| Discussion Board |
| Topic |
| Survey |
| Dec/Jan Survey |
| Results |
Things To Do Before You Die #20
By Amy Selby
Rediscover Yourself in Paris
Fresh from an amicable divorce, Chris Nadine, ALCP, had lost her sense of self. While surfing the Internet she happened upon an ad for a trip to Paris. Spontaneously, Nadine contacted a travel agent and booked a plane ticket to Paris. Her divorce left her with limited funds, but she left for the City of Lights just days later. Paris was calling and Nadine’s heart answered before she understood her need to travel.
On her journey, Nadine rediscovered her true self and made a lifetime of memories during her six days in Paris. She relives her Parisian adventure here:
You booked this trip on a whim. Why was it so important for you to go?
When I booked the trip, it was an impulse, and I knew I had to do it. But I didn’t really know why. It didn’t sink in that I was traveling alone to a country where I’m barely able to speak the language until I was on the plane. I was absolutely following my heart to do it.
I was trying to uncover my authentic self. When you travel alone you get in touch with yourself quickly. On the plane I thought to myself, “I’m alone and I can depend on no one else. I barely speak French, and over the next six days I’m going to have a great time.”
Did you make an effort to meet interesting people on your journey?
When I travel alone, I’m always friendly with shop owners. In the hostel there were several Americans, but I didn’t make an effort to branch out and fill my empty space with other people. I wanted to fill it with myself.
What did you experience in Paris?
I journaled a lot. I picnicked under the Eiffel Tower. I went to art museums. I went in every cathedral that I walked by. They’re so beautiful, and there’s an energy about them. It helped me to stay centered and peaceful. I soaked in the beauty and joy of life around me. The trip was about finding myself and remembering what life is all about.
What’s your favorite memory from the trip?
When I visited Paris in high school I went to Sainte-Chapelle, a tiny cathedral with well-preserved stained glass windows and art. It was one of my favorite places and on my list to see for this trip. I happened upon a flyer promoting a concert at Saint Chapelle. I spent $20 on a ticket and made my way to the concert. The concert started before sunset, and as the sun set, the light on the stained glass changed—it was beautiful. The music was so incredible too. When the concert was over I stayed in my seat, soaking in the moment. A security guard came over and struck up a conversation with me. He offered me a private tour of the cathedral during the break before the next concert. For the next 20 minutes he took me to all of the places the public can’t see.
What did you learn about yourself on ?this trip?
The biggest thing I learned is that I am enough. I am completely capable of doing things I’ve never done before. You can be afraid of something and still do it. I also learned to start taking more risks. Life is too short and you don’t know how long you have. There’s so much to experience, and I want to do it all!
©2006 Today's Chiropractic