Preparing for WINTER | Facing Seasonal Changes With A Positive Mindset In Aix en Provence
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- Опубликовано: 11 ноя 2023
- Winter is approaching and with that comes my struggles with the winter blues. I like to keep this channel uplifting and relaxing but I thought it was important to be transparent and share some of my thoughts at the moment. I felt hesitant to share this as I know I live in a stunning city and I shouldn't be complaining with so many blessings I have in my life but this is my reality at the moment. Thanks for watching.
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Sam, I'd like to make two comments. First, thank you so much for your channel and all your inspiring videos. My son and I stayed in Aix last summer on a once-in-a-lifetime bike ride from Paris to Italy. Before our trip, I really knew nothing about France and kept calling it "eye-enn-pro-nawnce". I will never forget how shocked I was at how beautiful so many French towns and cities are (in particular, gorgeous Aix!). What a life-changing experience. A year later, I'm learning French and planning to move to Provence/Côte-d'Azur in a couple years. Second, I'd like to recommend the best advice I've ever heard for living a happy, healthy life: exercise vigorously. In my experience, vigorous exercise is downright magical. The body wants to move and be challenged. Somehow, it knows when it's strong and done a good job and lets the brain know that all is well. I'd suggest vigorous hikes or power walks in your beautiful, beautiful region. And maybe go visit the coastal towns periodically. There's something magical about the ocean. There's even some recent scientific research supporting this. Maybe humans evolved to be coastal creatures? Good luck, Sam, and I look forward to watching more of your videos!
Wow, a bike ride from Paris to Italy sound like quite the adventure! So glad you got to see so many beautiful places in France and with your son, it must've been an amazing summer. Love your story and am so happy you are working towards moving here, thank you for sharing. I definitely need to exercise more, I know my body needs it so thank you for the push. I completely agree with you that there is magic near the sea and ocean!
You will be okay my love and this year we will get back christmas! I love you ❤
Je t’aime 🤍
Sam you got this girl. You're putting a routine in place which includes walking. Exercise does help do it as often as you can.
Do you have a hobby? If you don't get one. Something that will get your creative juices flowing, something which will make both your hands and mind busy. Maybe handcrafted Xmas decorations, or presents.
Be in contact with your family often.
You'll be ok, better than ok, you got this Sam ❤
You are so kind 💕 thank you for cheering me on! My hobby is creating these videos and getting into photography. Maybe adding another hobby will be good and allow me to be more creative with videography. Thank you again 🤍✨
You'd probably love Aix if your whole family lived there too. They seem like fun and loving people and it's obvious; you are all very close. Home is where the heart is and that includes all family. So it must've been so hard on you and Paul not being able to live in America. Hopefully one day but for now we can to enjoy your beautiful vignettes of Provence. Wishing you the best and thank you for sharing 🍂🍁🎵🎶🌟
I definitely agree that my heart would feel lighter, it’s like my heart is in two places at once and I miss them dearly. I do love Provence and prefer my life here it’s just a part of me is missing. Thank you for everything Jenny💕
You need to have a daily routine treat.
I used to go into Bar Le Grillon every morning for coffee and croissant and it was the best as there were also other regulars, everyone was friendly and the indoor room is so beautiful, warm and welcoming.
Or there's the little book shop Book in Bar, but I don't think their opening hours will be as accommodating.
I wish I could be there to meet up for a coffee/tea and chat!
Thank you for your recommendations! I love Book in Bar, it’s the perfect cozy place to start a morning but I do think you’re right that they don’t open too early.
Sending you hugs and good vibes, I wish Miss Sophia a speedy recovery 💖
I know exactly how you feel. My family is back in the states, while I’m here in France where I recently moved, and my husband is gone on business for a month. So it’s just me and my sweet fur girl 🐕 London in the French Alps.
I’ve started to build a daily routine: scrapbook journaling - so fun!, morning Yoga and nature walks with London. Launching my RUclips channel is now keeping me busy too. Ive also been venturing out and doing photography on my own, which is always fun. It’s so beautiful in France, like you said. In the evenings I read and watch holiday movies 😊
At least here in France they’re already preparing for Christmas markets which start mid November. I’m planning my holiday video and will feature different markets throughout France.
I hope you can find simple daily joys to keep your spirits up ❤❤
I just got done watching your video, it was so well done and it’s nice to see another region of France!
I love the routine you have set in place for you and London, I wish I could take Sophia on outings with me😂 I hope this month goes well for you! I’ve never done scrapbook journaling so that’s a great idea.
Maybe, planning trips to surrounding cities, to visit antique stores. Something that would give you something to look forward to.
Such a great idea! Thank you! I actually went to L’Isle sur la Sorgue today to see the antiques 🤩
Aww so sorry about little Sophia’s medical condition! Poor baby! I am so glad she is one the mend.
