It's a Good Life

It is always easier to complain about the negatives instead of focusing on the positives.  Lately, I find myself reflecting on how much we have going for us over here.  Yes, I miss my friends and family. Yes, I have like... no social life.  Yes, I clean nasty toilets every week.  No, there is still no Chick-fil-A or Michaels.

But here is what I know.

I live in FRANCE.  It is the most beautiful place on the planet. Where we live would make your jaw drop.  Sometimes in the mundane things (like driving to the grocery store the other day) I look around and think... um, I LIVE HERE.  Those snow-capped mountains in the distance, those insanely tall pine trees on the side of the road, the sparkling lake on my left...  I live here. I am finally living my dream abroad.  And I am still in awe of the beauty that surrounds me.

I may not love EVERY aspect of my job (ahem, the toilets) BUT... I am not stuck in a cubicle 40 hours a week, getting stomach aches and nerves before big meetings, and completely stressing out before talking to Upper Management.  My stress level over here (concerning work) is nonexistent.  What a nice change of pace after spending 6 straight years in high pressure Corporate America. I honestly didn't know an alternative could exist for me.  My days are full, but slow-paced. Productive, but not stressful.  I get to be with my husband every single day.  We have a home cooked lunch and dinner almost every day of the week together. How many couples can say that? I LOVE it.  I don't ever want to take that for granted.

The quality of life here is unmatched.  People do not CARE:  Where you work, what kind of car you drive, what you wear, etc. Coming from Dallas, this was a new thing to me but it is SO refreshing.  It honestly does not matter if you are the VP at the Bank or if you work at Simply (our grocery store). Everyone knows each other. No one is better than anyone else. It is not about the size of your house or paycheck.  It is a culture of cultivating relationships. Work to live, don't live to work.  This is the aspect of small town living that I have fallen madly in love with.  Simplicity.  Friendly faces.  Pace of life.

Thank You God. Thank you for opening this window of opportunity for us.  The pro's FAR OUTWEIGH the cons.  I love the life we have been given over here.  I am truly thankful for this season.  A season to know my in-laws better, be closer to some of my nieces and nephews, and spend every day with the man I love always within an arms reach.  I see growth and endless possibilities in our future. Grateful.