Thierry Kervella

Tag: Our Life Project

Life Reflection in a Nutshell: Balancing Work, Nature, and Personal Aspirations

It’s Monday evening, and I am (again?) late in publishing my weekly insights. As announced 8 days ago, I was traveling last week and came back with my heart and mind full of experiences. A good bit of life reflection: professional milestones, and the quiet yearning for a simpler life, a life more deeply rooted in nature. The messy, exhilarating, and deeply human process of piecing together a life that feels authentic.

Personal

The draw of our farm in southwest France continues to be a -very!- powerful force. I spent precious hours there, not just as a visitor, but as a future inhabitant, taking measurements, capturing the essence of the place in photos and videos. I’m building a vision, a sanctuary for us and those who resonate with its quiet beauty. It’s a dream that’s taking shape, brick by metaphorical brick. Soon literally. I would have liked to have my family with me to share some wonderful moments!

Life reflection: the time spent in France was a fantastic blessing, a return to the rhythms of nature. The silence, the sunlight, the simple warmth – it was a profound reminder of what truly matters.

I have also used my time to catch up with friends. I am thinking about family and friends all the time, yet giving a phone call to get some news is not natural for me (inherited from childhood), but fighting against the reluctance to simply pick up the phone. Somehow it’s a conscious effort for me to nurture the relationships that truly nourish the soul. It’s not easy, but every call is a victory.

Professional

The week started fantastically well, as while I was going to the airport on Monday, I have received a message awarding me with my first independent consulting contract. I felt a surge of validation, a tangible reward for taking the leap. Especially when starting your journey, the imposter syndrome is always close by, and it takes some resolve to carry on on a logical path (after all, you know what expertise you have and how you built yourself up to where you are).

Working on my Consulting Business development

This week, the other side of my professional landscape shifted dramatically too. An interview at a leading helicopter engine company sparked a flurry of “what ifs,” the prospect of a challenging but potentially rewarding commute hanging in the balance (65km each way and about 2 hours per day on the road).

Inner

The time spent in France was a fantastic blessing, a return to the rhythms of nature. The silence, the sunlight, the simple warmth – it was a profound reminder of what truly matters.

Back in the UK, I also took time to go for morning walks, bathing in nature. This was calming and energising.

It’s been a week of intense activity, a balancing act – as always – between the external world and the quiet whispers of my inner self.

What About Next Week?

Knowing it’s Monday, I should consider “What about this week”!

My immediate focus is obviously on delivering for my new consulting client.

I’m also determined to carve out time for family, to create moments of joy and connection. A day in London, a shared experience – these are the moments that truly enrich life.

Final Words

Life isn’t a neatly packaged narrative. It’s an always evolving story, a continuous building act, a constant negotiation between our dreams and our realities.

From life reflection, within that wonderful chaos, there’s an opportunity to design a life that feels authentic, to find balance and purpose. Every challenge holds – at least – a solution. Every step forward is a blessing.

What are your life reflection this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s connect, let’s inspire, let’s remind each other that we’re all navigating this beautiful, messy journey together.

10/03/2025
An Eclectic Week: French Farm Renovation, Family Time, and Career Updates

This week has been a delightful mix of progress, challenges, and precious moments. It’s amazing how much can happen in just a week! From thinking and learning about our French farm renovation to celebrating family time together and making strides in my career, it’s been some truly eclectic 7 days.

Personal

This week (and the same week each year) bring a touch of bittersweet nostalgia. The 5th of February was my Dad’s birthday; he would have been 71… Bon anniversaire Papa, miss you!

On a lighter note, I finally succumbed to the allure of Vinted! Yes, I’m a late bloomer, but I’m thrilled with my discovery. I snagged a brand new pair of Salomon Ultra 4 mid-cut wide fit hiking boots for a steal – £70 instead of £191 on Amazon! They’re perfect timing, as my trusty old hiking boots – a pair of Salomon X Ultra 3 , which have accompanied me on adventures from Georgia to Tenerife, Brazil, Sicily and beyond, are passed retirement. They’ve served me extremely well, but it’s time for a worthy successor.

Salomon X Ultra 4 mid-cut found on Vinted! Will this help for our French farm renovation?

We’ve also been making some practical decisions!
We’re switching some bank accounts to First Direct (HSBC group) to take advantage of a £175 welcome bonus. Every little bit helps!

And speaking of finances, I’ve submitted a request to Ma Prime Renov’ (Rénov’Occitanie Hautes-Pyrénées) to help us navigate the process of improving the energy efficiency of our new farm (Yes!! We bought an old farm!). Our French farm renovation is a big project, and I want to take full advantage of any available financial assistance, including grants and subsidies. The farm itself is a constant source of inspiration and work. I’ve been busy detailing the improvements we want to make. It’s exciting to envision the future! In parallel, to help speed up the sale of our flat in the UK, we’ve decided to work with multiple agencies. Fingers crossed for a quick and smooth process.

Professional

Professionally, I’ve passed an interview for a potential next step in my career! Fingers crossed for good news. And on the other side of the table, I’ve finalised the first round of interviews to find my successor. It’s rewarding to help someone else grow and take on new challenges.

I’ve had some exciting learning moments. I’ve discovered the Canvas core plugin in Obsidian, and it’s a game-changer for mind mapping! The flexibility is incredible, and I have been using it extensively this week. Check out this demo by Vicky Zhao [BEEAMP] for a glimpse of its power.

