remains basic..."to thine own self be true and thus one cannot be false to anyone"...we find our true self and find our bliss. (Char)
Hi Helena!! I really like how you create these videos. Every detail is really good. The filming, the music, and of course, your words. You really capture our attention with your voice and the beautiful thoughts you share with is. The world is in great need of that kind of thoughts. It is so true that our lives shouldn't be valued by what we do for living, but by our way of enjoying the simple, little details of our lives. Life has so many things to offer us to be happy,we just have to pay attention to recognize them.And people like you Helena, can teach us how to do it.
A big hug to you! đ€
That was so moving. It brought tears to my eyes. I love your voice, and you have a way with your choice of words and scenes. There's so much sensibility and taste. I love your videos.
I am a Brazilian ESL teacher too. I've lived in 7 countries and visited 21. My Second ex-husband is from Connecticut,USA, and my third ex was from England. I am 64 years old now and Expect my 4th husband to be English as well. I'd like him to be an INTL SCHOOL headmaster as I have been an English teacher for 44 years.
Please, keep on making vĂdeos. You've got such a powerful and soothing Voice and such sensibility.
LOL from Brazil.
Wow that is incredible Juliana! Youâve lived in so much of this beautiful world! So very inspiring. I will need to tell my husband this because he would live to teach ESL in lots of countries too. Thank you for sharing your kindness with me đ đ
I agree with you. Helena 's voice is beautiful. It's such a pleasure listening to her voice and thoughs!
You said something very interesting at the beginning of this video Helena. You were given praise as a child for your achievements. And I guess most parents would do the very same thing. But there also should be praise for the inner qualities we have too. Sometimes it's nice to get a compliment or someone to say they are proud of us just for being us with no achievements, just for being us.x đ
Completely agree!
ahhh YES! I resonate with this so much! So beautifully said, Beverley!
How inspiring Helena!! đ I love all the footage of you as a performer and getting married. What a journey you have taken! I will never tire of the message that our worth is not tied to our work, or our possessions or accolades. I am constantly catching myself in thought patterns of feeling defeated. I carry a lot of shame for being a waitress at my age. It takes a lot of work to deprogram the notion that I don't measure up to a life well lived if I didn't pursue a high paying career, I don't own a home, I have not achieved enough, etc. I have to remind myself that I matter. Thank you for making these beautiful videos! đ
I am truly inspired. This video was something I needed. Lately I have been wondering about slow living and having things be simpler. Your words have truly touched me. Thank you for such raw honesty. I've always wanted to live abroad in Italy, but never had the courage to do so, now with a husband and two little ones, I think I am going to try to grow where I am planted for now. But one day, one day..
You have given me so much to think on. Thank you for this. đ
This was one of the most moving videos Iâve ever watched. I cried listening to your beautiful snd powerful message-thank you for sharing.
Hi Helena, I just wanted to say your video of why I moved from the USA came up and I am glad you figured that out for you and your husband. Sometimes it takes people a whole lifetime to realize that work and identity is not what it is all about. I love nature, painting, writing, video making, doing slide shows, and being creative as that is what floats my boat in life. I am glad that you and your husband found your happiness. Good for you two. It is truly sad when people work so hard in life, just to be like their parents, when you can see they are worth so much more than trying to prove their worth, but a secret is, they don't know they are doing that until it's too late....YOu see we cannot control others, and that is even those we Love...But I am glad you and your husband know better. Good for you both...Best to you two dears...Carolyn and Colin from Canada
Your story is so relatable for me...
I'm so glad I found your channel. Thank you for putting yourself out there!đ
I feel like listening to my soulmate talking. Your insightful perspective and love for life is beautifulâ€ïž
This is myself right now . I just turned 50 and I do live a pretty simple life already. I need to move but I canât decide where. Iâm trying to figure out how to move to Europe. Doing it alone is daunting. But I feel so worth it. Thank you for making this video. đ
Sometimes you need to do a holiday first to make sure it is really what you want. đ
@@Deb.-. yes for sure. Iâve been through Europe and I felt at home there.
Hey Ms.La Traverse--it can be done. And age is just a number. That said, packing up and moving to another country does come with some logistical (and financial) challenges. In many countries, you have to enter through a points-based immigration system where you are required to have a certain number of points to apply to enter. You need a working visa and a sponsor for your job. You have to earn a certain salary so you don't be able to get 'benefits' (i.e., welfare). I would thoroughly research the country you are looking to move to and see what their government website says about moving, especially in this time of Covid. Now, all the very best to you and I hope you can make your dream a reality!!
