The pace of life has slowed a bit. It seems more manageable, less frenzied, even though I have a lot going on. It’s Saturday already but the thought that the week is coming to a close doesn’t produce anxiety or disappointment. It used to because I wasn’t experiencing life as I wanted to – days and weeks would fly by and I was not entirely happy with how I’d spent them or with what I’d accomplished (even though, in hindsight, I’d often accomplished a great deal).
At the beginning of my second month in France (a mere thirty days ago) I felt some anxiousness; however, this feeling didn’t center around the thought that time was passing too quickly. No, not at all. The newness of everything, the extra effort required to communicate in a foreign language, the magical energy of my new home seemed to have tapped the brakes on earth’s daily voyages around its own axis, slowing the hands of time. I wasn’t entirely sure of what my next move should be and a dizzying sensation of aimlessness permeated my consciousness. Anxiety ensued. I’d arrived in France fulfilling a dream, but what my next step was, I did not know.
I’ve come to understand that I don’t have to push hard or always know what my next move should be to get the results I want. Sometimes that next move comes to me in stillness or after I experience something new. I have begun to embrace this odd fact. But being alone in a foreign country living on my savings brings a sobering reality into clear focus. I had had a two week honeymoon period living in France. Wonder and disbelief that I was actually living in my dream country filled every waking minute. But this cloud nine feeling came to an end and the reality of having sold all my belongings, having quit a good paying job, and having left wonderful friends behind without having a solid plan for after I settled in, felt a bit scary, to say the least.
I’m one day shy of my two month anniversary here in France and I feel much more grounded and focused. 
I’m still a bit unsure of how my activities will pave the way for the long term life in France I want, but I have projects that motivate and excite me. I’m starting The Courage Chronicles Podcast where I’ll interview inspiring people for the purpose of helping others move forward and achieve their dreams. I’m working on a book marketing approach to enhance book sales in the United States and in France. And I’m continuing to study the French language to develop a level of proficiency with which I’ll be satisfied.
If idle minds are the devil’s workshop, then idle hands are the devil’s tools. Now that I have some tangible new goals and an action plan, I feel steadier. My mind is filled with possibilities instead of doubts. In taking action, I am seizing every day and creating my wonderful future!
About the author: Patricia Brooks is a speaker, life purpose coach, and author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life you Live. She is currently living in France and experiencing her dream.
Photo Credit: Raka Rachgo and Fabrizio Verrecchia