Secrets from the Most Content People in France
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 26. 03. 2021
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Hello there kindred spirit! âïž Today I put the spotlight on some light-filled Corsicans I've met over the past few months. After interviewing the locals on this little island, I reviewed the video footage and noticed a theme amongst what they've shared: connection. Here I share their stories and what they know. We are forever students and other people are our greatest teachers...Have a beautiful day with lots of simple joys! đž!
Thank you so much for watching my video! :) I post a new video on slow living, simple living and noticing the simple joys every week but if you're curious to see more of my content, check out my blog! 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, mindfulness, and living in France. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did me making it! :) Have a magical day, lovely! âïž
#slowliving #simplejoys #simpleliving
Have you ever had the dream to move to France but felt it was too complicated? My husband wrote a 50+page easy-to-read ebook and shares step-by-step how to apply for English teaching jobs, get a visa, and settle in France! Includes resources, tips and personal stories! You can grab the guide here - helenawoods.com/shop
I like that you promote slow living AND you're not on Instagram. Instagram is the opposite of slow life and it ruined mine! I quit and finally have my life back. It's like being a kid again
I just wish I had done it years ago! So much of my time used to be spent on the app....I cherish my time and my life so much more deeply now that leaving Instagram was a no-brainer. Our moments are precious
Thatâs really good. I live is US and I never was on Facebook and canât even think of being on Instagram. I rather meditate, laugh and spend time with my family than waste my time on posing for Instagram and Facebook.
I deleted my Instagram a few months ago because it started to feel....wrong? The canât really explain it. I found myself being discontent with life the more I browsed. Being off had been way easier than expected! I decided to log in to check a hashtag, I browsed it for all
Of 5 minutes before I just couldnât do it anymore. It gave me such an uncomfortable feeling that I couldnât shake....and so i deactivated again and donât plan to get back on it for the foreseeable future.
your voice is so calming :3
The 87 year old gentlemen saying, "You have to have joy within yourself. Otherwise you won't have fun. I have fun everytime I can. I use whatever available to me. I garden, I make music, I paint. Everybody needs to find an agreeable past-time." gave me a sense, of the life I want to slowly build for myself. Those were words of profound wisdom in simple language. Thank you! â€ïž
What a beautiful message...especially in times like this. The âhuman connectionâ needs to be preserved
Indeed!! đ
Your videos are so full of life and colors. I currently live in Paris but since the pandemics, me and my husband decided we're gonna quit everything as soon as possible and move to a quiet place to have a slower life. Your videos are a huge inspiration to me! Thank you.
Social Media has so disconnected us and I am glad people are starting to wake up and realized a human connection is necessary. I am the most introverted person, but I love community. Here in Texas, we live in the fastest growing area of the US. I am becoming a bit curmudgeonly because of the force fast pace, the people moving here and changing the slow pace of life that once was here. I try to find my joy everyday but it is becoming increasingly harder here. I have plans to move, possible overseas, in the next few years. I crave simplicity, connection and some good bread.
We are social beings! Totally resonate with ya on that, Heather. I'm a mega introvert, but I feel so much inner fulfillment from engaging and listening to others. We can learn so much from listening to another's story. LOVE THIS: simplicity, connection and good bread - YES!
Yes, I noticed this after spending some time in Europe. The tiny villages, where they are greeting someone they know on every corner. Itâs beautiful. I imagine it can also feel claustrophobic at times, but I really do believe this is how we are supposed to live. Connection is vital.
I wish you success in your endeavors. but, ya gotta have good bread!
@@bonnyphotinos4262 Amen! :)
I understand exactly what you mean...20 years ago San Francisco although a cosmopolitan city was really like a small town, everyone knew everyone else or at least there was like 3 or 4 degrees of separation and generations of families lived here for well, generations (Irish, Italians, Latinos, Blacks, Asians...each had put in blood, sweat and tears in building our city)...until the tech boom and it really turned this city upside down. Housing went way up, people not familiar with SF hippie bohemian ways looked askance at our culture and completely changed our lifestyle forever. Families who had rented their homes literally since early 20th century were being evicted because who could say no when someone offers to buy your house for $800,000 or more? So I understand your sadness re the changing of your culture in Texas. Watching this video makes me happy that there are still places like Corsica that one could escape away.