This resonates so much, thank you for sharing â€ïž
It's funny how you can stumble across a video made by a stranger, and see how much you have in common. How your experiences and desires have mirrored each other along the way. I appreciated this video, thank you for making it. Wishing you and your husband all the best.
What an incredible story and so beautifully told. The photography outstanding.
Wow! Congratulations for having the courage to take responsability for your life! Moving to a different country involves a lot of strength, resillience and hard work but it is all worth it if it makes your soul peacefull. You know you made the right decision when you can talk about it the way you do here!
Take responsibility for your life - YES! Love this. And resonate with it so much! Of course, quitting your jobs and moving abroad is an extreme case but I resonate with this so much. Stepping into ones own personal power, being disciplined and courageous to take risks - ah! I could go on and on - I need to make a video on this! Thank you for sharing your beautiful words with me Elena! đđ
BEAUTIFUL đ Totally felt this on a visceral level. Itâs so amazing you and your husband have able to live out your definition of a fulfilling life there in France. For the last five years, I also taught English abroad - in China, Mexico, Thailand, and Myanmar. There is nothing like living in a different culture, experiencing new ways of life, and living your day to day life without the pressures and ânormsâ of what US society tells us we should do and be. My boyfriend and I moved back to the US in March of last year when COVID was picking up and while itâs been nice to have some familiar conveniences, we canât wait to move overseas again - hopefully sometime soon. This video, your words... chefâs kiss! đ€đŒđ
Your message is SO important, and I relate to you đŻ. I'm so glad I found your channel đ„° đ
Thank you -- I am currently going through this really weird time in my life. I am unhappy in my career (a middle school teacher), I am lost in who I am. I stumbled across your videos this morning and I don't know what came over me, but I feel so inspired. I always wanted to move to France, I have 6 years of experience in the language. But I have been feeling really down. Your videos (I have watched so many today) have just felt so right. I can't even describe it. So, thank you. Thank you and the universe for bringing your content to me.
I'm ready to move to Europe
Austria , or France I love the thought of it
I hope it's not to late.
Bonjour Helena (from Southern California) ~ I just today found your channel. Your voice is so warm & soothing, and, your words so full of wisdom beyond your years!
I used to dream of living in France, and, was especially enthralled with Paris đŒ - I wish now I would have taken that enormous leap when I was 30 years old! It's exciting to see you and your husband deciding so early on in your young lives and marriage to make this change; otherwise you may well have gotten stuck on the proverbial treadmill of the "American Dream" - enjoy your life in Europe!
P.S. So far, I have only seen two of your videos - so I'm excited to go explore more on your channel ... đ
This is so wonderful! I needed it! Thank you!
I think you will find it interesting to know that I was born in India and lived for 5 years in the United States. I love the USA and don't want to ever live in India. I love the freedom in the U.S. I don't have to fear for my safety as a woman the way I had to in India. I love that the law and order is in place in the U.S. and it's not horrible like it is in India. I love that with hard work, I can live a simple, safe and fun life in a place like Missouri. Beautiful caves and streams, nature and wildlife... Fishing and hiking is all I want for my weekends. I wish you saw other places in the U.S. because I fell in love with the country you were born in. Currently, I am in Canada and it is also amazing but if I got a chance to go back to the U.S. I will be beyond thankful and go there in a heartbeat. By the way I have also lived in San Diego which is beautiful but Missouri stole my heart away.
Kansas is wonderful! I love the United States.
Your storytelling is so inspirational âšđ
We are about to start our slow living adventure. Thanks for your vlogs-they were part of our decision to do this.
So happy to have found your channel in time. Your message strongly resonates with me and I love it. Thanks for making me look back to what I already knew. Simple is better.
Hello Helena & Alex, another wonderful video! You're amazing "Artists" doing incredible work sharing much needed moments of peace with the world. How important is it to have perspective, to question life and how we are "Living" it. Great questions everyone should ask, am I happy, am I living life in the way that brings me joy. Living in Ohio has not been so difficult as prices are reasonable with plenty of open spaces to go out and get lost in. I chose to be settled and to raise a family and I wanted that early in my life. I also enjoyed my 9-5's mostly and changed jobs when the love of doing it was no longer there. I love to travel to see and do new things, while my wife is happy staying at home going to our summer camp along the river that is very quiet and peaceful. It still amazes me how enlightened you are at your age. Some of my great joy is seeing the world through others, I may or may not ever be a world traveler and for now I am content seeing the world through the eyes of others. I for sure want to see some of the wonders of this great country before venturing further out. Thank you, what a blessing having you Helena and Alex bringing smiles and joy on this Saturday morning. Mwah! Have a great day!
