Tag: Personal Well-being

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

    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: a return to nature
    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
    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.

  • Consulting Business: Development, My 3-Week Growth & Career Transition

    Consulting Business: Development, My 3-Week Growth & Career Transition

    Three weeks. It feels like a lifetime packed into a few short weeks, doesn’t it? I’ve been working on several fronts lately, from envisioning a dream farm in France to navigating significant professional transitions. There’s also my consulting business development, a journey that’s been gaining momentum and demanding my focus. It’s been a period of intense activity and reflection, and I’m excited to bring you along for the ride.

    Personal

    Let’s start with the personal side of things. Over the past three weeks, I have been using Obsidian and its Canvas plugin not for professional ventures, but to map the renovation work to perform in our farm in France, our permaculture garden and food forest, the potential income streams coming from our activities in the farm. It’s getting quite complete and documented. Canvas allows to create logical connections between ideas very easily and in a visual way. Honestly, it’s been a game-changer! I’m a visual thinker, and being able to map out in a visual way is incredibly satisfying. It’s like building a digital blueprint of our dreams.

    Progressing on our permaculture garden and food forest,
    Progressing on our permaculture garden and food forest. Picture from “The Creative Gardener” by Adam Frost.

    Also, family coming first and with the weather slowly turning, we’ve been able to spend more time outdoors, which is always a boost, especially for long-distance hikers. I’m really looking forward to those long, sunny days in Southwest France.

    Family comes first. Always. Enjoying time outside.
    Family comes first. Always. My first daily devotion. Enjoying time outside with my daughter and my partner.

    Professional

    Professionally, it’s been a period of significant change. We have finalised the hiring process for my replacement. It’s been an interesting process and am happy to get to the end of it. Our commitment was to name my successor by the end of February and I am incredibly proud to announce that amongst the different options available, on the 28th of February we have promoted a member of my team. Achieving this, as a leader, is what I call a success. I have worked everyday for the past 3 years – since I have took my role of Engineering and Lab Manager – to grow the team. Supporting the development of each member of the team, encouraging initiatives and autonomy.

    On the other side of the mirror, there has been also some progress with regards to my career move. I had a very promising interview for a quality assurance role in the aerospace industry. Pivotal between Engineering and Programme departments, interfacing directly with Customers and Aviation authorities on different continent. It’s an exciting opportunity that aligns perfectly with my skills and interests.

    And then there’s my consulting business development. This is one of the side activity which I started back in 2021 at the end of the COVID-19 crisis, and that I have kept relatively marginal for the past years. However, this is (obviously) one of the most promising start-up I have launched, and with now several new opportunities on the line, it’s time to properly develop my start up consulting business growth.

    Working on my Consulting Business development
    Working on my Consulting Business development

    Inner

    Internally, I’ve been focusing on consistency. My journaling practice has been solid, but I’ve fallen behind on my mindfulness and breathing exercises. It’s a reminder that balance is crucial.

    With regards to fitness, I have been pretty good and consistent. I have really started tracking my progress with a Honor 5 band (yes, that’s an old one!) and the Huawei Health app, since the 10th of February. The records show a very good progression. I have been burning some fat, cycling 50 km, walking 40 km, and doing some other exercises as well. I am monitoring heart beats and blood pressure, and those are top-notch.

    Fitness tracking shows good results and consistency
    Fitness tracking shows good results and consistency

    The only area for improvement is my sleep. Duration is good and am pretty consistent with my bedtime (9:30pm) and getting up at 5am. However quality is just average, as I am waking up several times and my deep sleep is too fragmented.

    What’s coming up for next week

    Next week, I am heading to France on Monday where I will be exploring professional opportunities. I will also stay at our (new) place and will gather data to schedule the renovation work and envision our future projects.

    It’s an exciting time, filled with possibilities.

    Final words

    As I prepare to head to France (I am just finishing packing!), I’m looking forward for the opportunities that lie ahead.

