At the end of each year, we tend to go back into memory lane and do a summary of what we’ve accomplished, whether it’s at a personal or professional level.
Some of us take this time to reflect and analyze how things went and what we could have done to make things better.
For me, last year was one of the worst years of my life. Actually maybe THE worse year of my life, because I’ve lost my mother and my furry child of 14 year (my cat).
Obviously my own personal development training helped me a great deal to go through this time of sorrow. I don’t even know how I would have done it if it weren’t for that.
However, while grieving is a long process, and maybe a process that is never truly ending, we learn to live with it. And while we’re at it, it is possible to turn our life around for the better.
That’s exactly what I have done. And that’s also what I help my clients do.
You too can live a life by design.
The Dawn of a much Better Year
For me, 2015 has been as good as 2014 has been bad.
So there’s always hope, isn’t there?
It’s like I have a little guardian angel who gave me a lot to compensate for all that I’ve lost.
And because this year has been a wonderful one, I wanted to do a little compilation of all the places I’ve been and all the people I’ve met throughout my travels.
To start with the first 4 months of the years went very fast for me, as I was preparing to leave the United States for my 13 month adventure throughout Europe.
Actually, I had started my trip planning back in November 2014 when I flew to Atlanta, Georgia to review my French passport, since it was going to be invaluable to travel to Europe.
The big adventure started then, but it was only the beginning.
Country and City Hopping
Today, as I’m writing this blog post I am 7 months into my trip.
5 European countries, 22 cities and towns, 15 flights and some 30 train trips.
Just looking at these numbers here, goes to show that I’ve been around in just half a year.
I’ve left my home in Raleigh, NC in May 2015 to fly to Boston, and from Boston I flew to Iceland. From Iceland I flew to Scotland where I stayed just over 2 weeks.
While in Glasgow, I’ve traveled all around Scotland, and visited the capital of Edinburgh, which is a marvelous city that I fell in love with.
From Scotland I flew to Dublin, Ireland, and while there I took a tour bus that took me all the way to the other side of the Irish island.
I discovered for the first time the beauties of this country and the nice people who live there. What a great memory.
A week later I flew from Dublin to Manchester, where I stayed for a whole month, early June to early July.
I stayed in the town of Wilmslow, which is located 20 minutes south of Manchester.
Early July I left Manchester and flew to Barcelona on my way to Alicante in the south of Spain.
As I walked around the skirts of Barcelona near my hotel that evening of July 5th, I remember feeling the gap between the British climate and scenery with that of Spain.
In a matter of a couple of hours I was in for a drastic change of temperature, language, landscape and way of life. I’ll remember that feeling being almost palpable.
The next morning, I was hopping into yet another plane that took me from Barcelona to Alicante, where I took all my England clothes off, never to put them back again. You see, from Manchester to southern Spain there is a good 20 degree difference, and when that happens overnight your body is under shock.
On my way back, I flew from Alicante to Madrid, Spain. I had to wait over 6 hours in that Madrid airport to fly back to England. I flew from Madrid to London, and from London to Skipton.
I was so exhausted that I totally missed the take of in Madrid.
Unbelievable!
Me who hates flying, I slept through the take off, only to wake up while in the air?
Never thought something like that would ever happen to me, but it did.
Then it was back to cool summer in Northern England. I was in the beautiful town of Skipton, about an hour from York. I spent 3 beautiful weeks there, and visited all the worthwhile cities and towns around.
Three weeks later, I took a train from Skipton to London where I stayed in a beautiful vintage apartment for two weeks. I had been in London twice before in my life time, but this time around I had two whole weeks to take the city in like never before.
I love London. Always have. Actually I love England. For some reason I feel good there.
Then on August 20, my birthday, I flew from London, to Toulouse, France.
There again, I got a climate shock.
Can you believe that I’ve never got sick?
But again it must be because I don’t believe in the lie of getting sick due to outside factors.
Right now, I am about an hour and half from Toulouse, in a small village of Escamps, in my home country.
This past October I’ve flown to Lyon my home town, which was a very emotional trip for me, and I enjoyed my own very home town in a way that I’d never had before.
From Lyon I took a TGV train to Grenoble where my brother lives, and walked around that beautiful city surrounded by mountains.
The People I met
Looking back on my traveling journey, I was thinking of all the wonderful people I was fortunate to meet. As I did, some images came to mind and those images are here to stay.
I was thinking of my first dinner in Scotland with that Dutch lady.
My fun day with a French female doctor on a tour across Ireland
My first dinner in England with two charming British couples.
