My younger sister left for France today to study abroad. And it got me thinking about my time abroad, all though I rarely need an excuse to think about it or talk about it even thought I was there was way back in 2008. I can still remember a lot of really mundane details about how wonderful life in Paris felt. I think this is because I was consciously trying to be present for every moment. I knew how short and treasured my time there would be and so I took note of it. It’s an interesting thing, to notice your life every day for four months. I even still refer back to the daily journal I kept there to relive some of the memories and to pass on (in excruciating detail) suggestions for friends and family who go visit.
My sister leaving today reminded me how taken I was by the city, and by Europe in general. I consider that my love of that time had a lot to do with the culture and the language and the history – but I also think a lot of why I look back on those months as some of the best in my entire life is due to the presence I purposefully brought to my life and the attention and respect I paid each and every one of my experiences. No matter how small.
I think while my sister is there, learning that lesson, I will work on reminding myself of it here. On the days that seem routine and ordinary I am going to make myself be present and have respect for the life I am living.
One reply on “We’ll Always Have Paris”
great post Julia! Being more present is something I’m really working on lately. Its probably just always a constant battle type thing but I seem to have slipped into auto pilot lately and I really don’t like that feeling.