Erika’s French Chapter: Finding Peace in Being Alone, Embracing French Culture, And Stepping Outside Your Comfort

I took the spotlight on this weeks episode. Abby asked me some questions on navigating my time abroad, finding comfort in being alone and what it really means to me, figuring out the french culture and opening up to build new relationships in a totally different country.

Abby kicks this conversation off with asking me: XYZ

If your’re the youngest sibling I’m sure you could agree that its easy to have a lot of things done for you. The exchange experience truly taught me how to do things for my self and become more self sufficient.

Did you find more peace being alone? What changed how you view alone time?

Before I left for exchange I set the intention to take on this experience solo, truly exploring what it really means to be alone. My understanding of alone time has completely shifted. Before, I often said I needed my “alone time” as a break from others—a reset. But being abroad showed me a different kind of solitude: being physically apart from my community for an extended period of time. That kind of alone time was deeper and more challenging.

Coming back, I realized how easy it can be to take your community for granted. It gave me space to reflect on how I show up for the people I love, and reminded me to truly appreciate the connections in my life.

How has this experienced changed the way you move through your twenties?

I spent a lot of time in the city of love - Paris. If you know me well, I have always been a very non-affectionate person. Spending so much time around love and affection has changed the way I move through the rest of my twenties, letting more of my guard down and channeling more love.

French people are known for living well but not being “healthy” in a North American idea… how do I view the European wellness lifestyle?

The Europeans are always walking, but to be fair their weather and cities are more walkable then anywhere in North America. Like many of us know, they are alot less packaged food, or mass production compared to North American way of eating which. However, its not to say they live extremely healthier than us based off of the amount of smoking drinking, and consumption of treats. Dont get me wrong, all of their bread and baked goods are freshly made with amazing ingredient however… you still can’t do consume this everyday and expect to be skinny. Being there for 6 months, I discovered there is an obvious better quality of food in France but this doesn’t mean they don’t have seed oils, and the things we try to avoid either, you still have to be cautious.

Did you notice a shift in your stress levels and eating habits?

Absolutely. When it comes to eating habits, one of the biggest shifts was learning to let go of control and surrender to whatever the menu had to offer. In a French-speaking culture where food is a part of the culture, making a bunch of modifications just isn’t part of the norm. The culture encouraged me to be more flexible and present with food, trusting the process.

As for stress—there was no chronic stress during my time in Europe, which felt like such a relief. Of course, there were moments of good stress—making my flights on time or keeping track of my passport (which I always had my family do for me before this) but overall, it was the kind of stress that comes from living fully, not from burnout or pressure.

Did the slower pace help you become more clear with your future career?

Moving into the French culture came with letting go of quite of a few wellness practices I really loved. I was missing my daily matcha, smoothies, pilates and regular visits to wellness studios. After living in the fast-paced city of Toronto and then experiencing Paris, I realized Im really not a city girl. I value open fields, animals, and space to feel grounded. That realization has brought me closer to understanding the kind of lifestyle I want to build. Something slower, more connected to nature, and deeply rooted in wellness.

European wellness hack I live by: Walking

European habit I’m not bringing home with me: Consumption of alcohol

Best moment I had completely alone: Plungin Heat Club contrast therapy in Copenhagen