Why Paris?
Welcome Loyal Readers!
And a Special HELLO to New Subscribers!
Thank you so much for joining us!
We are embarking on a whole New Year! — Happy 2023 to all!
And I admit this year I am in a reflective mood and wonder if you are too.
I so often get asked Why Paris?
Why did I start a blog writing about Paris and all things French?
Would you believe me if I told you I think I just figured this out?
Why Paris? To relish a Paris winter sky
Normally, with a New Year, I am full of goals, ideas, and new ventures — not the usual New Year’s resolutions you understand — but just lots of projects to undertake and achieve.
This year is different.
I HAVE been thinking about why I started this blog and realize that underlying all the adventures that I have had and written about, (which has been super fun of course!) there is something more profound going on —
Paris keeps drawing back over and over again because it epitomizes my constant yearning, almost like a deep ache, for “balance” in my life.
Why Paris? For a patio and a table for two outside on Avenue George V. Maybe they provide blankets!
The French way of life stresses being in the present,
“being” not doing,
Such as savouring the smoothness of a café crème;
Losing one’s self in the field of red poppies in Monet’s painting “Coquelicots” at the Museé d’Orsay;
Or standing at the base of the Eiffel Tower and drinking in its magnitude and power.
Why Paris? To revel in one of Monet’s most famous paintings at the Musée d’Orsay
I remember being taken aback when I made my first acquaintance with French people and they didn’t ask me about what I did for a living.
Conversely, when I asked them what they did, they dismissed the question with a wave of the hand.
Because of course, with my North American sensibilities, my life has been all about my work.
In fact, it is probably the largest part of my identity, of who I think I am.
The French say that we “live to work”, whereas they “work to live.”
In my life, I admit I have been particularly obsessed. Partly because I have a job that is fun and exciting. And most of my French friends would not say that about theirs.
Still, those of you who know me well will say that I have always been ultra-driven, and always busy, sometimes using the excuse that I can’t explore other parts of my life because I am too busy.
This all started at an early age.
There were family reasons for this that don’t really matter to make my point, but what matters is that I programmed myself to achieve, achieve, achieve as if my mere existence depended on it for survival.
Why Paris? To linger as long as possible over my café crème at La Pérouse
At the heart of this, I now realize was the need to feel good enough.
This a sobering but enlightening insight as I head into a new decade in my life.
Oh yes, a big one.
So, I have chosen a word for my path in 2023, and that word is “Balance.”
Balance in all things.
When I get the urge and it is usually very strong, to fill every moment with another task that I think will move me forward, to check off another to-do on my endless list, I will be reminded of the French way of life and pause. I will take a deep breath, and remember the word — balance.
“You are good enough Diana. You can be successful in all that you do by pushing less and just being”.
Why Paris? To pick up some fresh flowers despite the cold temperatures along Rue Cler
Another leisurely trip or two to Paris and France in 2023 might be in order to underline that n’est-ce-pas?
Thank you for indulging me with this reflection and I’d love to hear if you have “your word” for who you want to be in 2023!
I welcome your comments below where it says “Leave a Comment” or “Read the Comments.”
Why Paris? Balance, that’s why!
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And Stay Tuned for my 2023 Paris Fan Club which is coming at the end of the month. It will offer live workshops, exciting experts and resources, new books, a travel kit, and so much more!
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Thank you sharing your reflections! I think you nailed it… balance. Sadly, I think North Americans misunderstand that word, they feel as though that is a luxury. And in my view, probably that is at the root of our problems here. I think that your comments about balance apply to many European countries – I’d also say “priorities” is a word they have mastered, so much so that it’s not a conscious thought “I’m going to treat myself to flowers today “, but a common part of daily life. Happy Balance Year Diana!
Christine, Thank you so much for this comment. I think YOU mailed it. Balance is about “priorities”. I do think in many parts of Europe they HAVE mastered that. That is so true too.. when I buy flowers for myself, which is rare, I think of it as a very special treat instead of something that is just part of my daily life. It makes me laugh when I also think about how this applies to undergarments. I will often say well I don’t need to put on my nice lingerie today as nobody is going to see it. So not French!
Happy New Year Diana! And all the readers!
My word is “resume”. For me its about return to travel and also to my office. (3yrs away).
3 big trips this year. Catch up could be the second “word”. . Hallelujiah! Starting w the Galapagos Islands next month. So excited.
Luci — Wow! Three trips this year! How fab. And so your word for the year is apt — RESUME.
I look so forward to hearing about your adventures — and hope you post lots of photos and memories on Instagram or is it Facebook? Either way, I am a loyal follower of yours. Please continue to comment and I hope you will join me for the Paris Fan Club!
Just signed up😀
Thank you for putting your (and my!)
finger on the attraction of Paris, and France everywhere. I feel such a sense of peace when I go to France, even if I am not on official “vacation” and am planning to work while there, as I will this coming March. It’s those café tables and chairs. They immediately invite a sense of balance that is much needed and, fortunately, hard to resist.
Hello Susan,
Thank you so much for your comment. I just love hearing from you.
Lucky you to be coming back to Paris in March.
And you are so so right. It does have a lot to do with those café tables and chairs. Once you plunk yourself down, you just enjoy lingering and watching the world go by. I remember having a morning coffee in Montmartre and thre was this couple sitting next to me enjoying the first rays of sunshine just being quiet and peaceful. I came back later for lunch at this same restaurant and the couple was still there. It gave me pause!
