My husband’s company offered us a two year contract in 2018. We are still here. We first lived in Rennes moved to a small village in SW France. We love our life here. I was a nurse in the states and cannot practice here. We just got our new 4 year visa and are studying for citizenship. We want to stay here forever. ❤
Awww, I so agree with you, it is wonderful, no perfect but wonderful. I am so glad you are also enjoying the country and integrating yourselves so well, I can't wait for that to happen to us :) Thank you for your comment! and support!!!
Hi Cecilia! What a wonderful video, loved the way it was naturally paced, where you spoke from your experience. This was very interesting, it's really helpful to hear about the realities of moving to another country. I think these are my favorite types of videos, something valuable to learn / consider. The easy part is thinking about the good parts. Too often it seems that there's not enough focus on the logic and technicalities of such a transition, and instead focus lies on the end result, leaving me to wonder what actually happened in between. Thank you for being so open about these experiences!
I'm so glad you found this helpful! For me, any story feels incomplete if it doesn’t include the internal experience, that’s really what matters most to me. So much of what we see out there feels detached from any real purpose, making it overly logical or lacking in depth. Taking this journey is about more than just moving, it can spark profound insights within, if we’re truly connected to it. These insights, unique to each person, carry valuable meaning, after all, they touch on the very essence of our existence. I really appreciate the support and kind comment :)
J'adore! - Sister, I needed to see this tonight and hear you talk about, verbatim, what I'm currently going thru. I am a couple of years behind you, finally sleeping at La Chev for the last 3 weeks and questioning my sanity. Total decision fatigue, the visa, the legal entities, buying a vehicle, getting quotes from tradespeople, roofers, septic, plumbers, electricians, shopping for basics, buying appliances, selling a house in the US, banking, where do I shop, buying mattresses, sheets, towels, absolutely everything because all of my stuff is in Atlanta... and all while trying to learn a new language and BTW alone!!! Holy craperson, It's soooooo much... but just hearing you talk about it honestly, and from the other side of this big giant leap gives me enormous comfort. You rock!
Wow, you’re amazing! Taking this on alone is no small feat, and I completely understand how you’re feeling. The endless to-do list can feel overwhelming, with everything seeming urgent, and not knowing where to begin. Relying on others without fully knowing the language adds even more stress, it’s truly a lot to handle. I’m so glad this brings you comfort. My suggestion is to remember that this is more than just moving to a new country; you’re on a journey of self-discovery. If you stay connected to that original feeling and decision that led you here, it will help you through the challenging moments. And if you ask for support with an open heart, it will come. I promise. We're still juggling so much, and my French is still far from perfect, but I’m doing my best to stay true to myself. It will take as long as it takes, and I want to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity. Wishing you strength, courage (which you already have, but a bit extra for when you need it), and lots of love. Thank you again for your support!
@@AnArtistsLifeYT Thanks for the reminder to trust the process. Something I truly believe in on a soul level...The force that pulled us here is still doing its magic even when it feels like drinking from a firehose while jumping from an airplane without a parachute! LOL. ! So happy you stepped into the limelight with your channel, your authenticity, passion, self awareness and commitment to personal evolution is very compelling. Lots of love back-atcha! I'm cheering you on, big time!
@@GoGoChateau Think of all the people who are getting to meet you because you need something. You're an ambassador for You. Life isn't supposed to be easy but because some of us have easy lives when it isn't...well, it isn't. We are here to learn. "Miles (kilometers) to go before we sleep."
Bravissima - great to see you back in the feed and to admire your beautiful new home. This will be me next year hopefully, moving over from the U.K. I’ve lived in Italy, Spain and Nederlands but I’ve chosen France as my last stop!
You are such a natural in front of the camera! Cecelia you were born for this! Not only your journey and life living change but your ease in story telling and honesty is so inspiring on so many levels. Even me, being a creature of habit who has lived and still to this day lives in the same small NYC apartment for over 35 yrs ...this gives me the will and desire to make changes in my home and life. Thank you! xo Madelyn
Wow, what a kind sweet message, I so appreciate your energy and love. I am so grateful to be doing this, I am learning a lot as well :) I really appreciate your support!!! and encouragement :)
Hello Cecelia, I love your “joie de vivre” as we say in French. I think what strikes me the most about what you said in your video is how you followed your intuition. You felt as though Portugal wasn’t the right fit for you and Josh and you both went with it instead of simply staying there. I admire your tenacity and your courage, both yours and your husband’s. You are radiant.