    This period of growth has reinforced a fundamental truth: life is a continuous process of building, adapting, and discovering. Whether it’s nurturing a team, charting a new career path, or developing a consulting business, each step contributes to the larger picture. One should always remember that every challenge has a solution, and those ‘aha’ moments are often found in the most unexpected places. If you’re feeling inspired to take action, whether it’s on your personal or professional front, start today – seriously, even if that’s by taking the smallest step in the history of mankind.

    And if you’re also on a journey of consulting business development or navigating a significant transition, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your thoughts, challenges, and triumphs in the comments below. Let’s learn and grow together.

  • Moving to France: We Got the Keys! Our Hautes-Pyrénées Dream Begins!

    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!
    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.

    Enjoying a good fire in our stove during our quick trip
    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!

  • Learning to Buy Back My Time: Initial Reflections & Takeaways (2025 Wk2)

    Learning to Buy Back My Time: Initial Reflections & Takeaways (2025 Wk2)

    I have realised that those days I am becoming more aware to the concept of “buy back your time”. This 2nd week of 2025 has been a mix of excitement, domestic challenges, and continued focus on personal growth. As always, I’m sharing my reflections and actionable takeaways in the hope that they might resonate with you, spark a “haha” moment, or perhaps even inspire you on your own path.

    Personal:

    This week has been punctuated by some big personal milestones. On Friday evening, we received a request from the notary to transfer funds to a blocked account for our new property in the South West of France! This is the final step before signing the purchase agreement—so exciting! We’re now busy preparing to move our money next week. It’s a huge step for our family, and we’re buzzing with anticipation.

    On the goal-setting front and following last week activity, I’ve been refining my 2025 plans. I’ve reworked my copy, streamlining the number of annual goals and top-level priorities. I’m also reviewing the indicators I’ll use to monitor progress and the related scorecard. I’m still pondering the “quality” of these indicators, ensuring they truly reflect what I want to achieve. It’s a work in progress, but it’s an important process to ensure I’m living life by design, not by default.

    Family time was a priority this week, too. We enjoyed some great moments playing new board games and having cosy evenings watching Ice Age and Madagascar with our little one. It’s these simple moments that truly recharge me.

    Mancala is a great game to play!
    Anna bought several board games including this mancala, that we tried in the evening. Such a great game! That’s also a benefit from buy back your time: to dedicate more time to your loved ones!

    Another real highlight was seeing our daughter’s growing interest in reading and writing. It’s incredible to witness her enthusiasm as I show her how to write her name and trace letters. Moments like these make all the effort worthwhile.

    Baby steps to buy back my time

    Now, for a slightly less glamorous (but very real) part of life: plumbing! I spent a few hours this weekend tackling a badly done wastewater pipe in our kitchen. It was completely clogged due to a poor slope (it was basically going the wrong way!).

    While fixing it, I was listening to Dan Martell’s videos about outsourcing low-value tasks. He suggests that if outsourcing a task costs less than a quarter of your hourly income, it’s worth it. Unfortunately, plumbing repairs currently cost significantly more than that for me, especially on weekends.

    However, this has given me a very tangible goal: to increase my hourly income to at least four times the hourly rate of a plumber (which sits between £50 and £70 per hour) within the next 18 months. Considering the average number of worked hours in the UK is 1,524, this would mean a yearly income of at least £304,800. It’s a big goal, but it’s motivating! This is a clear example of how to buy back your time by increasing your income. I will feedback this into my 2025 goal settings too!

    Professional:

    Professionally, I had a fascinating visit to Safran Electrical & Power Pitstone, where they’re developing and industrialising electric motors and generators for future platforms. Even if this was not my first visit on this site, it was truly impressive and motivational to see the innovation happening there.

    I’ve also been refining my CV and have started applying for job offers. I’m actively exploring new opportunities while also working with my HR department to see if there are possibilities to continue my journey within the Safran Group. Should you see some opportunities, let me know!

    Inner:

    On the inner front, I experimented with different meditation practices this week but haven’t found one that truly resonates yet. I’m open to suggestions if any of you have recommendations!