My night to a Spanish club with an Irish guy, a British guy, a Spanish guy and two Spanish gals, and us walking back to our hotel at 3 O’clock in the morning in the dark quite streets of Alicante, Spain. A keeper right there!
I was thinking of that dinner back in England with a cool British family in Skipton.
And then my first evening here in France, where I celebrated my birthday with a Franco-Australian couple and their young son. That evening I probably drank half a bottle of REAL champagne. Me and Jonathan can hold our drink.
Then again, I remember with a smile on my face, that French girls’dinner where we sang French songs from our childhood.
And finally that young lady from New Zealand whom I met in Lyon, and gave her a personal tour of the my home town.
What cool memories. What fun.
I can’t even include them all here, but they will be with me for the rest of my life.
The Pets I’ve Taken Care of
While doing house sitting and working my business online as a copywriter and life coach I’ve been taking care of 13 cats, 2 dogs, 2 donkeys and a sheep.
They are all in the picture above.
The cats: Neo, Trinity, Benson, Moss, Tabi, Beauty, Sushi, Jeff, Biscuit, Rapide, Pirate, Lulu, Minette.
The dogs: Gavin and Bloom
The donkeys: Alfred and Nino
The sheep: Locky
As a life and energy coach, I can tell you that animals help us BE in alignment, and those pets I’ve been baby sitting have helped me tremendously to be energetically sounds. What a blessing.
The Food I can Enjoy here
No offence to America, but when you’re in Europe, the last thing you’ll ever miss from America is the food.
I am not lying if I say that the food in Europe is 10 times better than it is in the US.
So much so that’s what I will regret the most once I get back to the States.
Each time I go to a grocery store here it’s even more fun than cloth shopping. I feel like a little girl in a candy store.
Plus right now being in France in this holiday seasons, I can’t even tell you the choices of eatable stuff that we get over here.
Yes, France is the food capital of the world, and I’m not making that up. It’s just the truth.
That’s why from now on, I will come back to my home country on a regular basis.
As a matter of fact, one of my big goals is to have a house here, and to split my time between the US and France.
I’m seriously working towards that goal, and I know I’ll achieve it too.
My Work
Earlier this year, I totally dropped my job to work my business full time.
I’ve even got a client here in France. I write articles for them to promote their rental property in beautiful southeastern France.
I’ve completed and published my first short book on Amazon (which you can see on the right hand side).
On the coaching side, I’ve just done a webinar just last week, where I was offering one of my coaching programs at 3 times less the its real value, and I’ve got a few sign ups.
I’ve also worked at growing my business and hired some people to help me get there. So I’m so ready to start 2016 with a bang.
My Special Coaching Program at 75% Off
How would you like to improve your own life and live a life by design too.
For this holiday season I’m offering my abundance coaching program at a huge 75% discount.
I’m offering my Abundance Coaching Program at a staggering 75% off. If you would be interested in speaking with me for 30 minutes for free to see if this is for you, just click here.
I hope you had a wonderful year as well, and I’ll see you in 2016 on this blog, or maybe before if you fill out the form.
Why don’t you tell us about your goals below!
Hey Sylviane,
Wow, when you put it all in writing then you have been everywhere it seems. What a cool adventure.
All the places you’ve seen, the traveling you’ve done, the climate change, the people you’ve had a chance to meet, the places you’ve stayed, the food you’ve experienced and of course the wonderful animals you’ve had the honor of taking care of. I know you’re really enjoying yourself and I know that things continue to look up for you my dear.
Thank you for putting this all down and sharing your travels with us. I know you’ll have plenty more to share in the coming year too.
Enjoy the end of this year, have a wonderful Christmas and I’ll be thinking about you bring so very far away.
Love you girl!
~Adrienne
Adrienne invites you to read..Special Announcement, Happy Birthday Wish, Your Holiday Gift
Hi Adrienne,
Thank you for taking the time to come here today.
Yes, as I was writing it, I was thinking to myself, wow, that’s a lot, and that’s not even the details, but that’s plenty to share as it is.
The places, the people, and my lovely four legged. I wouldn’t to change a thing. So grateful each day for all that.
I’ve learned not too long ago how animals are more in alignment than us humans, because they don’t carry negative stuff like we do.Yhus being in contact with animals on a daily basis it’s really good for us energetically. I think I’ve always felt that because as you know I LOVE to be with animals. And I have 10 here 🙂
Have a very merry Christmas my friend, and love you too!
Hi Sylviane,
After having enjoyed every step of the way, vicariously traveling with you on your adventure, this memory with all the pictures of new friends met and all of the Animal friends acquired will become a treasured gift.