I wanna live in this kind of society where people are contented and helpful to each other instead of being selfish.
Trust me the grass is not always greener on the other side. I came from a small village where everyone knew each other. It's not perfect, bad human traits exist in both worlds and shifting to each world will mean you'll trade some benefits for the other. It was only when I left my village and lived in a big city that I first felt alive, felt myself. I moved from a small village in the middle of nowhere where everyone literally knew everything that is happening to anyone, to one of the biggest cities in the world. My conclusion is, both worlds can be overly romanticised, but mostly both have their goods and bads.
@@yuzan3607 .. so true. In a small town, you're expected to be like everyone else. Very little room to develop your own personality.
@@smallfootprint2961 And you're always judged harshly whenever you don't fit in whatever "model" they decided is the ideal model.
@@yuzan3607 ... Yes, and you can become the outcast really quickly. A little ability to detach and develop your own way of living is really important, or you can become only a follower... We see, recently, how that goes, when people can't think for themselves.
@@yuzan3607 Very true - these videos idealize a simplier life but small communities most want to escape from because of the gossip and control.
What a beautiful video
*What gorgeous cinematography, even from the first few seconds đż I love documentary style stories* đ
Oh yay!! Iâm glad you enjoyed it Kat, I really enjoy sharing the stories of the people Iâve met here. I get so much fulfillment from talking and engaging with others!đ„°
Iâd love to see you two make a collab video together!
@@ms1295 Awh I'm very flattered you think so Marianna, I gain a great deal of creative inspiration from Helena's videos đ€đš
I cried watching this. The video was so beautiful made with all the people of Corsica. Thank you for this channel. đ€đđŒ
Thank you -- such a different way of life....slower-paced, more focused on being present and connecting with each other. How nice!!!!!
Whe the lady said that everyone there in Corsica is family and talk to each other frequently, that's what I love the most. They are very genuine people who enjoy their life in their own pace. Thank you so much for this amazing one, Helena. Have a wonderful weekend!
So glad to hear you liked it! Loved her words as well
What a beautiful video!!! Youâve captured the soul of the people. Everyone is looking for a simple life these days with everything that weâve experienced in the last year and realize that thereâs more to life. Thank you
What lovely words, Connie! its so true! We realize what is really important and what matters in this short life đ„°
Congratulations on this video! You did a really good job and I enjoyed watching all of it.
Loved this sooo much. Thanks for sharing!â€ïž
You made my day through this video. Thanks for sharing!
I love that you quoted Anne, because as someone living on Prince Edward Island I couldn't get over the similarities between here and Corsica. The sense of family and community, the laid back way of life... even the way we welcome people is very similar. Love the video!
What an ode to Corsica! Just stunning! Did you know that Corsica was the only dĂ©partement in France refusing and successful in doing so, to deport Jews from its territory under Nazi occupation during the Second World War? This speaks volumes at a time when so much could be lost so quickly... The French on the continent often have different views due to the violent times during which political independence was sought. LâĂle de beautĂ©, câest sĂ»r!
Wow! :O I totally did not know that!! Incredible!!
I did not know this!!! I want to go to Corsica now!! Only Bulgaria was the one country in the world not giving out any Jew!! NOT ONE!! Hitler was so mad, he poisoned the King of Bulgaria. Only the winners write the history... Truth is an entire different Trustory... LOVE THE CORSE! The spirit of a population stays the same. The spirit of Corse seems to be awesome and loving.
That is astounding. How did the Corsicans manage to resist Hitler's demands. Did they hide all the Jews? Who was their leader in this?
Corsicans helped the Jews, and it looks like God has blessed them in return.