I know what you mean with combatting the winter blues. The holidays are always the hardest, when we miss family most! I lost both my parents within the last 4 years, and the holidays are one of my bluest times. I find a good way to fight the blues is to turn on some fun music and just dance! I also bake, cook and draw a lot more during the winter months too. It helps!
I know you will miss Paul terribly while he is in Japan…sorry you won’t be able to join him this time, but all will be well. Spend some quality time with friends and his family, that should help!❤
Oh Ingrid, I’m praying that your holiday season will be filled with so much love. I’m so sorry about the passing of your parents. May this holiday season be easy on your heart ❤️ Thank you for sharing ways to overcome the blues. I just put some brownie ingredients on my shopping list so that I can bake this week!
@@SamFournierthank you so much for the kind thoughts and prayers…means so much!🥰
Great! I hope the brownies turn out wonderful!❤
Bonjour Sam. I am part of a Messisnic congregation, Jews and Gentiles that worship Jesus, Yeshua together. It’s so nice to have the love, support, and prayers of my friends there. We eat a potluck lunch after our service each Saturday. I would encourage you to find a church or Messianic Temple where you can have loving fellowship with other believers ❣️I’m praying for you❣️🙏🏻🙏🏻🥰❤️❤️❤️
I appreciate your prayers☺️ I make sure to spend each morning with God🫶🏽
Growing up in the New England I’ve had the winter blues for as long as I can remember. To combat that, this year, I’ve chosen two hobbies I’d like to do to keep myself busy so I have something to look forward to. I hope Sophia has a quick recovery!
I hope this year is different! Glad you’re thinking one step ahead and started some hobbies to bring you joy. Sending my love your way💕
Hello Sam,
Sounds like you have a pretty good plan for yourself dealing with 'Winter blues.' Remember, you've relocated, literally, from across the globe. There are a lot of challenges that comes with leaving all that you've ever known. If I may offer any advice, try not to be too hard on yourself if your plan doesn't go as planned, give yourself time to settle into your new life. I doubt you will ever regret expanding your horizons. Also, you're doing a fantastic job sharing the essence of Aix-en-Provence, as the scenery and choice of music captures a calming mood that resonates. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Theresa! I appreciate your advice, I’ve been pretty consistent in everything but it’s a nice reminder to not get upset when I don’t follow through some days. I’m so grateful to share Aix with others who appreciate the beauty💕 Thank you again.
You're welcome! @@SamFournier
Sorry to hear about the winter blues, setting a routine really helps me so hopefully it will help you. Great for Paul that he's going to Japan but it seems like he should wait for Sophia to get better so you can both enjoy Japan. Especially since you both want to go
I am already feeling a transition by starting my mornings earlier and I feel like I am on the right path. Yes, it's really a bummer I can't go but it is what it is and I will just have to look forward to it next year.
Great video, thanks. You are much stronger in body and mind than you realise. Humans can be very resilient. Think back on all you have achieved, the tough times you have faced and how you overcame them. So stuff the winter blues, you have an opportunity to set a new standard for yourself and when Paul returns, he will be amazed at the new you. Enjoy every day as one never knows what it may bring, but make sure Sophia knows the sacrifice you are making by not being able to go with Paul.
Thank you for the reminder Mark, I know it’s all in the mind and I have to find ways to stay on top. Thank you for always being so supportive! Sophia gives me so much love and in return I give her my all as well💕 There’s always next year to see Japan… that’s what I keep telling myself😂
Sending love ❤ live in the moment embrace Christmas i have already started to put my decorations up i love all the twinkly lights ❤🏴 🎄x
Thank you Sheila! I will have to wait til Paul returns to start decorating, it's definitely cozy when your home is decorated for the holidays.
Hi Sam! My name is Katie. I wanted to thank you for your lovely videos. I’m preparing for a business trip to Aix in February and was looking for info on the local culture and what to pack when I stumbled upon your channel. As a fellow content creator, I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your adorable kitty and lovely videos! ❤ You have inspired me to venture out and embrace every opportunity in 2024. Thanks much and maybe I’ll see you around town! 😂 I’m hoping to find that organic tea shop while I’m there. Best wishes to you and the hubs in the new year!
Hi Katie! Thank you so much for your encouragement and feedback! I really appreciate the time you took to leave this comment. I hope during your business trip you’re able to enjoy this beautiful city and perhaps we’ll bump into one another🙂 Happy New Year💫
Kids..lol..and i dont necessarily mean have them..but working, volunteering, being around children around the holidays will cheer up any gloom...even the not so cheery kids are beeming with happiness ! I have my own and work with children all day and they keep me accountable in all my feelings lol!
Haha, I definitely love seeing their eyes light up around the holidays.
The sun will start coming back more and more after the winter solstice on December 21! In the meantime… I know you know that I’m a firm believer in candles for beating the winter blues! We’ll talk about it when we get together and try to find a solution that is healthy for you and Sophia ❤
You’re the best💕
I hope the blues are t too bad this year. ❤
Thank you Ana, I am planning on making it different this year!