Wow, what a loving comment!! thank you so much, you are so thoughtful. Sometimes I think we are insane, and then we laugh and carry on :) Thank you so much for your support!!!
I really do enjoy your personality! You're a gem !! We are in the process of organizing our leave from the USA and omgosh the stress!!! Its overwhelming. We have a daughter overseas and like you we want to be close to our child, so the madness begins as we have just received our residence visas!
Absolutely! I totally understand what you're going through! Take a deep breath and try to relax, letting the answers come naturally. Trust that everything will work out, even if some things feel uncertain right now, it’s just a part of the journey and will pass. Remember, taking chances is such a meaningful, spiritual experience. Going after what we want is exactly what we’re here for, to learn, grow, and expand our consciousness. This is an amazing opportunity for you, and I’m genuinely excited for all the beautiful things you’ll discover along the way. Wishing you all the best! 😊
So nice to get more of your story, moving from the US to France. I have followed your husband for years so I have seen parts of the journey, but not really understood how you got to the small community in France where you guys currently live. How lovely to be in Europe with your two sons. Keep the videos coming. They are so much fun to watch and always raise my energy.
I love this! We are planning on retiring in Italy. We are still in the research phase and trying to narrow down the region we want to be in. We are so excited. Thank you for sharing this.
I live abroad in Belgium with the US mil and there are still so many hoops despite the helping hand we receive, so i can only imagine the challenges that arise when you're doing it on your own! It's great to see how you and your husband have managed and I love how you both push yourselves to learn and push through. I wish my parents would be more open to traveling so kudos!
I’m in Rome right now for my first extended stay, this is my fourth time here and what you said is exactly why I keep coming back and am thinking of staying longer the next time. It’s a challenge but it’s a way to grow and learn more about what you can actually do plus I just love Italy it always feels like home somehow. Thanks for the advice and honesty 🤗
Thank you so much for your comment, definitely explore the possibility to move to Italy, but do planty of digging on what it will take. Wishing you the super best!!!
Wow, thank you! you are so sweet!!! what a kind thing to say. I just posted on my community a couple of links to a podcast my husband and I were invited to if you like to listen us talk more about our adventure and relationship :)
I wondered where your videos went!! Glad to see you back in my feed!! I’m moving to France, to a small town for writers and writing crafts called Montmorillon, near Poitiers. 😊 it’s just a small pied a terre for now. Might get a bigger place eventually, with garden for pets. Very excited to be moving back to Europe, where I grew up!
Haha, don’t forget to subscribe! 😉 Wow, it sounds like an incredible place, I looked at the photos, and it truly looks dreamy. Wishing you all the best on that amazing journey!
We are in the process of moving to the Island of Madeira in Portugal. OMG... the bureaucracy! Coordinating our arrival with our furnishings is proving impossible, making it likely we will be living in our basically empty new house for months. At so many points along the way, we have second-guessed our decisions. But you are right; being spiritually centered, resilient, and extremely patient keeps us moving forward. It's exciting to start this new chapter. Watching your journey has been very helpful.
Wow, how exciting, and yes, it can definitely be stressful too! Moving to a new country takes a lot of patience and trust. Stay persistent, and remember that in Europe, people often prefer in-person or phone conversations over emails and texts. So, if things get tricky, try reaching out the way they’re most comfortable with if you can. And during those challenging moments, keep the big picture in mind: this is such a beautiful, spiritual experience. It's a chance to grow, learn, and really exercise your intuition and heart. Embrace the joy and discovery along the way, this journey is truly a gift. With all my love, wishing you all the best! 🌍✨
I’ve followed your journey from the beginning. I’ve been looking at both Portugal and France for the past 3 years. If I was to pick on house styles, it would absolutely be France. But Portugal offers a more diverse growing season, like California. I wish I could have both. Still more exploring to be done since it will be 5-7 years before I go. For now I live vicariously through others that have made the move. ❤
Thank you so much for the follow!!! I am glad you are doing a lot of research and yes every place has it charm. You will know once you travel and experience each one :) Thank you for your support!!!