Wonderful video! I have been living in small communities in so many different places and everywhere I find friends and families and kindness from strangers. Everytime when you move on a bit of your heart stays there but I am now 70 and don't want to stop anytime soon
đâ€
Valuable things in life, a smile, looking at each others eyes when talking, family values, being simple, joyful, grateful, simple blessed things. Thank you for such touching information and keep growing inside your soul. Hugs
Such simple but powerful acts! Thank you Evelyn :)
As someone who has spent the more than 15 years of my life traveling the world, I loved and enjoyed ever bit of that gypsy life. But I can say, after awhile of constant uprooting, my soul hungered for deep rooted connections, not the fleeting ones I spent 15 years having. I can say now that I have planted roots back at my home soil, I would not go back to that wanderlust life ever again. What I have now is so much more meaningful and beautiful that it pales in comparison to all those fleeting moments of traveling to different countries, seeing endless sights and monuments or experiencing different cultures. The thing with being a traveler to another culture or country is that you'll always be an outsider looking in. I have no regrets about all the travelling I did. I think it's such a great life lessen to be able to experience different countries and cultures. It has led me to where I am today, which is a life bursting with an abundance of deep connections and beauty, even in a sea of chaos.
I am an American- Needless to say, there is such division and hate in this country at the moment. Social media is about as toxic as it's ever been. Yesterday as I was scrolling through my feed, I could feel my anxiety and anger on the rise. The world seemed like such a dark place. I looked out the window and it was a blue bird sunny day. I decided to put my phone down and go and work in my garden. The air was crisp and clean, the sun was warm on my face and the birds were singing. As I was digging in the garden, I found a couple ladybugs, earthworms and a tiny caterpillar. A handful of neighbors walked by and greeted me. A couple grandmothers pushing their grandchildren in strollers, singing softly to them. All of these things filled me with joy. The world is still a beautiful, magical place.
You've truly captured the key to a life of inner joy. It's accomplished through heartfelt connections with others, and appreciating the small simple daily blessings in life. Thank you for reminding me of this âĄ
Build human connections . Content people are here .
TQ for posting this ! đč
you smart for choosing this lifestyle
This was like a visual love letter. Just... beautiful.
Wow what a beautiful video. Very well done.
I'm in love, I want to move there - it is exactly who I am and I love the people! Excellente!
What an incredible piece of film making! This was so wonderful, thank you x
thank you!! :)
I quite like your way of encouraging simple joy. Thank you. So much so I just subscribed.
Love the cinematography!
This is such a beautiful video đâ€ïž I grew up in the countryside in Washington State, but I had to move to Seattle to pursue a career because it was so hard to make a living where I grew up. Now I'm almost done with my degree, and I've been working full time as a store manager while going to school full time. The rat race never ends, everyone's in a hurry and I find myself becoming bitter. I am so homesick and miss the slow country life, picking raspberries and making jam with my mom, feeding the chickens and goats, and walking in the orchards. I'm left thinking, I wish I could afford to not pursue a "career" at all; why must we focus on work all the time?
Thank you for your amazing cinematography and commentary, I subscribed (:
I always struggle even now with the thought that how people can just live without any big achievements or goals or dreams how come they don't do anything in life, are they really happy or just wasting their live . This video shows different perspective that life should be lived not rushed
ahhh! I have a few videos on my channel diving deeper into that exact topic!
@@helenawoods I'll sure watch them. Also high five for kinda similar name. I always wanted to add A or E at end of HELEN (my name)
Helen just because your life is small or simple doesnât mean it canât be valuable. When you find your passion and have the space to focus on that, life is beautiful. â„ïžâđŒ
@@helenawoods can you share the title of those videos that youâve made around this topic? I would absolutely love to watch..
Doing very little with your life isn't the same as "not rushing." When you live without much purpose or productive work - you do NOT become deeply happy just because you can enjoy coffee and a croissant in the morning.
Lovely thankyou for posting.
Welcome in France, I am a frenchman and I always lead a minimalism life....I write down my thoughts, I play music,I bike,run,breathe each moments in my single day and I always try to learn english....I am 51 years old .
how amazing!! Love this đ„° Thank you for sharing!