Sorry to hear about the winter blues, but you're totally right about starting new traditions or implementing ones you grew up with into your new family. Listening to Christmas music always helped me when I lived far from home or when I was alone.
Thanks for sharing ways that helped you feel closer to home Louis! I hope you’re doing well💕 When December hits I’ll be sure to play some Christmas music 🎶
Hi Sam, I see you there and I totally get it. I’m Canadian and so winter can be especially challenging. Your on a great track tho. Getting up early and if you can get up at sunrise before getting on your screen it will change your life. It also gives you a purpose from the get go in your day. Your eyes behold the beauty of a new day. I’ll be doing the same over here and as God reminds me I’ll pray for you. 🩷🕯️🌹
Oh my goodness and here I am talking about how I get cold when you are living in Canada! Thank you for still understanding. I have been practicing on not getting on my phone until I have done my journaling, meditation and nature walk and it is going good. I still need work on rising before the sun does. I'll take your advice and start tomorrow! Thank you for the love and prayers Debbie!
Aix has an average of 300 days a year LA 263 so it can’t be the grey skies! I think it’s closer to missing family especially during the Holidays that give you the blues. Make new traditions with new family and friends! I’m a Dutch expat living in in the US for the past 24 years, it gets better! Just watch your internal dialogues don’t believe everything you think 😉
It's definitely a mixture of things but you are definitely right on how I need to be aware of my thoughts and the way I speak and turn those thoughts into positive ones. Thank you Monique and I am glad to hear it gets better!
Hi Sam, I’ve watched all of your videos and I am a Canadian currently in Aix as we speak. I did spend a year here while I was a student and fell madly in love with it and have been back twice as a solo traveller to live like a local. There is a magic here and your videos capture it very well and always bring me back. Keep sharing, the beauty you capture as it brings immense joy. Also, I want to pet every cat and dog I see in the streets!!!
Hi Jocelyne 👋🏽 I love that Aix speaks to you and you keep returning to this beautiful place! I’m so glad to hear that I am doing Aix justice and am hopefully able to virtually show people what it’s like here. I hope you enjoy every moment here and thank you for all your support♥️
Hello Sam, it's very relaxing to watch your videos 😇💖I discovered your channel through the channel of french country life when you appeared in one of her video's. I love the fact that you're from L.A! I love the way you talk and explain things, you're a very nice person and very kind 🦋💜For the 3 weeks I would suggest to relax and just take everyday as it comes....maybe it would be a good idea to pick a different café everyday to do a bit of journalling, as a small little routine ✩✨☕♡
Hi Barbara! Thank you for being here and for your kindness🤍 I usually just journal at home but I think that’s a great idea to start doing it at a cafe. Again, thank you for being so kind have a lovely week!
💖😇💜@@SamFournier
I understand the winter blues. But just like you, i'm not used to having 4 seasons because we live in L.A. and it's never really cold or cloudy for more than a couple of days so being in Texas it gets really cold like in the 10's and 20's in the winter and highs of 30's and 40's which is ridiculously still cold for me. The winter here last from Nov. till around Feb. so i hope i can deal with it too. I've always wondered how far is the city center from your home and how do you get there? Love this vlog, made me think about coming up with something for my winter blues. Maybe a different routine so that i can make time pass.
I hear ya Rocco! I’m sensitive when it comes to the cold 🥶 How long will you be in Texas? Hopefully you’ll be able to think of some ways to make these times better for you and I’m glad you have Flippper by your side to keep you company🐾 The city center is about a 40 min walk but I can also take a bus which is faster… if the bus is on time 😂
I will be here for another 6 months. I wanted to take the time off and get away from LA. I had a very tough year. I lost both my dogs within a year and i hadn't had a real vacation is years. So i thought spending it with my mom in texas with my new buddy Flipper would be good for my health. Oh so the city center is good walk from your Apt. I wander around el paso checking out old buildings and exploring old neighborhoods. I love old homes and barrios. I can see the beauty in them. Other than that, i'm pretty much just at home with my dog and helping my mom do sutf. It's a nice change for me.
@@raulespinoza9987 I can’t even begin to imagine the pain in your heart Rocco, I know your babies were your world. I know Flipper is helping with that void and I’m sure quality time with your Mom is also so healing. Sending you so much love!
Thank you Sammy!!! @@SamFournier
Nice vid.
Not using an electric kettle like a true american ! ! ! 😉
😂😂😂 Thank you
Wow, how does Paul get so much free time off from his job? He must have a great and understanding employer. Where does he work?
He’s doing freelance photography 📸😊
@@SamFournier How nice! I wish you were going with Paul but use this time for yourself! Exercise, learn to crochet, that would be a great hobby. You'll be in my prayers and I know you'll do great while Paul is away.
@@deborah3912 ❤️❤️❤️ Paul’s Grandma crochets I’m sure she’d love to show me😊
@@SamFournier There are a lot of YT tutorials, that's how I learned to crochet.😘