I just wrapped up my fabulous yoga retreat in Morocco (more on that later), and today is my first full day in Paris, where I’ll be for a whole month. I could not be more excited!
My partner and I will stay in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. I’m unfamiliar with this neighborhood, but my research tells me it’s residential and comfortable. Like much of Paris, it’s certainly walkable and close to public transportation. We’re particularly close to Père Lachaise Cemetery and the Marais and Canal St. Martin, both hip neighborhoods of Paris. Of the countless places (restaurants, cafes, pâtisseries, bookstores, museums, shops) I’ve put in my comprehensive Paris Spreadsheet (capital P capital S), at least ⅓ spots are in those two neighborhoods alone.
I’ll be in Paris for a month to take in the city, go to museums, eat and drink wine at local restaurants, get to know people who live here, and write every day. I’ll post something new each day here on my website, and I will send out a weekly newsletter featuring that week’s offerings. If you want to receive my weekly newsletter while I’m in Paris, you can subscribe here.
Why undertake a month-long writing project in Paris? When I go too long without journaling or writing I overthink things. I go over and over events (both past and future) in my head. I perseverate.
Writing is my outlet, a way to express my thoughts, feelings, and emotions on paper. When I write I am more centered and thoughtful and reflective. I am more myself.
Paris for me exists in this in-between space, a time away from my regular life and schedule at home. This time in Paris provides an opportunity for me to shape new patterns and behaviors. When I’m in Paris I allow myself to spend my days à l’aise. I’m much less structured, which I find conducive for my creative output. I make time to write in Paris — and while abroad in general — in ways I never do at home. I fully believe this cultural and linguistic shift will give me the space, as James Clear laid out in his fascinating book, Atomic Habits, to build a writing practice into a daily habit.
Paris Project guidelines:
- I will write something new everyday; Editing old content doesn’t count.
- I will mix up my topics and styles. I will not just describe what or who I saw that day.
- I will set a timer and write for 20-30 minutes.
Let the adventure begin!
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