I have noticed that the most content people I have personally met are the ones who are not on social media especially Facebook and Instagram. Theyâre just living their lives, minding their own business without being bombarded with other peopleâs lives. They feel happy and content bc they are not comparing their lives and what they donât have or what they havenât accomplished to other people who only post their highlight reels on the internet. Theyâre living in the present and keeping their lives private. These people are my parents and in-laws. I took 2 months break off Facebook and my life was so peaceful and I found that joy of contentment. If I could only figure out how to save my old videos on my computer, I would be completely done with FB altogether.
My father is half Spanish and half French (Corsican), while my mother is half Italian (Sardinian) and half Greek. All my family are islanders, me included.
I see so many similarities between Corsicans and Sardinians; in fact, I see similarities between all the small Mediterranean islands. Itâs more than a way of life, itâs a feeling, a shared vision...
Thanks a lot for making this video. â€ïž
I learn a lot from the response. Thanks for posting such heart warming video..n the great information. Thank God I come across this channel.
Wow! it's like you won the lottery. I love Mediterranean cultures so much and you've got a lot of them right around you. It'd be interesting if you had a CZcams channel just about your experience and teaching the world about the 4 beautiful cultures you grew up in, I see a lot of value in that.
Just came across your channel and so glad I did. Iâm a fellow expat living in Aix en Provence. Your video is so poetic and Iâm excited to visit Corsica later this year. Absolutely love these types of videos where people speak to the localsâ€ïž
Wonderful video. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for presenting us tranquility and connection with others.
beautiful and inspiring video; thank you
Thanks for another lovely and great looking video. Your reflective thoughts and insights are wonderful and very much needed. Thank you.
Beautifulâ€đ
now I want to go to corsica :) real insights in your video, thanks
Thank you, thank you for this beautiful video.
Touched my heart and learned so much âšâš
I love this- seeing people and what they are about. Slowing down to see the people, listen to people and enjoy life with them.... this deeply resonates with me. Thanks for sharing!
What a very beautiful video and message. Thank you so much for this. đđ„°đđ
Fabulous!!!
Ma trĂšs chĂšre Helena.
A big thank you to all those people who were kind enough to offer us a glimpse of the identity of their beloved Corsica. You understood everything. The real meaning of travel is there, in this research and understanding of the ingredients that unites people to their country. Paying tribute to them is the best way to thank them for their welcome. . Once again this proves that you have to have your own experience of things and not be fooled by appearances or what is being said. You live in Corsica, this is the best way to appreciate this island with a very strong identity. You open the doors little by little and I'm sure you will find in Corsica the answer to your question: "But how does one balance a deep sense of community and connection while also desiring to live in different places?" Because a large part of Corsicans also have moments of expatriate life. Their studies and their profession often take them away from their island and it is sometimes difficult for them to return to live there. You love people, you love life, how can you not love yourself my dear Helena. No matter where you are, you will always be at home so have fun throughout your trip. I send you warm hugs.
this just warmed my heart reading this Bruno!! Your words brought me a lot of comfort, thank you dear friend! :)
I love that your videos are documentaries, interviewing indigenous people in their land. Itâs beautiful; thank you for bringing valuable information to us to improve the quality of our well-being in our own hometowns.
Wow this was a beautiful documentary. Thank you. I live this kind of life in Peru
beautiful and inspiring video.
Beautiful film
What an amazing little film! I was shocked to see it was under fifteen minutes - felt like you'd packed more meaning and good images into that time than a TV documentary would do in an hour. It sounds a great place to live because people enjoy living there. I loved the interviews as well, and did my best to follow them without subtitles - all of them spoke very clearly, probably because they weren't in a rush nor having to contend against background noise.
indeed, they spoke very clearly! My in-laws made the same comment when they watched it. Thank you for your very kind words,Chris! :)
That was lovely. Thank you.
That obviously took a lot of work and thought, but I loved it! It was beautiful!
Wow...thank you !
Exquisite video and life lesson. Bravo!
