I Was Afraid to Board My Plane to Paris

Day 1 of Traveling Through The Heart of Europe

August 30, 2012,  Paris, France

 

I was afraid to board my plane to Paris last night.

I waited in the airport with a few uncomfortable fears in my head, and wondered why this was happening now, at the beginning of such an exciting opportunity. Shouldn’t I be thrilled to leave? I didn’t fear for the safety of the plane, and the fears weren’t about readjusting to the culture, since this isn’t my first time easing into the French life. The fears were about readjusting me.

Here’s what was happening. My mind created fake fears, and I believe that they showed up because this trip is a catalyst for something big. I am able to step into another stage of my growth. My business will grow, my culinary experiences will expand, my feeling of fulfillment will be heightened, and relationships around the world will multiply. I’m sure that you’ve experienced some fears of your own as you step on the precipice of a new big leap.

I boarded anyway. With some outside assistance and good music, I pushed through the fears, knowing that at some point, they would subside. Shortly after take-off, as I sat next to the window, and watched a shimmering New York city fade away, I began to feel a rush of gratitude and excitement. I thought about my clients, my gratefulness for my nutrition students, colleagues, the people I love, my assistant, the opportunity to teach through Rick Steves, dark chocolate, and people who are already wanting to join me for the next round of 30 Days of Wonderful. (There’s been a lot of interest lately, and registration will open soon.)

This trip is a gift to myself, after 3 and a half years of dedicated business building. We all deserve gifts like this, and sometimes it takes a little self-convincing and outside support to help us move forward. Then it gets really good. I’m here now, and it’s been lovely.

 

Here are a few more things I’d love to share with you as I wind down from spending my first day back in Paris.

I am currently rocking out to music in the bar at my hotel in Montmartre. (There is no alcohol in me though, since I do not recommend drinking during or shortly after flying. It’s so bad for the immune system.) The bar is the best place to pick up internet, and I’m inspired to write.

I’d say that my face looks pretty good for having only slept about 6 hours in the last day and a half. I look awake! The plan to get me onto Europe time is working perfectly. The food I ate while flying was mostly raw vegetables and fruits, which kept my energy going. The flights felt like an extended nighttime, I’ve toured Paris all day, and then I’ll easily sleep tonight.

While the picnic I wanted under the Eiffel Tower was rained out, I was pointed toward the sandwich experience I had promised myself on this trip. I’m gluten-free at home, and decided to indulge in a Camembert baguette on this trip. It tasted delicious, yet I really am happier to be wheat-free. Bread is kind of boring, and a loaf feels dull especially after I’ve been off of it so long.

I have had more Evian today than one person ever needs, since my smaller SIGG bottle isn’t carrying enough liquid to last for more than an hour. Adjusting slowly to a new water source is a good precaution, so I’m drinking some tap water, and some bottled water as I ease into Europe.

And

Thank God this power adapter works with my apple products. I have not blown up the iPod touch or the laptop. Phwew! I will be able to continue writing to you and filming video. That is great news.

 

I’ll talk to you soon,

 

 

 

 

© Ava Waits 2012