Moving abroad and creating a home in a foreign land (or even a new city for that matter) is by all accounts an overwhelming experience. Finding a place for yourself, new friends, a job which often means a new career, all leading to what is called a life. In so doing, there is often much time to reflect. To think about what it is exactly that you want to do in this new life, what you want to create for yourself, and what is even possible. Not to mention, what will bring you fulfillment. Within the space of an odd and curious new world, you are forced to examine yourself more closely.
In so doing, I find it enabling and empowering that we can recreate ourselves as who we believe we are, rather than who we have been labeled to be in our past lives. The possibilities are endless!
I won’t get into my personal history, how little I cared for cliques in high school, and never opted to be part of a fraternity in college, always seeking my own path, accepting not to fit in, whatever that means in American standards, white picket fence and all. And how happy I am for doing so.
I can very well say that I have pursued and continue to pursue my dreams. Certainly not without difficulty. A little language barrier can’t stop you, can it? Nor can all those voices of reason. Hence my decision to travel the world and move to Paris.
In the past, most often led by the adult, I achieved both success and fulfillment working in advertising (one of my long-time professional dreams) and will continue to do so, though Paris is a long way from Madison Avenue.
Sometimes in the pursuit of dreams, it’s important to ignore the adult and pay attention to the child. Who were you before you were told who you should be?
I discovered my child a few years ago, very fittingly, in the home of my youth, while hand-printing canvas and constructing a bag from it, creating what I call wearable art. The dietz bag was born and thus began my life as a designer, combining my love for art, design and fashion, led by inspiration from my mom. More on that later. (Incidentally, my other dream of writing comes from my dad.)
Along this journey I have met many fellow expats and non-expats living what they consider their dreams, having chosen to follow their hearts and/or instincts. In the next several months I will share their stories and hope to learn of others. Many of these people I am pleased to consider my friends.
This leads to my query. Are you pursuing your dreams? If so, do tell! If not, what are they? Take a moment to think. And if need be, pack up and start again. Figuratively if not literally.
parfait! 🙂 miss you.
Lovely post Kasia… I dream of publishing novels…. someday.
Follow that dream!! Very interested to hear more about the novels, as someone who loves to write.
Another inspiring post, Kasia. I believe I’m living my dream. Glad you are, too.
Yes, we are living one of many more to come.
Beautiful post. No, I am not doing exactly what I want, close, but I think I will get there. I love the bags and can’t wait to share!
I’m certain you will get there Andi, with your positive energy and attitude, and a curiosity to know, learn, do… All comes to those who seek it, right?
New bags on the way….soon!
Keep following the dream, and may you catch up with one or two of them from time to time.
It is in ‘living’ the dreams that we catch up with them.
[…] current one, that doesn’t mean she isn’t prepared to begin others if it means she can pursue her dreams. Her message is simple: follow your […]
Ah, we have so much in common! I was always outside the mainstream, never in with a crowd, never really fitting in, always looking for something else. And I married a (French)man just the same. Together we have created our own world, own language, own dreams….
And how happy are you for doing so? Can’t wait to hear more about the ‘dream’ world you created.
I am very happy and grateful to be one of the dream-livers! And I know by your attitude and grace that you will continue living your dream life, in Paris and beyond! xo
Thanks Amy, I will always do my best. Looking forward to sharing more Paris/NYC flavored dreams with you!
Love your positive vibe in this post, which is very inspiring!
The funny thing about life is that you think you’re supposed to be happy if you’re living “someone else’s” dream. I have lots of friends from back home who always say “How lucky you are to live in Paris, etc, etc” And, my initial thought is ” Yes, I am lucky – I should be completely satisfied with my life” but, then my second thought is “hey – it’s not just luck. It took hard work and a bit of a stubborn side to get here!” So, that is not to say I’m not happy with my life. I’ve got a really good one. But, I’m always wanting to push for even more. I think it’s important to keep reaching for bigger dreams and better goals…even if your life – by many accounts – is already pretty damn good. It’s that forward motion, that continual striving to enrich our lives that keeps us ensures we’ll never get stuck in a rut and just satisfy ourselves with what’s *supposed* to be our dreams. I think I’m rambling…anyway, good topic & keep following your dreams! 😉
I agree with you Forest, you often need to create your own ‘luck’ in life, by taking a chance and following the path that you assign yourself. Not by living “someone else’s” dream but your own, if you take the time to know yourself and find it. There is always more to dream, achieve, imagine… while appreciating all that we have already achieved as well as identifying the struggles and pleasures along the way. (Sometimes too easy to lose sight of that too.)
More ‘rambling’ in person soon… 🙂
[…] for others. I am equally excited to share stories that inspire me via my own blog, as in The Dream Life series, as well as to share my life via […]