5 Major Lessons I’ve Already Learned After Moving to France
I have been manifesting moving to Paris for two years now, and God has answered my prayers. After looking back at my affirmations and seeing all the goals that have come to pass, I realized how grateful I am to have this new experience here in France. Sometimes when a dream is accomplished, that also means that we have to adjust ourselves. These are the 5 major lessons I’ve learned after moving to France:
Always Say Hello and Goodbye
People take friendships very seriously
Life isn’t centered around work, Work is centered around life
There is no rush to live your life
France loves art
Always Say Hello and Goodbye
One of the most important things I’ve learned since moving to France is that it is imperative to say hello. It is rude to not say hello to someone first, which takes some getting used to. When I observed my friend’s interactions with others, I could see how upset they were when someone came up to them to ask them a question without saying hello first. It was an indication to me that French people acknowledge each other before anything.
When walking into a shop, the clerks will always greet you, and then move on to business. As I thought about this, I can name a few shops where people would greet each other, but I often find myself in large department stores where hundreds of people are working. The intimacy of a personal hello does not matter in places like those. It is an adjustment to be mindful of how to approach people.
Related Article: Tips for A Solo Traveler in a New City
People Take Friendships Very Seriously
I am blessed to have a friend here in Paris already, but for someone coming to France without any friends, making them can be a bit of a challenge. The most common way to make friends is through school. Many French people have had the same friends for their entire lives. They meet people through classmates or family and so an outsider can have a bit of trouble making a group of friends right when they come. This has been a manifestation for me to have a group of friends in France and God has blessed me greatly where I feel very comfortable with the people I hang around.
As an American, I have made lifelong friends in abstract ways like standing in line at a concert, for example. Part of America’s driving force is about making connections and networking opportunities. There are a lot of beneficial relationships that can help businesses grow and achieve dreams, but these aren't all the relationships in America. Of course, there are people who have had the same friends since grade school with genuine and strong relationships for the rest of their lives, but that's not always the case. This is to say that if someone were to move to America, it’s not impossible to meet someone in a week and start becoming best friends after that.
Life Isn’t Centered Around Work, Work is Centered Around Life
I found that in America, the amount of money I have in my bank account is a thought that is always open, like a tab on a computer. When I arrived in France, it wasn’t like people aren’t concerned about money, but it wasn’t a constant thought that stops them from enjoying life. People talk about their problems if they have them and they don’t often pretend everything is okay, whereas in America it often feels like if you have a financial issue, you try to cover it up and hide it as much as possible. We [Americans] have a mentality where we say that everything is good all the time, even if we don’t always feel that way.
I’m sure you have heard of the custom where you walk by a coworker in the hall and they ask, “how are you” and the answer is always, “fine” whether you are doing well or not. I have learned the art of expression in the short time I have been here. Paris is a city of art and love. It seeps into your interactions with people. People travel and it’s not uncommon or something reserved for people of a certain background. When you have a dream, it doesn’t seem so farfetched. If you want to be an artist, people appreciate that it’s’ an art that creates an atmosphere.
There is No Rush to Live Your Life
Being 25 years old comes with a lot of pressure in America. There is the need to have everything together by 30. We have heard of influential people starting their careers later in life, but it doesn’t resonate when the pressure seems to be tangible in our day-to-day experience. It’s not impossible to be married with kids and have a steady career by 28, but that’s not everyone’s path. There are even programs in place to counsel and guide the youth up to the age of 25.
I don’t always feel like I know what I’m doing and it’s also a lesson that it’s okay to still be figuring it out. Many people start families at 30, while a lot of people in America start families a bit younger which can put a lot of pressure on a 25-year-old girl with the American Dream. It is grounding to at least know that being in school or starting a career or still living with your parents is not something that is frowned upon but expected out of someone who is 25.
France Loves Art
The embodiment of Paris is art. There are statues and street art throughout the city. It’s seen as part of life, and when someone declares that they want to be a pianist or dancer, it isn’t looked down upon or seen as a casual hobby. When this idea is presented in America, the first thing someone says is “How are you going to pay your bills?” Of course, the imprint of art lies in the fabric of America however, the artist seems to be overlooked. It is refreshing as an artist to be seen as an artist in a city that thrives on creativity. I would recommend experiencing this city if ever someone finds themselves in an artistic block as I did.
Take Away Trail
Moving to Paris has been my dream for years and to be able to have this experience is mind-blowing. I am grateful to be able to share my experience with you and show you the power of manifestation and how your dreams don’t have to be just dreams. These are lessons I have learned since moving here, and I hope that you find them helpful when you travel to this amazing place.
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