thank you for blessing us today with another wonderful video straight from your heart 🥹 we feel the love you put into it❤ thank you sooooo much Cecilia! xoxo 🥰
Loved your video Cecilia! I am in my fifties as well and my husband and I are looking to move to Italy. I’m in the process of getting my Italian citizenship through descent. I so appreciate your willingness to openly talk about your experience and look forward to your videos. I can appreciate how important it is to meditate and be comfortable listening to the silence, being a yoga instructor myself. But I get overwhelmed researching and finding how insane Italian bureaucracy is. So thank you so much for continuing to talk about your experience.❤
Wow, what an incredible opportunity! I’m so happy for you, you’re about to embark on an amazing adventure. As I mentioned in my video, this journey will stretch you in new ways, and that’s a beautiful thing. The key is to stay kind and patient with yourself. You’re stepping into a lot of unknowns, and even when seeking guidance from your higher self, it can be challenging to interpret the answers or quiet the ego. So, give yourself compassion and remember: this is more than just a move to a new country; it’s about living your truest, most fulfilling life! 😊
Ha ha, yes, we share the same feelings but have our own unique experiences and observations. I am glad you found it helpful :) Thank you so much for the kind comment!!
Cecilia thank you for the update. I love France and I love your family. Together you can do anything. I look forward to your next post. Much love ! ❤❤❤
Wow! I am exhausted just listening to all that you folks did to finally arrive at where you are. I hope Nathaniel's new fixer upper is close to you! My experience in life is that once you know what you want to do...then if you fix your mind like a laser beam on the end goal and not on how you arrive or even what the exact end is then it can happen. You just put on foot in front of the other and then you know what the next step is. There is a Sanskrit sutra that begins "Padam padam..." Step by step.... It is like driving in fog when you can only see a few yards in front and then another. So happy that you found a wonderful home but I won't say your forever home:)
Haha, yes, looking back, it’s amazing to see our journey. Every time those memories come to mind, I feel such joy. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced this and don’t take it for granted. But yes, it was exhausting, and we’re still recovering! :) and crazy as it sounds, I agree with you about the house, who knows what will happen, we are a bit crazy for sure :) Thank you so much for your support!!!
Cecilia, i love this discussion! We live in Sausalito (just over the GG bridge from SF in California) and don’t want to move permanently but think about a second home in S of France (unless the election goes sideways and then we may reconsider) My question that nobody ever addresses is what is it like socially? Have you made friends? I know your husband made a video saying he doesn’t really need friends at this point in life but for those of us who are extremely social, i wonder about that aspect? I watch Nathaniel too, thanks for sharing your lives with us and giving us a glimpse into the reality of dream scenarios!
Thank you so much! I’m an extreme introvert, which means I don’t socialize a lot, even though I have no issue talking to anyone, I’m not shy at all! 😊 I’ll probably do a video on this. Honestly, I find it easier to make friends in small villages if you want to. We’ve been invited to plenty of events and parties, and while we’ve gone to a few, I truly enjoy my own company. The French are incredibly kind and have a strong sense of community, so rest assured, you’ll be warmly welcomed! 😊
I have loved watching your husband's channel and the journey you two have been on thus far. You both have documented your experience so well and I'm sure you are so happy to be settled at long last! I love the area you have chosen as it seems to encompass your interests and lifestyle. Plus who wouldn't want to live just outside Paris!!! My husband and I moved 3 years ago from Eastern to Western Canada and we thought that was tough...we lived out of hotels and Airbnbs for over 4 months, but I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to move to an entirely new country where you don't speak the language! You are so adventurous (not to mention brave) and that's what I love about your channel! Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us - it's so appreciated! :)
Thank you so much! Yes, it’s been incredibly challenging, but also so rewarding and genuinely fun. I feel so grateful to have had the chance to do what we’ve done and to continue this journey. Everything fell into place so perfectly, and with our spiritual practice, we were able to navigate some very intimidating decisions with a calm and steady approach. I’m thrilled that you embarked on your own adventure, too. Even if it was tough, I’m sure it taught you a lot about yourself. I hope you’re now enjoying the rewards of all that hard work and finding time to relax. Here’s to the next adventure, thank you again!