Hello Helena, this is my first time to visit your channel. This is so beautiful. I feel as though I am lost at the moment, but watching your video inspires me to try and find myself. Thank you. đ
wow thank you Sophie!! :)
Watching this video makes me want to learn the French language and somehow move to Corsica to finish out this life with grace and beauty and a sense of connectivity which village life provide. đâ€ïžđ€
how beautiful Brenda!! :) I'm so glad to hear it
Me too! I was just thinking that!!
Yaa it feels like French is easy to learn
@Colleen Kelly I used to learn French when I was young but later discontinued. My teachers were really good but they had to leave and I didnât find teachers like them .
@@bharathhomegarden Start reading French novels or books, at your level, and as you become more proficient, increase the difficulty of the reading material. Before long, you are speaking French very well. My friends could always tell when I finished a French Novel, I was speaking English with a French accent. lol
This summer 2022 I also went to France, Paris and the South of France , Sete. I was also told the French were cold rude, not friendly and that they hated Americans. Omgosh what a lie. I felt so happy and treated like royalty by every one I encounter. Everyone was so kind and patient with my extremely limited French â€. I would love to go back again next summer †Thank đ đ
Enjoyed your video. I want to experience this place!
Beautiful!!!...Thank you!!
I love it thank you for sharing. I live here in the USA but many of the people here refuse to learn another language and can't' understand why, French, Italian, Castilian, Portuguese like English is what is called Roman language so go ahead and learn you won't regret it, and Corsica will be a nice place to retire.
Inspirational!
I "accidently" (I don't believe in accidents) clicked on your video, and what a wonderful surprise it was! Needless to say I subscribed right away. My father is from Sardegna the island below Corsica, though a different country the islands have endless similarities. Your video brought back so many memories of my father, who shared the mindset of the Corsicans. Even after moving to North America in his twenties he kept his "joy is from within mindset." He recreated the sense of community and connection he had in Italy when he moved to North America. What a wonderful tribute to Corsica and it's inviting people, well done!
Thatâs so true memories always remain
first time coming across your channel. super proud of you kiddo. hope you still have your penguin hat.
Thank you to live and love my country ! đ Be both safe
I love Anne Shirley! Wonderful video!
Very lovely. Just what I am looking for!!
"student of life and people will always be my greatest teachers"
My husband and I had the most memorable sea-side lunch in Corsica when our cruise stopped there. The staff at the restaurant were kind, friendly and welcoming, and they appreciated my attempts to order in French, even when I made mistakes! We both agreed that our lunch of moules and vin blanc was a highlight of our trip!
how lovely!!! this is so amazing to hear, Jenny! đ
My cousin and I spent the day by the water in Corsica also on a cruise stop. Loved it so much I want to go back. If you read the English Girl by Daniel Silva one of the characters lived on Corsica. I got hooked on all his books reading that one first!
@@elizabetholuwakemi1289 In 2015 May we went on Crystal Cruises which had a stop for 3 days for Monaco Grand Prix. My cousin was a race nut and at 70 it was only thing on her bucket list. It was a small ship and wonderful. My husband and I sail Princess for past 40 yrs. Maybe I can cruise again in 2022.
I really hope that after this global pandemic, cruise ships restrict the size of their ships and the number of passengers, they really spoil the landscape and are not missed my costal communities around the world.
@@karenhowatt4540 Yes I agree. I wish the ships were like they were in the 70s and 80s. Small and elegant is the way to cruise.
This touched a part of my soul I didnât know existed, and a yearning I didnât know I had.
Yes - so beautiful!! Tears here. đ
ahhhhh how beautiful Samantha!! đđđ
Same here! It seems soo perfect there â€ïžâ€ïž
Me as well Samantha... I knew I had a longing for France.... but Corsica has won my heart.
Thank you for this wonderful homage to the corsicans and their content and peaceful life. I never visited Corsica but will surely do it as when we can travel again. It will be great to immerse into a culture that is matched to my soul's speed.
Your video is exceptionally well made and should be on TV!
I'm so happy to hear ti inspired you to visit! It's a beautiful island with lovely people đ„°
After seeing your video Iâm ready to visit Corsica as soon as the world re-opens. What a delightful place.
aw yay!! excited for you! đ„°
Yes, it's what I miss too. Living in the countryside I'm looking forward to talk with the people of the village again on my way home from work.