    My sleep has improved slightly in quality, although the duration still needs work. I’ve been focusing on my evening routine, and it seems the first results are starting to show.

    It’s been a very cold week (for the UK) with temperature going down as low as -6°C early morning, however sunny most of the days, which has been a welcome boost.

    What’s on the Menu for Next Week?

    The main objective for next week is to finalise the funds transfer for our new house. It’s a big step, and I’m eager to get it sorted.

    I also need to write to HMRC about a potential tax overpayment. It seems I’ve been paying too much tax for several years, although I’ll only be able to claim back the last four years.

    Conclusion:

    This week with exciting personal milestones, practical challenges and continued focus on personal and professional development is a reminder that life is a constant journey of learning, adapting, and striving to live by design. Sometimes, that means fixing a clogged pipe; other times, it means setting ambitious income goals so that one day we can outsource such tasks, truly learning how to buy back your time. What are your reflections this week? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

  • Family Time and Setting Annual Objectives for a Successful 2025

    Family Time and Setting Annual Objectives for a Successful 2025

    As the first week of 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect and share my experiences, particularly around setting annual objectives for the year ahead. This week has been focused on family time and on laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling 2025, both personally and professionally.

    Personal Reflections

    This week was a mix of family time and strategic planning.

    On New Year’s Eve, we enjoyed a wonderful evening with our neighbours, celebrating the start of 2025. And on New Year’s Day, we hosted Nelly’s best friend and his mom for a pleasant afternoon.
    Overall, I’m very happy with the amount of quality time I spent with my family this week. “Family always come first” is one of my core principles.

    The 2nd and 3rd of January were dedicated to preparing my annual objectives for 2025, complete with relevant indicators. Each goal aligns with my long-term goals, addressing the eight forms of wealth (Inner, Vitality, Physical, Craft, Prosperity, Circle of Genius, Adventure, and Impact) described by Robin Sharma in his book “The Wealth Money Can’t Buy” – I cannot recommend enough this masterpiece. I’m using a Hoshin Kanri X Matrix to organise the data and a scorecard to track progress. I’ll plan activities at a macro level in my agenda and detail them as I go. I will share more about my goal-setting process in a dedicated post.

    Setting Annual Objectives using a Hoshin Kanri X Matrix
    Setting Annual Objectives using a Hoshin Kanri X Matrix

    I also started reading “Losing My Virginity” by Sir Richard Branson – it’s proving to be a good read!

    Professional Update

    On the professional side, I’m pleased to share that this website is now recognised by both Google and Bing, and the sitemap has been submitted.

    I also finally posted on LinkedIn about my search for new challenges and opportunities. You can find the post on LinkedIn here.

    Inner Growth

    I’ve restarted my 5 am morning routine, which feels great.
    We also spend time in the nature, fresh air, curiosity and discovery! Great for the mind!

    I’ve also changed my journaling approach, now splitting it into morning and evening sessions. I’ll share more about the benefits of journaling and my writing process in a future post.

    My sleep quality has been poor lately, and improving it is one of my annual objectives. I’m considering getting a sleep tracker – any recommendations are welcome!

    We had two very sunny days this week, the first in weeks. I missed bright light and have hopefully topped up on vitamin D!

    This week was also about reconnecting with friends we have not seen for a very long time.
    First with a dear friend who was surprised and happy to hear about our upcoming move from the UK. We were equally surprised to learn he was flying to Kathmandu for 2 weeks of trekking in Nepal!
    And then with Alex and Jean-Philippe, a couple we met during our Camino in 2023. We had good fun together, and they kindly learned Nelly (not even 3 at the time) to make faces and to harvest snails. It was wonderful to get some news from them and hopefully we will meet again in 2025!

    What’s on the Menu for Next Week?

    • Personal: Complete my goal setting for 2025.
    • Professional: Continue refining my CV and applying for jobs, while also exploring freelance opportunities.
    • Inner: Focus on improving my sleep quality.

    Few words to conclude

    As it is the start of a new year, and better than resolutions, I strongly suggest to work towards setting annual objectives and creating a fulfilling year.