Losing Sophie and your Mother in the same year may have become the stimulus for making major changes in your life.
I can’t help believing they are right there with you, enjoying your triumphant adventures.
As you have proven, making changes in your mind, thoughts and expectations can change your life and the rewards you reap.
Continue to enjoy…that is what life is all about.
C.
Cararta invites you to read..A Look at Paula Deen and Diabetes 2
Hi Artagene,
I know that you’re one of my best followers on facebook, and it’s heartwarming to know that you’ve enjoyed the photos I’ve shared over the past few months. Really appreciate that 🙂
I often think of my mom and my Sophie being with me along the way. They are sure constantly in my mind no matter what I do.
Thank you for being a great virtual friend, Artagene, and have a wonderful holiday seasons!
~Sylviane
Hey Sylviane,
There’s going to be a lot of jealous people but I’m glad that you’re having the time of your life. Being able to go through all of those countries and running into different people and different cultures has to be a great experience in and of itself. It’s true that you may get that here in the big cities of the US but it’s nothing like being over there in Europe. I’ve never been but you’re definitely are inspiring me to visit!
Thanks for sharing Sylviane! Have a great day!
Sherman Smith invites you to read..My Top 6 Posts For October and November
Hi Sherman,
I hope I can inspire people more than making them jealous. As a coach, I love to empower people by making them see that they can have the life that they are dreaming of.
Thank you for coming, Sherman, and I wish you the best holiday season and a fantastic new coming year 2016.
~Sylviane
Hi Sylviane,
Awesome indeed! 🙂
You’ve surely been all over, and what fun it must’ve been! Yes, I did see some of the pictures as you shared them on Facebook, even the ones of the cats.
I wish I could have the chance to hop around the globe too, and perhaps once my kid’s are on their own, we just may, some day! Yes, being a freelancer, one can easily work online and that’s the biggest advantage, isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Have a nice weekend 🙂
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Hi Harleena,
That’s an idea. Lots of people start a new life once the kids are gone from home. I hope you’ll take advantage of that when time comes to travel, since there’s nothing like it.
Thank you for coming and have a great weekend as well.
~Sylviane
Hi, Sylviane
Your post is one of most interesting accounts of life adventures. Love it <3
I really appreciate your transparency in accounting your life in foreign country. I am jealous of you for the opportunity to explore many places and people in other parts of the world..
You really do have more courage and flexibility than us to adjust yourself to live in new environment, new people. I am admire you.
I total agree with you: France is the food capital (may be of the world). That is the reason I can't choose France as my permanent place to live because I love the pastry, breads, and cakes so much that I will have the size and weight twice that I have currently.
Wish very success in 2016!
Enjoy your journey!
Happy Holiday!
Stella Chiu
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Hi Stella,
Well, I’m French, so Europe is home. It’s actually the US that was totally foreign to me when I moved there some 20 years ago.
I’ve never been someone shy to go places. I’ve moved around since I was 16 years old, and I can easily feel home just about anywhere. So it’s no effort for me, thus I can’t even boast you know. Just how I am.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post and thank you for your kind comment.
Have a wonderful day,
~Sylviane
Lord, you have traveled all over and living the life that most can only dream of. What advice would you give to someone just starting out? I was looking for online writing classes but couldn’t find any.
Hi Justin,
Yes, I’ve traveled more than lots of people have, and less than a few others.
For writing classes, I would suggest Udemy. I also have an ebook I can send you if you want. just let me know.
Happy Holidays!
~Sylviane
Hi Sylviane,
I’m glad you’ve had such a good year this year filled with many lovely experiences. What a shame, though, that I didn’t realise you were staying in Wilmslow earlier in the year – I live in south Manchester! It would have been great to meet you! Never mind, maybe there will be other chances in future.
I haven’t been to America, so I don’t know how the food compares to Europe. But one thing I can say is that I enjoyed going shopping in French hypermarkets much more than our supermarkets here in England – there is just so much more choice over there!
I’m sorry to hear about your losses in 2014, I don’t think I knew about those. If I did know but had forgotten then I apologise. I can certainly empathise with you, as I’ve lost both my parents – my dad in February 2008 and my mum in May 2012. I, too, lost a furry friend this year – my beloved Sylvester, who was my best furry feline companion for 17 years. I think you’re right, that grieving is a process that never truly ends, rather we just learn to live with it.
No matter what we go through it’s definitely possible to turn our lives around and even use negative experiences for positive things. That’s not to suggest that it’s good to experience negative things, but once they’ve happened, they’ve happened and we can’t do anything to change that. So why not find a way to use them?