Hello Cecilia! I found your blog and I love it so far. I'm sure I'm here to stay for all the creative projects and your beautiful house interior design I'll be seeing in your blog. I also love your philosophy in life. I wish you all the best in your UA-cam blog. Can't wait to see the blog grow.
Cecilia I love you and your family. I am following your son since he went to Mexico. Great admiration for your courage, it’s not an easy process even for a smart people like you all. Keep smiling and everything will go your way. Success!
Hi Cecilia🤗Just want to say how much I enjoy listening to you tell your stories. I'm subscribed and I always give you a thumbs up. I want to spread the word on your new channel! I watch your husband's and your son's channels as well. You are an absolute sweetheart and I wish you all the best!😊🇨🇦
I always wondered how you felt leaving your gorgeous place in Oregon. I can imagine a lot of people would follow the feelings of not wanting to leave because of all the work they put in to make such a beautiful home. But now you are building another beautiful home in France and that experience is so inspiring to me.
It was really hard, but I knew that leaving was essential. I grew so much from the experience, learning at a deeper level how to let go of precious things for what truly matters, my relationship with myself and my loved ones. Now I have the opportunity to reinvent a new home. I miss my Oregon home deeply and am incredibly grateful for the experience of building it and enjoying it for so many years. Thank you so much for your support.
Cecilia, this episode is so timely for me! My partner and I are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the US presidential election and planning a move to France, depending on the result. We originally considered Spain as I was born in Cuba and speak fluent Spanish, but taxes there make it impossible. So now we are looking at either Nice or somewhere near Paris, as you have done. However, I'm concerned about the impacts of climate change and wonder if you have any insights on droughts and flooding in your area or elsewhere in France.
I totally hear you! We also considered the climate change impacts, which is why we decided against the south of France. It’s stunning but dealing with droughts is a serious concern. The center of France still lags a bit in modernization, and outside the big cities, medical deserts are a real issue. Choosing to live outside Paris was an easy decision for us, and it’s incredible having such convenient access to one of the most culturally rich cities in the world! I’m planning a video soon to share what life is like in our area and how easy it is to go to Paris and back in a day. Wishing you all the best on your journey, and thank you so much for the support! 😊
@@AnArtistsLifeYT I was wondering how the healthcare system in France and particularly where you live in the countryside works. Does your village have EMS services and how far is the closest hospital? As a retired critical care nurse I know time is of the essence particularly for heart attacks and stroke. Do you have to travel into Paris to see doctors or are there medical practices near your village? I feel these are important things to consider if one plans to live their elder years in France. I have followed your whole journey from the start and I give you and your husband a lot of credit for getting through the chaos and your still married! LOL P.S., be happy your not here in the U.S. for the election!
I completely understand where you're coming from. We are also considering moving to another country depending on the outcome of the election. So sad it's come to this.
Wonderful ... I love the story of your journeys and the way you excite our imagination with possibilities and a true honesty. garder la France dans nos coeurs .. -Daniel (Paris)
It took us a bit of time to figure it out, but considering what went went through we feel we got super lucky. All things are replaceable but not missing experiences and not living to the fullest, even if we are afraid, is more important.Thank you for the caring :)
love your videos and your style (same age, having exactly the same thoughts where to live, also lived in Paris for 4 years...) but I really love your blouse... would you share what brand it is? Merci beaucoup!
Thank you so much!!! The blouse on the thumbnail is from this boutique: bylenaetlola.com/collections/blouses/products/chemise-catherina and the one in the video is from LaRedoute www.laredoute.fr/ppdp/prod-601362578.aspx I hope this helps :)
Thank you for mentioning it’s expensive as well as mentally taxing. So many on YT who have left the US gloss over the expense of doing so. I have wanted to emigrate for years but sadly made a lot of financial missteps that make it financially impossible at this point in my life. Travel is still in the cards though and maybe even retiring there if I stay disciplined. 65 is only 9 years away for me.