    I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your key focuses for 2025? Share your reflections in the comments below!

  • A Week of Festive Joy, Connection, and Looking Ahead to a Sparkling 2025! (2024 Wk52)

    A Week of Festive Joy, Connection, and Looking Ahead to a Sparkling 2025! (2024 Wk52)

    This week has been a delightful blend of festive joy, meaningful connections, and exciting anticipation for a sparkling 2025! From heart-warming (extended) family gatherings and delicious feasts to professional updates and rediscovering the power of simple self-care, it’s been a time of pure positivity and forward momentum.

    Personal Celebrations: Festive Joy and Delicious Delights

    The holiday spirit was truly alive and well this year! Celebrating Christmas with my family and a cherished friend was an absolute delight. We shared laughter, created beautiful memories, and basked in the warmth of shared traditions.

    And of course, no celebration is complete without some truly delicious food! I had a blast baking traditional Polish poppy seed cakes (makowiec) – the aroma alone was enough to fill the house with festive cheer! And I also enjoyed preparing other Polish Christmas classics like Christmas Eve pasties (Paszteciki wigilijne) and perfectly crispy breaded carp.

    Home made Christmas Eve pasties (Paszteciki wigilijne)
    I also enjoyed preparing other Polish Christmas classics like Christmas Eve pasties (Paszteciki wigilijne)

    Let’s talk wine! Along with the food, we opened some truly exceptional bottles that elevated our celebrations even further:

    • A 2010 rosé d’Anjou was a burst of summer in a glass,
    • a 2013 Juliénas (red) was equally delightful.
    • We even unearthed a sparkling rosé from 1996 (or was it 1995?) from the talented winemaker Moine-Vincendeau in Noizay.

    Each sip was a reminder of the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. While these wines were a treat, I realised I am going to miss my perfect wine cellar back in Perrusson – pitch black, no vibrations, and consistently stable humidity and temperature year-round. It truly was a haven for preserving those liquid treasures!

    As if the celebrations weren’t wonderful enough, I received a great Christmas gift: “Losing my Virginity,” Sir Richard Branson’s autobiography. I’m incredibly inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life, and I can’t wait to dive into his incredible story.

    Professional: Exciting Opportunities on the Horizon

    On the professional front, I’ve made some exciting updates to my online presence, including adding a direct link to my LinkedIn profile on this website. This makes connecting even easier, and I’m excited to see what new opportunities arise.

    I’m also clarifying what I’m looking for in my next professional adventure: a fully remote role or a hybrid position that allows for occasional travel – up to three hours for meetings or in-person collaborations. I’m eager to find a role where I can contribute my skills and passion to a dynamic and innovative team.

    Inner: Rediscovering the Power of Simple Joys

    This week has also been about reconnecting with myself and nurturing my inner well-being. I’m thrilled to have re-established my morning routine, which sets a positive and productive tone for each day.

    I’ve also been reflecting on Robin Sharma’s insightful concept of the four interior empires: mindset, heartset, healthset, and soulset. This week, I focused on tending to these areas by simply connecting with close friends and enjoying precious moments with my partner and daughter. I’ve realized that cultivating inner peace and happiness doesn’t require grand gestures; it’s about appreciating the simple joys and nurturing meaningful connections.

    Looking Forward to a Brilliant 2025!

    This week has been a beautiful blend of celebration, heartfelt connections, and a hopeful outlook for a sparkling 2025. From festive joy, gatherings and delectable treats to professional progress and rediscovering the power of simple self-care, it’s been a truly uplifting and fulfilling experience.

    As we are going to step into 2025, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures ahead. I’m committed to pursuing my goals with passion, nurturing my relationships with love, and continuing my journey of self-discovery with joy.

    I’d love to hear about your week! What moments brought you joy? What are you most looking forward to in 2025? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below – let’s spread the positivity!

    Bonus!

