"The only two times I am pretty certain of are ‘l’heure du goûter’ (the hour of the treat) at 4pm and 'l'heure de l'apéro’ (the hour of the Apero) 6pm. In the end, I guess that is all I really need to know with precision - the rest can be relative. "
This and being comfortable in your skin is all the "Frenchness" I need in my life ; ) And interesting that we spoke about similar topics in our newsletters this weekend - your "succès" and my "moving forward" have remarkable similarities.... Food for thought indeed and very personal but good to stop and reflect about from time to time to see just how far we've come!
I loved your newsletter! We are truly in tune - miles away, and we manage to have similar thoughts and perspectives. So nice knowing we always have more in common than not!
Wow, Jane, what a thoughtful prompt! I appreciate what you shared and how you share, so many a ha moments throughout this Prompt, thank you! Thank you for your thoughtful perspectives, which continue to inspire. I love how you look at ‘réussir’ and ‘succès’ and the journey. A wise reminder about the journey — to experience of and to be present along journey, because each new day provides opportunity for reinvention, possibly, reawakening and appreciation. It’s the journey that is fulfilling. I think about how I can reposition the definition of success (in a US workforce — for myself and my team). And, reminding myself of the comparison trap, it can be so deep and difficult. And, pausing to appreciate where I am, now - personally and professionally - and recognizing steps I chose along the way - to appreciate and often, learn from them. Thank you. So like you, I am most supportive that it’s important to be comfortable with oneself and that life’s journey is about the small wins (size does not matter).
Thank you so much for taking the time to read, Marcey! These are just my thoughts from my experiences, so take them with a grain of salt. But if they do make you look at the world slightly differently, then I'm so pleased! Diversity of ideas and perspectives keeps us fresh. So grateful to have you along for the ride!
Wow. A lot to unpack with this one!! What is success to me? I like that line you quoted "Success is the failure of failure". I think that very few things in life can be deemed a true success. Instead it is more like not failing or not quitting. You just keep going, and over time you can look back and see that you have made a lot of progress.
There are exceptions of course. I recently completed my degree.... My bachelor's degree, at the ripe old age of 53. I didn't need it for my job. I didn't get a raise or promotion . I have always worked and been hired based on my experience and certifications. But I wanted to finish it because it had been a goal I set for myself. Getting the diploma in my hand felt like an accomplishment. Success if you will. But I got it only because I didn't quit. I kept going. It took a lot of restarts, but eventually I found the right path. .....
So yes I agree with you. Life is more a series of 'small wins' rather than big goals.
Danyel, gosh, I wish we could unpack over wine together!! But until then, firstly, you are an inspiration! Bravo for completing your degree! And you did it for yourself—all the more delicious! And of course, if you look up those two words I mention in Prompts, you will in essence see that they are so similar - I am just sharing how I have come to interpret them. These are just my impressions. I love hearing yours, so thank you for sharing them. So looking forward to discussing over wine one day!
Hi Jane - Your insightful words really impacted me. I lived in Europe for 12 years and now am uneasily trying to readjust to life in the US. I still spend 3 or more months a year in Europe, mostly in France. I no longer feel fully at home anywhere, but you reminded me that I should embrace that diversity of experience and be thankful that I can have many “homes.” Kathy
"The only two times I am pretty certain of are ‘l’heure du goûter’ (the hour of the treat) at 4pm and 'l'heure de l'apéro’ (the hour of the Apero) 6pm. In the end, I guess that is all I really need to know with precision - the rest can be relative. "
This and being comfortable in your skin is all the "Frenchness" I need in my life ; ) And interesting that we spoke about similar topics in our newsletters this weekend - your "succès" and my "moving forward" have remarkable similarities.... Food for thought indeed and very personal but good to stop and reflect about from time to time to see just how far we've come!
I loved your newsletter! We are truly in tune - miles away, and we manage to have similar thoughts and perspectives. So nice knowing we always have more in common than not!
Wow, Jane, what a thoughtful prompt! I appreciate what you shared and how you share, so many a ha moments throughout this Prompt, thank you! Thank you for your thoughtful perspectives, which continue to inspire. I love how you look at ‘réussir’ and ‘succès’ and the journey. A wise reminder about the journey — to experience of and to be present along journey, because each new day provides opportunity for reinvention, possibly, reawakening and appreciation. It’s the journey that is fulfilling. I think about how I can reposition the definition of success (in a US workforce — for myself and my team). And, reminding myself of the comparison trap, it can be so deep and difficult. And, pausing to appreciate where I am, now - personally and professionally - and recognizing steps I chose along the way - to appreciate and often, learn from them. Thank you. So like you, I am most supportive that it’s important to be comfortable with oneself and that life’s journey is about the small wins (size does not matter).
Thank you so much for taking the time to read, Marcey! These are just my thoughts from my experiences, so take them with a grain of salt. But if they do make you look at the world slightly differently, then I'm so pleased! Diversity of ideas and perspectives keeps us fresh. So grateful to have you along for the ride!
Wow. A lot to unpack with this one!! What is success to me? I like that line you quoted "Success is the failure of failure". I think that very few things in life can be deemed a true success. Instead it is more like not failing or not quitting. You just keep going, and over time you can look back and see that you have made a lot of progress.
There are exceptions of course. I recently completed my degree.... My bachelor's degree, at the ripe old age of 53. I didn't need it for my job. I didn't get a raise or promotion . I have always worked and been hired based on my experience and certifications. But I wanted to finish it because it had been a goal I set for myself. Getting the diploma in my hand felt like an accomplishment. Success if you will. But I got it only because I didn't quit. I kept going. It took a lot of restarts, but eventually I found the right path. .....
So yes I agree with you. Life is more a series of 'small wins' rather than big goals.
Danyel, gosh, I wish we could unpack over wine together!! But until then, firstly, you are an inspiration! Bravo for completing your degree! And you did it for yourself—all the more delicious! And of course, if you look up those two words I mention in Prompts, you will in essence see that they are so similar - I am just sharing how I have come to interpret them. These are just my impressions. I love hearing yours, so thank you for sharing them. So looking forward to discussing over wine one day!
I would love that!
Hi Jane - Your insightful words really impacted me. I lived in Europe for 12 years and now am uneasily trying to readjust to life in the US. I still spend 3 or more months a year in Europe, mostly in France. I no longer feel fully at home anywhere, but you reminded me that I should embrace that diversity of experience and be thankful that I can have many “homes.” Kathy