Thank you so much!!! you are very sweet! I agree there is such little mention of what it takes to move to a new country and that it might not be for everyone. Don't worry, when the right moment comes to move you will know it, stay focus on the the goal and it will happen :)
Thank you for your honest account of your international move, Cecilia. It's great to hear realistic experiences. I am an EU dual citizen born and bred in Australia. My husband and I will be making the move to Europe in the next 18 months, and even without the headache of visas, there is soooo much to prepare for. We also have 4 furbabies that will be coming with us, and I want to make their transition as smooth as possible. Thankfully I've found a private charter company that will fly us from Australia with our cats and dog in the cabin with us, but it's not a direct flight. It's exhausting just thinking about it. Because there's not much I can do to push things along, tonight I signed up for a language course to prepare myself so at least I'll be fluent when I land.
Thank you so much for your comment :) Wishing you the super best with the move, I am so glad your fur babies are small to be able to be with you, it is less stressful that way. Just in case, because this was a bit of a surprise to me, and I don't know the logistics from Australia, but you need certain certification to be able to enter France with your animals. In the USA was documents from the department of agriculture, and it is paper work that needs to be done by a registered veterinarian. In any case, best of luck, and thank you so much for your support!!!!
Votre mari et vous semblez reposés et en forme. La vie dans la campagne française semble vous réussir à merveille. Bon courage à vous pour terminer l’agencement de votre maison afin qu’elle soit enfin à votre goût et le reflet de votre personnalité. Je vous souhaite de vous y sentir bien et heureux pendant longtemps.
I have an Argentine exchange student sister. I have been to Argentina once. Had the opportunity to visit Mer del Plata. I love Argentina. Once retire , I hope to visit for as long as my tourist permits allow.
Cecilia, It was good to hear your story again. I picked up a few details that I had not heard before, mainly about your youngest son. I didn’t realize he was the one who had gone to Portugal. For some reason I thought he was still in the U.S. and attending university. One question I’ve had and that was whether you had considered Spain and, if so, why you did not choose to move there. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Haha, well, now you know the scoop! 😊 We never considered Spain, even though we speak the language, because Portugal initially appealed to us with its work friendly visa. But when I visited my son in Paris, I was smitten! the food, the visuals, the language, that was just the cherry on top. :) Thank you for your support!
👋 Hi I just found your channel! I want to know so much about moving to Europe! My husband left me last year after 37yrs of marriage. My adult kids want to move to Europe also! They’re 26 yrs old & 27. We would have moved already but I have an older horse who would not survive being moved over there. She is 26yrs old (same as my daughter). So next year or year after. When she(my horse) moves to “permanent pasture” 😢 So, any advice to have at least 1 yr to prepare 😊
Hello, I am glad you found my channel and thank you for watching. You are being presented with an incredible opportunity for this new stage in your life, and that is exciting, my advise would be to EDIT as many things as possible, donate, sell and throw away as much as you are able. Do as much research as you can about the different countries you are drawn to, to narrow your decision, and start a meditation practice, you will need a lot of inner guidance navigating a move to a new continent :) I hope this helps and thank you for the support!!!
Ha ha, you are correct, for the first year we had the international driver license, but for this second year, my husband who is a much confident driver and better with french took the french driving test, all in french and passed gloriously :) I am currently studying for mine, but honestly going very slow :(, but the plan is to pass it as well, I might share the journey :)
What I have noticed between the Cecilia of before And the Cecilia of now Is that you have bloomed 🌸🧚♀🌸 You are glowing 🌟 Your decision took you exactly where you should be 💫 Thank you 🤗❤
Awww, thank you so much, and yes, lots of emotions, lots of mind control, meditation and contemplation. We are super grateful, and still trying to live the most intentional life, it is fun, hard, painful and wonderful, all together :) Thank you so much for your kind words and support!!!