Best to you, and I hope you will join my for my new Paris Fan Club!
Achieving BALANCE has been a constant theme of mine for many years – and the basis for life decisions. I totally understand your need for this – and wish you good luck, Diana.
Thank you Gretchen. I am glad to hear that “balance” is achievable! The very best to you, Diana
Dear Diane
As usual your posts are always so appealing and wonderful to read. Abd i pass them on. One of my dear friends from BMO was tracelling to France in the summer and I shared your blogs.
And today I’m in Ixtapa with two lovely women friends looking for bathing suits. Great timing with this blog.
I also loved your reflection. I dint have one word but i keep getting asked when am i going to retire as i turn 71 this month. I respond “Age is just a Number”. If you enjoy what you are doing then continue doing it…
Hi Barbara, Happy New Year! How wonderful to hear from you as always, and thank you so much for sharing my blog with your friends. I am always looking for new readers to connect with.
Ixtapa — lucky you. Love it there.
Retire? E Gods — I think one can still find “Balance” doing what one loves don’t you?
Let me know if you find your word for 2023 — best to you, Diana
Dear Diana,
An exquisite message for our New Year.
And, I believe we are both at the same gateway into our new decade. For that, so happy to have arrived!
Your reflections are important ones.
My retirement as a designer began a year and a half ago. It has taken time to decompress and leave the business world behind. But in its place is a profound enjoyment of peacefulness and creativity and connections and visits with the beloveds in my life. And adding new friendships, as well. Now that I have hit my stride with this new day-to-day, these are some of the best moments of my life.
My 2023 word is Gratitude.
Thank you for beginning our new year with this special message.
Bonnie in California
My word is Generosity-both in giving and in receiving.
That’s a great word, Deborah. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I hope that also means you will be “Generous” with yourself this year?
I think this is the first time you have commented on my blog. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Please keep us posted, Diana
Thank you Diana fir being such a fan of my beloved city and for staying so positive minded, full of energy.
My wird is “seize” Seize the day, seize the oipportunity, seize all the small pleasures of everyday and foicus on these.
Merci beaucoup et à bientôt in Paris
“Seize” — also such a great word. To me, it seems like that is the word you always have. You really do always “seize the day” and you are inspiration to me.
Thank you for sharing Martinn. Happiest of New Years to you! Diana
Dear Diana:
Such thoughtful and thought provoking words as always, BFF !
Balance ….aaah …so elusive for many of us and knowing you the way I do …perfect for this coming year as your cup runneth over while understanding yourself even more than you did before !
For me , the word is “transition ” . I have to ease into this one ..LOL.
As you know: transition to, without giving up who essentially I am , being kinder to myself and doing what makes ME happy. I have a strong tendency, also coming from a place of ” not good enough” , to do for others , and not consider myself. The time has come to change my story.
Wishing you and all your readers a stellar 2023 !
Shardie
Hi Shardie … that is a great word. It is interesting that your fear is that you might be giving up something of yourself in transitioning. I wonder if that is something to look at. Like me. If I bring more “balance” to my life, would I be giving up the kind of success that I am used to? That is definitely my fear, and also probably the source of the issue. Hmmm…interesting indeed.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us BFF. Diana
Happy New Year Diana. I have two words and they come from a song for the season, “Comfort and Joy”. It’s time for us to enjoy things that bring us both. Our family, our home, our fiends, and travel. Two trips all planned out but unfortunately not Paris although we are thinking about that for a December visit. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. All the best for 2023 from Vancouver.
Comfort and Joy … yes indeed. Margaret Ann … Happy New Year — it sounds like a great year ahead for you and your family. I hope that includes becoming a member of my New Paris Fan Club. I would so love to have you.
Keep me posted — I do love hearing from you,and I hope you still have occasions to wear your beautiful French-themed scarf! Best, Diana
My word is Spiritual. That is I want to live from the God/ Consciousness/ Christ within. To live joyously harmoniously free of the fetters of human hood. Then life is about love and freedom from the grace within. I am a Spiritual being living in a Spiritual Universe.
Christine Kowal === Thank you for commenting and well done. That sounds like the perfect word for 2023!
Best wishes, Diana
Being in the present moment is something those of us living in North America, need to work on. 😁
My word for this year is EXPANSIVE.
I wish to expand my connection globally. To send distant Reiki healing and I am allowing myself to be more expansive in my thinking, so I am taking classes in EFT and Biofield Tuning.
It will be interesting to see how expansive I can be and still live in the confines of a small northern community and honour my empathic, introverted self.
I love this Karen! And it is an interesting juxtaposition as you say of looking to be expansive globally and creatively while living in a very small northern community.
I find that fascinating.
Thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate your input!
Sending you expansiveness in 2023. Diana
As a newcomer to your site, I’m late on the comment. The Rue Cler photo reminds me of a trip to Paris years ago. J’adore ce marché. The morning was slow bliss – a leisurely walk with stops in the cheese shop, the boulangerie, the fruit stand with fresh strawberries. I knew a bit of French and always said ‘Bonjour Madame/Monsieur’ in the shops. It made such a difference. What a civilized experience.
The word this year? Ease. 🙏
My mouth starts salivating as soon as I turn the corner on this street! I also like that it is so close to the Eiffel Tower and that you can easily cross over to the 16th arrondissement and end up on Les Champs Elysées!
Welcome aboard the Paris Fan Club train! Diana