Aw this makes my heart so happy to read, Joe!! :)
@@helenawoods Ha I've had Sedona and the GC top on my list. Cali if they ever open up again. I need a map lol, get my (plans) set, is flying by the seat of ones pants a plan? Lol Always good to catch you lovely soul.
@@joepeponis869 I live in Tucson and visit Sedona every summer. Itâs truly beautiful. If you have the chance, take the drive to Flagstaff đ
@@wickedartist1451 I will absolutely cruse through when I'm out that way, So much beauty to see out in the Wild Wild West!
Yes, I have many similarities with you.
Lovely video! I had no clue that you were an aspiring singer and actor before moving to France! My husband and I come from different countries and live together with our children in Switzerland. Apart from being one of the most privileged countries in the world, we love Switzerland for its stunning beauty and down to earth people. My husband is french educated and we both have a big affinity towards french culture, so we dream to move to corsica at some point đ„°
Wow itâs beyond beautiful in Switzerland! And the air so fresh! What a dream đ So nice to connect with you here Julia! đ
I was a French girl who came to the US when I was 9 yrs old. I lived in a small town in Pennsylvania. Life was good. Then after high school and a semester of college I went to New York and got a job. I lived with my aunt, didât have to pay rent or food, but still after paying for lunches and subway I didât have much money left. The subway rides were a nightmare, dating was worse, People were nasty and impolite, l went rushing back to Pennsylvania. there are lots of small towns in the US where life is affordable and slower. New York was your problem not the US. If the US is so bad why do people want to migrate here. I live in a small Texas town which I love.
Exactly. It is not the USA..it is the cities.
This is beyond inspiring and I feel so blessed to have come across your channel. thank you for sharing your light with the world
I'm so glad that you found all that out when you were still young and could enjoy life as you wanted it. I'm very happy for you and hubby. Never take anything for granted. Cherish every day.
Thank you Judy!
I lived in London for a bit. And even there, as big as of a city London is; life slows down during the weekend. I yearn for a slow, peaceful, simple, and quiet live. I had plans in moving back to Europe last year, but sadly the pandemic happened. For now Iâll continue to wait patiently until that time comes. Once you get a taste of the art of living; not just surviving, is fully embrace in Europe, is hard to adapt to any other way of living. Enjoy it loveâ€ïž
Perfectly said. I'm a digital nomad who's waiting out the pandemic in Montenegro, but I can't wait to get back to London or Southern France.
Your story is so beautiful, thanks for sharing. You made me cry! Such a huge inspiration.
This speaks to my soul. Thank you for sharing your story, dear Helena đ
You are wise beyond your age. I am lucky not to be American. This video needs to be shared with all Americans. Live long, prosper and enjoy life!
thank you, beautifully said!
What a beautiful film! I loved seeing you at different times in your life, one can really see you grow throughout the film. Thank you for sharing all of the footage. I really agree that finding people who share your values and a place that fits your lifestyle is so important. I hope I will have that one day!
Ohmygosh right??! I was a totally different person back then. It's fascinating to see people's lives go through a transformation. And it's also inspiring to see before and afters. I'm glad to hear you resonated with my story Michelle :) I am sending you such good vibes and hopes that you do! Excited for you and your journey! :)
Oh my, this got me right in my soul. I so feel the need to simplify my life and to just live and be how I always was, doing the things that I love since childhood, playing in the woods, watching the river slowly dancing by and just breathe. No one there to impress, no one there to judge me. Just being me without the self doubts. Oh wow, thank you so much for reminding me of what I want to have from my life!
Somehow, this was the story I needed to hear at my current point in life. Thank you for this. Absolutely beautiful.
Hi Helena
I agree with everything you said,if only we valued a slower pace of life the world over. Iâm in the UK and only moved to another county in the new forest Hampshire after my partner passed away but I now try to live at a slower pace enjoying life. I completely resonated when you said about turning what you love doing into something more serious...I recently had some artwork printed onto different items but Iâve now decided I donât want to take it further because the pressure from orders is to stressful and takes away my happy memories always drawing & painting.
I love your vids...thankyou for todayâs and telling us your story.
