1. It’s not a bad day. It’s a bad moment & if it becomes a bad day, always remember it’s a good life.
Even in the moments I wanted nothing more than to be on a flight home, I knew it was just a bad moment, and that it would only get worse if I let it wear me down. Making the best of each moment no matter how insignificant was so important. I knew I only had a month in France, and I’d look back on the way I spent that month for the rest of my life. I’m forever grateful for one of my very best friends who constantly reminds me of this when I need it most.
2. There’s nothing Face Timing your dad, mom, and best friends, or all three, can’t fix.
Yes people, I facetimed my mom, dad, and best friends consecutively when necessary.
3. Cheese is so werid
My exchange partner was very unimpressed by the cheese selections in Clinton, and I had my fair share of gross cheese in France. I feel like I should have known that, considering I was going to Europe, but it was something I’ll always remember about France. Needless to say we had our fair share of good laughs over the cheese of our worlds.
4. Laugh, it makes everyone more comfortable.
Being 100% human, living with strangers for a month makes lots of time for embarrassing moments. Laugh through them. It makes the air lighter. Being able to monitor and adjust and work through it is so so valuable.
5. Smiles are a universal language, no matter where you are, leave a smile.
Everyone understands what a smile is….smiles are like sunshine. They make everybody a little happier- so smile at everyone, everything, every time you have the chance.
6. Eat your way through the city- there’s no other way to do it.
My mamma taught me this one! There’s no food like street food, so eat your way down every street, ice cream, crepes, fried dough, gelato, macarons, EVERYTHING.
7. FRENCH MACARONS
OMGGGGG. This was seriously my favorite. My macaron obsession was completely fulfilled while I was in France. There's really nothing better than eating a macaron while you look up at the Eiffel Tower.
8. Eat the mystery meat. Who knows you might love it.
Maybe it’s duck that tastes delicious, or maybe it’s goat that is gross. You never know until you try though!
9. Sundresses are a necessity for long trips
If it’s cold, throw on a jean jacket. If you need to dress it up, throw on some nude strappy heels and add some stacked bracelets. If you’re shopping all day, sandals are the way to go. I lived in sundresses in France.
10. Patience is appreciated by everyone.
Whether it’s on an 8 hour flight with a crying baby or waiting in line for crepes at the busiest street shop, being able to wait patiently and kindly is something everyone is grateful for.
11. Bring a book everywhere.
It starts conversation and is better than being stuck on your phone! Nicholas Sparks, my man, thank you for continuing to bless us with these great romances. Two By Two made my down time in France so enjoyable. (blog post coming on this soon!!!)
12. Opportunity doesn’t wait for you, so go for it.
I’ll always be an advocate for taking the chance in life. Life is short, so take the chance people. I almost didn't apply to do this exchange… and I almost missed the chance to live in France and have the summer of a lifetime. So whatever risk you are considering taking, do it!
13. Listen more & talk less
Traveling alone is one of the coolest experiences you can ever have with yourself. You can learn a lot about others, and yourself from sitting back, observing, and listening every once in a while.
14. You're gonna make plans and dream up ideas, but that doesn’t mean they are apart of the story God has constructed for your life..
I had so many ideas built up about what my experience in France would be like, but my plans were so small compared to Gods. Even now, months later, I think back on the plans I made before and during my exchange time and how they were a completely inaccurate picture of what would actually happen in my life. I’m constantly in awe of the way God works his magic in my life.
15. Ladies, there are still glass ceilings to be broken everywhere so don’t stop breaking them.
From a conversation on a plane ride, to a 5 minute conversation at a gathering of all men, excluding myself and my exchange partner, all I can say is girls, keep exceeding expectations, keep growing, keep breaking those ceilings because I was baffled at a handful of men's assumptions in conversations with me.
XoXo,
Brooke <3
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