Today marks three years since I arrived to Paris. Filled with lightness and love. Ready to begin a new chapter. Unaware of the challenges ahead as the hopeful optimist won over the practical realist. How am I feeling as I reflect on the last three years of my life as an expat in Paris? Finally, at home.
Year one was the hardest of all. Refining myself and discovering my place within a new context.
Year two was all about establishing myself and building a new life. A year of growth.
Year three, at least to me, is much about letting go and accepting the idea of ‘home’. I still struggle with calling Paris my home. Wasn’t it after all, New York where I became who I am, and where so much of me still resides? Or so I thought. Until the realization struck that home is a feeling as much as it’s a place. When I am in NYC, with it’s energy and motion I feel at home, and perhaps always will. But what I have now come to accept is that my home too, is Paris with it’s cobbled streets and history, Monterosso with it’s coastal charm, and Sanok which holds the key to my ancestry.
Most of all, this last year in Paris has taught me that we learn to define ourselves, not simply by the places in which we live, but also by the people we surround ourselves with, our interests and hobbies, our travels and experiences. And equally, the celebrations and hardships that accompany this journey. Paris is now as much a home to me as New York, and I am even more richly defined.
I love this, Kasia! Paris is a such a magical wonderful place but it definitely takes a while to adjust to and to really become “home.” I have always struggled with the idea of home, even after 11 years of living here and I think I have come to accept that home can be anywhere and can always change. Happy 3-year Paris-versary!
Thank you Sasha! It’s not a bad city to call home!
Beautiful sentiment! SO glad you’re here and staying put!
Thanks Lindsey, me too!
Perfectly said!
Acceptance is a journey in itself. I am loathe to call any place “home” I definitely resist the idea, the concept is fluid for me, despite the facts that fight against!
I agree! Which is why we (who can’t accept just one place forever) can call many places home.
well said… “Most of all, this last year in Paris has taught me that we learn to define ourselves, not simply by the places in which we live, but also by the people we surround ourselves with, our interests and hobbies, our travels and experiences. And equally, the celebrations and hardships that accompany this journey. Paris is now as much a home to me as New York, and I am even more richly defined.”
Very nicely stated. Thanks for sharing your realization and your thoughts about “home”. I think many of us who have lived in more than one place by choice can relate.
It’s a nice feeling to reach a point in your life when you realize the home is truly where the heart is and thankfully there is room for the heart to love so many places. Enjoy another year.
Thanks Catherine! It’s also important to feel well wherever we are in the world.
3 years, incredible!
Bravo, bella. I know it’s been a very introspective year but I also know it promises to be so fulfilling and rewarding. Happy anniversary! Bis!
Happy to have shared many pieces of these 3 years with you! In both Paris and NYC. xx
This is lovely. As a Brit living in California, I’ve got used to having two homes, two places where I feel loved and settled and happy. I’ve stopped stressing about which one is home and have just embraced how lucky I am to have two amazing homes.
We are indeed lucky to call more than one place home. Enjoy the balance of the two!
Congratulations on Year 3!! That is a major achievement in this city. 🙂
I am sure you will have an amazing year ahead of you.
x Milla
(http://littlepiecesoflight.blogspot.fr/)
Thanks Milla! Wishing a wonderful experience for you too, may Paris always be a home to you. xx
Congrats on year three!!! Glad to hear your settling into the idea of home and adding Paris to your rich list of places that hold a special place in your heart. You’re quite blessed to be able to travel frequently between the four corners of your heart.
I remember reading your blog when you first moved to Paris. How time flies! Your journey has been an inspiration to me as I make this next leap of faith to Shanghai! 🙂 Bon courage!
Thanks Wendy! So happy to share this journey with you. Good luck on your move to Shanghai and keep in touch!!