I'm from the US but currently am living abroad in Argentina. The ending of your video made me cry a little because...that sense of community was something I always hoped we could have again in the US. Everyone there is so cold and in a hurry now though. We stay in touch through social media, but that is NOTHING compared to spending time together outside if the Internet. Thank you for sharing your experiences. âĄ
So so beautiful! Thank you for sharingâ€ïž
Whatever i cud read in the subtitles is beautiful bot sometimes not able to understand a language can be stressful
What an excellent and beautiful video
Very beautiful. Thank you so much
Beautiful!!! Reminds me of Sicily, very similar!! Lived there for 2 years with my family and it was wonderful to take part of the nature and culture!! Slowliving with quality!! One day we would love to come back and buy a house in the countryside...â€ïž Thank you for a lovely video!!!!
ah yes!! How amazing to hear you enjoyed it there. My grandmother lived in Sicily for a few years for her husband's job. She said it was the best 2 years of her life.
Helena, this is such a moving tribute to corsicans. It makes me cry. When you come to the point of having to choose between leaving this adorable and inspirational place or being an eternal part of It, think twice. When Younger, I was afraid of missing opportunities and I always wanted to see more, to know more. Even though we have to make decisions, listen to your heart. Ask the Universe for guidance, and, as you yourself said before, SURRENDER to the Universe's mission for you.
LOL from Brazil.
How beautiful!! Beautifully said Juliana. Thank you for sharing your words đđ
Wow. I think I just fell in love with Corsica. Partly because they speak slow enough that I can understand :)
What a beautiful place and lovely people.
Beautiful video........loving connections and joy filled moments...........merci beaucoup.....
We don't have the temperate climate in my little mountain town in Wyoming, but we have many of the same things and attitudes. We are surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful nature and we know each other and help each other. But you don't have to be in a small town to experience this. I had something similar in the three years I lived on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, only it was my street and our little neighborhood grocery. Life fully lived is not something we find in some "place," it's something we find first in ourselves. A willingness to smile at strangers, be friendly, slow down, lend a hand.
Love this video :)
A tribute to you...and to all the people who already commented your video below, Helena; I am so grateful and blessed to have discovered Corsica through your eyes and the kindness of your commentators! Happy and long life to Corsicans who welcome other human beings so whole-heartedly! :))
Great video.. I'm living vicariously through your wonderful journey, lots of wisdom.
So beautiful! Well done! Loved the interviews...and your reflection. I will put Corsica on my buckets list!
We are most content when we are in community...engaged with one another...sharpening each other...serving each other, and growingold together...nothing better!
Babou and Mamou is so cute.. and I love that she speaks slowly. It's interesting that a French would tell you that Corsicans are aggressive and mean, I've found the opposite, especially Parisians compared to Corsicans.
I visited Corsica while on a Mediterranean cruise. I was only there for a short time but found that the people were very nice and hospitable. Would love to go back for a visit. It was absolutely beautiful.
Alright Iâm subscribing, this is just beautiful and relaxing.
I think even here in the US there are pockets of people who want to preserve the good things that our ancestors depended upon and valued. Pioneers in communities had to depend upon one another. Handmade tools were signed by their makers and passed to the next generation. My family comes from New England and Upstate NY and outsiders often say we are cold, but I have never experienced that. We live in the country and share skills, maple syrup, eggs and talk with our neighbors. What a lovely video to start the day with!
New England is beautiful but don't encourage the Dems....they'll ruin the traditions
@@MsElke11 I want upstate to secede from downstate so badly!
I grew up in Kerala, India. Beautiful greenery everywhere. Simple life.
We feel lonely in big cities despite of having many people while in islands or villages people give due respect to each other. That is the beauty of life away from towns and cities.
I've been living in France for fourteen years and find much of the same lifestyle in the small remote villages such as the one I live in.
Connection is everything!
Looks like paradise to me â€
Thank you for showing me the beauty of Corsica and itâs people I loved it ! I wish one day I can visit đđđ»đ