    I thought this would be a good idea to share an extract of “Losing my Virginity” by Sir Richard Branson. You’re welcome! 😉

  • A Week of Transitions: Moving out, Careers, and Rediscovering Balance (2024 Wk51)

    A Week of Transitions: Moving out, Careers, and Rediscovering Balance (2024 Wk51)

    This week has seen significant steps in our move to the South West of France. From the practicalities of moving out to contemplating career changes and reconnecting with personal well-being, it’s been a busy but ultimately fulfilling period!

    Personal: Saying Goodbye to Perrusson, Hello (soon) to Burg

    The dominant theme of my personal life this week has been moving out effectively from my house in Perrusson. This involved a flurry of activity, from the practical to the emotional. I spent a considerable amount of time over the past days sorting through my belongings, deciding what to take with me to our new home and what to leave behind. This process was more than just decluttering; it was a symbolic act of letting go some of the past and embracing the future.

    Logistics also played a major role. I arranged for my Mazda RX-8 and my Citroën 2CV to be temporarily housed with close friends until they can be transported to Burg in January. This was a huge relief and I’m incredibly grateful for their help. My friends also collected the white goods, some furniture, and leftover building materials, and they will ensure they all go to good homes.

    The actual moving day was a marathon. The moving company (NAKA Transports) arrived on Monday at 5:40pm and we started loading the moving truck immediately. After 3 hours of intense work with head torches and LED projectors (reminder: no electricity in the house, and it’s winter time, so it’s dark early!), the truck was off to Burg. They arrived at our new place the morning after and unloading went smoothly, thanks to the precious help of Ian who made the space available. We are incredibly well surrounded.

    I spend Tuesday and Wednesday focused on the final clean of the Perrusson house. It was exhausting but satisfying to see everything come together.

    Finally, I had an important appointment (the most important) at the notary on Thursday morning, which finalized the legal aspects of the sale. Everything went smoothly and the keys have been handed over to the new owner, marking the official start of a new chapter for her and for us! Very happy to have passed the baton so that she can continue the work I have started.

    My house in Perrusson sitting mostly empty after moving out
    My house in Perrusson sitting (mostly) empty after the move is completed

    Despite the stress of moving out, I have been able to reconnect with close friends and spend quality time with them, which was a much-needed source of relaxation and joy.

    Professional: Charting a New Course

    My professional life has also been a focus -far behind the move though – this week. I’ve been actively reviewing job offers, with a strong preference for remote or hybrid positions that offer greater flexibility. This has involved updating my curriculum vitae to accurately reflect my skills and experience.

    In addition to job searching, I’ve been seriously considering setting up my own business. I’m exploring the possibility of offering consultancy and auditing services, leveraging my expertise to help other businesses thrive. This is an exciting prospect, though it requires careful planning and consideration, as expected.

    Inner: Reconnecting with Myself

    Amidst the chaos of moving and career planning, I have neglected my personal well-being. I missed my daily meditation and journaling practices for the entire week, which left me feeling slightly disconnected. Thankfully, I managed to restart these practices on Saturday, which helped me regain a sense of balance.

    Despite the hectic schedule, I maintained a relaxed attitude and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with friends. It was a good reminder of the importance of social connection and taking time to unwind. They also embarked me on a week of food re-education. Raclette, goat cheese and Roquefort, duck, mussels, divinely cooked and served with the right wines each time. I must admit, after a week of focusing on “healthier” meals, I can confidently say that French food and cuisine are definitely above others!

    France remains a heaven for foodies!
    France remains a heaven for foodies

    Conclusion: A Week of Progress and New Beginnings

    This week has been a significant period of transition, marked by progress in both my personal (mostly) and professional life (eventually). The move to Burg is complete, and I’m looking forward to settling into our new home in a few weeks. Professionally, I’m exploring new opportunities and considering exciting entrepreneurial ventures. Most importantly, I’ve reaffirmed the importance of maintaining balance and prioritizing my personal well-being. Also reconnecting with friends have proven very effective on my inner happiness and mental health.

    Looking ahead to next week, which also happens to be Christmas week. I anticipate a time of celebration, reflection, and recharging before the new year. Did you had similar shifts in life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Please feel free to share your comments below!