Inner

This week – as always – has also been a time for personal growth. In a funny twist, I’ve been consciously working on my tolerance and patience. A seemingly simple task – replacing the mixer tap of the basin in the bathroom – turned into a mini-saga when I discovered the shut-off valves were inaccessible (Yay!). Let’s just say there was some creative plumbing involved (and a little bit of splashing!). But I persevered and got the job done.

Family time is always a priority. We enjoyed a lovely walk all together this Sunday, after a day with Nelly on Saturday while Mama took a well deserved day off to go to the theater. These moments are so precious!

I’m also continuing my quest for better sleep. I’ll be using an Honor 5 band tracker to monitor my sleep patterns and hopefully make some improvements.

What’s Next

My immediate focus is to fully understand the ins and outs of Ma Prime Renov’. I also want to continue developing our plans for the farm improvements, which includes learning about French drains! It’s a continuous learning process.

Life, as always, is a balancing act. Between the French farm renovation, my career, family, and personal growth, there’s always something to keep me busy. But I’m learning to embrace the eclectic nature of it all and to find joy in the journey. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every problem has a solution.

What about you? What are some of your recent reflections or “aha!” moments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

09/02/2025
Moving to France: We Got the Keys! Our Hautes-Pyrénées Dream Begins!

Moving to France just gave us the biggest high-five ever! And that high five came few days ago in the form of a single key. Not a set, just a small key – the key to our very own place in the Hautes-Pyrénées! This isn’t just about a new house; it’s about unlocking a dream, a future filled with sunshine, fresh air, and a generous helping of joie de vivre. It’s a dream we’ve been nurturing, and seeing it start to bloom is absolutely thrilling!

Personal Reflections

The past two weeks have been the happiest for quite some time! Our quick trip to the Hautes-Pyrénées confirmed everything we’d hoped for and more: this is definitely the place for us.

Driving through the picturesque countryside, the majestic Pyrenees looming in the (close) distance, we felt a sense of homecoming. The tranquillity is palpable, the scenery breath-taking, and the pace of life…well, let’s just say it’s a welcome change from the hustle and bustle! We explored charming local markets overflowing with delicious regional specialties, picturing ourselves becoming regulars.

Even in January, the sun’s warmth and the crisp mountain air were invigorating. These moments of connection with nature are pure magic – they recharge our batteries and put smiles on our faces.

And our daughter? She had a blast! Discovering frogs in the (admittedly chilly) swimming pool – or pond – was a major highlight, and she instantly bonded with the friendly local cats. Seeing her so happy and at home made our hearts sing.

The view from our new home in the Hautes-Pyrenees, with the majestic Pyrenees looming in the (close) distance,

Back in the UK, we’re riding high on this wave of positive energy! We’re full steam ahead with selling our current place (multiple agencies are on the case!), and we’re enthusiastically diving into the planning stages. From the (sometimes daunting) administrative details to dreaming up exciting improvements for our new home – a vibrant vegetable garden, a cosy reading nook with a mountain view, perhaps even a swing! – we’re embracing every step with excitement. Sure that can feel a little overwhelming at times, but we remind ourselves that each task is a step closer to our sun-drenched, mountain-view dream.

Professional Development

The Hautes-Pyrénées region is brimming with exciting professional possibilities! Whether it’s joining a dynamic company or forging our own path with a new venture, the potential is inspiring. I’m exploring the options with a spring in my step, considering how my skills and experience can best contribute. I’m also giving thought to the kind of work that will allow us to truly embrace the lifestyle we’re seeking when moving to France – one with more time for family, more time for nature, and more time for those simple pleasures that bring so much joy.

Inner Growth

Our time in France was incredibly restorative. I found myself naturally settling into a state of mindful presence, especially while enjoying a cup of tea while gazing at the magnificent mountains. The quiet was a balm to the soul, punctuated only by the delightful sounds of birdsong. It’s amazing how such simple moments can bring such profound clarity. I’m continuing to refine my approach to energy management and prioritization, always aiming for greater impact and fulfilment.

A log burning in the stove in our new house. It’s amazing how such simple moments can bring such profound happiness

I made one noticeable change to my morning and evening routines. I have stopped setting up morning alarms to get up on time. Instead I have set up a bedtime alarm (typically 9:30pm). Doing so lead me to go to bed on time, and I rely on my body clock and natural resting cycle to get up in the morning. Not being forced out of your sleep to start your day put you in a much better energy and mood. Should you get it a try?

Looking Ahead

On the immediate horizon: selling our UK property (fingers crossed for a smooth and speedy process!), meticulously planning the move (from packing boxes to navigating French bureaucracy), and continuing to explore those tempting professional avenues in the Hautes-Pyrénées. We’re counting down the days until we can fully settle into our French home, tending to our garden, exploring the local hiking trails, and becoming part of the warm and welcoming community.

Conclusion

Moving to France is for us the embodiment of intentional living – it’s about taking the reins and creating a life that truly reflects our values and brings us joy. It’s a grand adventure, and we’re absolutely loving every minute of it! We’d love to hear your thoughts – have you ever taken a leap of faith to pursue a dream? Share your stories and sprinkle some of your own sunshine in the comments below!

02/02/2025