Good Bye Comfort Zone ~ Hello France

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~ Howard Thurman

Earlier this year, a friend of mine convinced me we should attend a retreat to the South of France in August for ten days. Within a few minutes, I agreed. It didn’t take too much to persuade me. I enjoy traveling. We booked our flights, etc. everything was in order.

A few months later, she changed her mind about going. I couldn’t believe it. All she kept talking about was how much fun we’re going to have. At that moment, I prayed for guidance. I recalled asking “What do I really want? Is this trip important to me?”

My answer was Yes. I was going on this trip. On my own.

When I started telling people I was going on a retreat to the South of France for ten days, their first question would be the same: Who are you going with? When I said I was going on my own, their reactions were similar. “You are?”

You get to pick your fears. Don’t let them choose you.

I left the screens behind and experienced hiking in the forest and communing with nature. Would wake up to fresh fruit, croissants, etc. everyday and meals consisted mostly of vegetables, bread and cheese.

The experience of meeting 12 fabulous people from around the world changed me forever. I gained a new perspective on the world from our conversations during meal time, shared personal stories, cried and laughed so hard until my eyes would tear. I was transformed.

One day before I was leaving back home, I text my girlfriend “thank you for being the catalyst”.

37 thoughts on “Good Bye Comfort Zone ~ Hello France

  1. I enjoyed your post. In 2006, I came to France alone armed with a rail pass and backpack. The following year I moved here, alone. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Léa

  2. Wonderful! I actually think it’s so important to go on holiday on your own sometimes! You get to have a lot of ‘you’ time and do everything that you want to! Not to mention all the people you meet!

  3. It is an ideal trip. Such trips, away from the world of social media, are like a breath of fresh air. They offer you ample opportunities for introspection, self-reflection, and contemplation. You get to explore the real world which is not fit into a small screen of our mobile phones and laptops. Happy for you 🙂

      1. That is what most people need to understand….getting away from the suffocating life of phones and other gadgets and exploring the real word physically can be an adventure.

  4. What a gorgeous journey Bernice! That’s memory for life. I too would have gone for it, I love solo trips. The freedom to explore the unknown, the opportunity to wander and get to know the culture and people. It’s a dream. Thanks for sharing! Lovely!

  5. Good for you for going, Bernice! The fact that you had so quickly signed up, was an indication, I believe, that you were meant to go on that trip! It sounds like it was rewarding to you in so many ways! Life sometimes provides amazing opportunities! I hope you find many more! 😊

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