With regards to goals for 2016, I think something that is at the top of my list is to get my own products released. I’ve procrastinated far too much with this, so I think that I must make it a definite goal for next year.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Sylviane. I hope that ou have many more in 2016!
»Glenn«
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Hi Glenn,
Wow, I wish I had known that you lived so close to where I was for a whole month. Too bad, but if I ever go back that way, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Indeed, we all go through the same type of griefs, no one is immune to that. Part of living is losing some whom we love. I know that I will always miss the ones I’ve lost. I’m never going to wake up one day and say, OK, I don’t miss them anymore, so it is something we only learn to live with.
I hope that you can find the motivation to make 2016 the year you release your product, and when you do I’ll be glad to help you spread the word.
Thank for coming a very happy upcoming new year!
~Sylviane
Too much inspiring and little bit jealous also 😉
Hi David,
I manually approved your comment, however, because it’s too short it had landed in spam. So just a little tip here, next time make sure you’re comment is at least the length of a short paragraph.
Happy new years to you!
Hi Sylviane,
My goodness….you are glowing and this entire journey was the best thing you have ever done! Your whole energy is on a higher level. I’m so happy for you because you deserve it. I followed loads of your adventures by Facebook, but it is great to see it here all together.
I know how difficult it was grieving the loss of your mother and your cat. But look how all these animals came into your life as a part of the healing process. Amazing.
As for the food, it is entirely different than what we get here in the U.S. Heck, we don’t even have labels for GMO while every other country does. You know me well enough that I’m a food snob and am so picky when it comes to that. I do believe you didn’t get sick from climate change because of the food you are eating.
And just as your energy rose, so has your business. Goes to show the Law of Attraction is a reality!
Keep well my friend and have a wonderful New Year!
-Donna
Hi Donna, and so nice to see you back.
Yes, those animals are literally God Sent who are helping my healing. I loved my cats so much that I still grieve over them, maybe I always will, but at least I can still feel the love of animals without feeling too much of the pangs. But man do I get attached though, so it will be hard to leave them after so long.
When it comes to the food, there is not the once of a doubt that’s it’s more natural here. You feel it in the taste and consistency of everything you eat. I wouldn’t ever have noticed that I’ve actually lost weight, but I must have since all my pants are loose. However, I eat pretty well, I tell ya. Actually I eat more here than I did in the US, so it goes to show you that food must be different.
I know that you are very picky about food and I know that when you do come to France, you are going to LOVE the food.
Thank you so much for coming my friend.
~Sylviane
Hi Sylviane,
So sad to read about the sad demise of your loving mother last year.
And of course your 14 year old pet’s departure too is a painful one.
Though it was a sad year for you, your journey was indeed amazing!
The well presented details of some of the journey is indeed breathtaking ones!
Thanks for sharing those experiences with those lovely pics.
Keep up this wonderful journey in the New Year with more vigor and enthusiasm.
We Wish You All The Best.
Keep sharing
Best regards
~Phil
PS: Thanks for dropping by and sharing your feedback to my latest post.
Best PV
Philip Verghese ‘Ariel’ invites you to read..What is your biggest achievement and worst failure in blogging so far?
Hi Philip,
I’m glad you came here and enjoyed my journey.
Thank you for coming, and see you around soon.
Sylviane
Sylviane,
All I can say is WOW!
What an amazing life you’ve created for yourself.
And yes, I did word it that way on purpose 🙂
I’m so inspired by your story – not just because of the recent set of events, but knowing what a tough time you had in your earlier years and where you are now. You really are a walking example of what you teach, but you’ve done some pretty intense inner work in order to free yourself.
I think having a place both in France and the states would be a wonderful thing for you. You really seem to love being back home, and I envision you being hugely successful with running your business and being free to flow through life as you choose.
I appreciate hearing good news, and I want to thank you for giving the rest of us some proof that we can all create our lives – as long as we’re conscious enough to do so.
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Hi Dana,
Thanks for underlining that I “created” my life, because, I sure did. House sitting is something I had never done before, and didn’t even know about it not that long ago, and obviously had no experience with. As a matter of fact, I didn’t know if I was going to like it or not, but I went for it, and my experience with it has been 100% positive.
Being back in France I realized completely how much I missed it. Every time I am in a grocery store, I’m saying to myself, how am I going to feel when I get back in the US? This is the country of good food Dana. Things are tastier, more natural and less sweet. Oh gosh :)! I’m going to miss that.
Thanks for coming and for commenting, Dana. Have a great day!