Love and blessings đđŹđ§đŒđž
Even though you are describing about the New York it sounds like you are describing Singapore to me. I am a Singaporean and I feel that people here are preoccupied with work and money, conversations almost always lead to that. Pathetically people here see work and money as their worth and this in turn attracts those with the same values to come to settle here.
I donât very often make comments on here but Iâm really inspired by your honest and brave video, you are so lucky you realised what you wanted in life at such a young age and also that you found someone who shares your hopes and dreams đ Iâm so glad you followed your hearts and made such a brave decision to move and live a more meaningful life, I agree with all you say about living a simpler life and wish you all the happiness in life đđ
What an inspiring video... Thank you so much! I live abroad as well... So yeah... I understand and completely support your views... Sending you lots of love and light! xx
My boyfriend and I just moved to Taiwan for the reasonable cost of living, Universal Healthcare, and Slow, Community-oriented living!
Love!! đđâš
You got me vibin like I wanna leave the United States and move to either Italy or France. Honestly I think in a past life I was Italian. Lol. I don't know why.
Ah love it John!! :) Thanks for sharing! I dream of moving to Italy too!! Italy and Portugal are my dream places to live!
@@helenawoods I'm currently learning Italian and I'm from Donna, TX Deep South Texas. Never felt connected here for some reason. What you said about our country is very true. Most Americans are caught up in keeping up with the Jones's.
@@johnmendoza5907 I feel the same. learning italian in Hawaii with the hopes of one day leaving this tiny, over crowded island. as nice as it can be sometimes, itâs too crowded for me
@@johnmendoza5907 Sounds good John, I am from Italy, living in Nashville TN. One of the good things about Italy is that you can live without a car, which seems to be one of the major expenses in the USA unless you live in a big city, but then housing will cost you more than a car. And the food in Italy is great!
@@helenawoods I moved to Portugal 25 years ago. Built my own cob house and have peace.
I love France and was there 16 times over a 12 year period -- both for my job and for pleasure. I found I was able to incorporate many of the good things about France into my life here. I believe that one reason they are able to have the health care system they have is because they teach how to live healthy from a young age...we teach health in our schools but not how to eat/live to prevent becoming unhealthy. This is built into their lives so, in general, the population is healthier. But no doubt about it, they have better safety nets and health care systems if you do become ill. I think the one job only life style is still available but you have to cultivate it carefully here in the US. You have to find affordable housing for your level of income (not always easy) and you have to decide that you are happy with less (less clothes, less furniture, less books, less CDs, less eating out, etc.) I grew up very poor in a rural community but due to my parents being farmers we lived a very good life (our own vegetables, fruit, eggs, milk, meat, wearing cousin's hand-me-downs and hand sewn clothes, playing and working together and sitting at the table on Sundays and in the evening for very long and leisure meals). It wasn't until I left home that I realized how poor we were (my parents never made over $20K/year in their lives and often it was $15-17K). Except for one sister who always wanted more, more, more my siblings all enjoyed our life. I see you tube feeds where the person is living the life you found in France but here in the US. It is possible -- however, I do love France mainly because the life style you mention is common there and as you say, takes less effort to have.
I am new to your channel, and I absolutely love your videos. They are so calming, and they really make me think about my own life, and how similarly aligned my thoughts are with yours. I live in the US, and have made a lot of lifestyle changes that have helped me to live a more eco-conscious and slow/relaxing life (when I am not working). I love where I live, but at the same time, I see a lot of flaws living here that I wish we as a country could change. Keep up the great content!
Do you also dream of moving abroad? What country have you always felt called towards?
France. When I got divorced in 2006, I wanted to end everything. I thought before I take that drastic measure, I should go to Paris. If I still felt such despair in Paris, then I would end my life. I'm still here and still haven't gone to that beautiful city, but you've convinced me that once the world opens back up, I need to board that plane.
@@wickedartist1451 YES!
I did not move abroad but migrated inside my country. I left an island and moved to the continent. đ
There is something about Edinburgh Scotland I feel drawn to.... I get what you absolutely mean in this video. I think so many people are unaware of the culture Americans are immersed in. It has some positives but some big negatives to..
I love Italy and felt at home when I visited there in 2018
You're such a wise woman,I wish I would have had your wisdom when I was your age.
I needed to hear this today. Thank you đxx
Hello! Just discovered your channel today and I love it! My husband and I moved to Portugal from the US last fall to live simply and enjoy life. It has been the most difficult journey to untether my identity and worth from my job and to focus on the things that really matter. So thank you for sharing your story!