Thank you so much! no I never shared the making of my home in the US, I am an extreme introvert (not shy at all) so that was not something I considered back then, but my entire family is in UA-cam (husband, and two sons) and they all encourage me to do this, and I am so glad because I am surprise how much fun I am having :)
If you are from Mar del Plata, why not consider moving to Nice or French Riviera area? That would elevate to a higher level your Argentine city experience. (Can’t compare!).
I’m not a fan of hot climates, but I love the rain and lush, green landscapes. I did extensive research on climate change and other issues like medical deserts, and staying near my son was important to me. For all those reasons, we chose this area, and we’re really happy with our decision! 😊
I lived your life with details because I moved to Portugal and hated the bureaucracy, apathy, and slow pace, which felt like death! I packed my stuff and moved to France. Now, I'm in an Airbnb nightmare. I only want to rent an apartment; everyone in France competes for rentals and purchases. I'm now in Visa hell as I continue to study French! The funny part is that despite the instability, I'm under less stress than I experienced working in the US. I look at so many people online encouraging others to move abroad, which, I think, is a big mistake because it takes a particular type of person to constantly deal with change, uprooting, and bureaucracy in a foreign country! I've lived in six US states, and this change is something new!
I felt your pain and want you to know that with enough patience, things will get better, hang in there :) I completely agree, this path isn’t for everyone, and the decision has to come from the right place and the right energy. I hope everything gets resolved for you soon, and thank you so much for the support!
Thanks for such an interesting view on relocating. What i wish to know is did you make new french friends ? Once the french know you are there for good are they welcoming ? Curious tnx tc
Thank you so much! Funny you ask, I’m actually an extreme introvert. I’m not shy at all; I feel completely comfortable talking to strangers and can chat about almost anything. That said, I’m not really looking to socialize much beyond the courteous, casual interactions that come with living in a small village. We've been invited to quite a few social events and have attended most of them, but I find myself immediately drained afterward. I prefer small, intimate gatherings that are short and sweet. So, I’m actually very content with the socializing I’ve done lately! I also want to add that the people here are incredibly warm and welcoming, it's such a lovely culture.
Ha, ha, ha, it depends! It’s true that communicating over the phone can sometimes be challenging, but in person, people here are generally very kind and patient. Most of our experiences have been positive, though there have, of course, been a few moments that were frustrating or upsetting. It’s a different culture, money isn’t the main focus, and there’s no pressure to "make the sale"or to put on a show, which I really appreciate. People are people, no matter where you go, but I hope this answers your question!
@@AnArtistsLifeYT Thank YOU so much ❤🙏 This video is so helpful and I enjoy seeing you all explore beautiful living and adventures abroad as a family - lovely to see!
Honestly, it’s really tough, knowing Spanish only helps with reading French. Speaking it and understanding when someone else is talking is still very challenging. I am still studying, and I take long pauses to do other things so it is going slower than I was expecting, but eventually I will conquer :)
I am glad you are doing plenty of research, and yes all places offer their unique charm, but you really don't know until you experience things.Thank you so much for your support!!
Do you feel France's bureaucracy and response time is significantly better than Portugal? I've seen many compliants about France. We have family and a place in India and lately, I do wonder if we'll need a Plan B to go there. But, something happened this week that reminds me of how I feel infuriated in India a lot, it really sets me off and I don't know if I can change. Like what you said about Portugal. It's slow, bureaucratic, lack of response from people, you get thrown around like a balloon in a hurricane, even by a bank. Don't be messing with access to our own money. Your video is validation of my feeling that this culture is reason to cross a place off a list. But WHY? Am I intolerant? Unadaptable? Or is it something else like feeling very dependent in a strange place, and you can't trust anyone? Something to meditate over! Going to Google and "dropping the little guy" ... LOL ... yes, everyone should do that. You get a driver's eye view of a place. I "drove" through the French village an ancestor left in the 1600s for Quebec (before Quebec was Quebec). The church he was baptized in is still there in the village. The house is still there! The field he plowed is still there. It was cool to drive through the streets. I may never visit in person. But I feel like I've been there.
Hello! I do feel that France is much better when it comes to response times and banking. We had quite a frustrating experience in Portugal, I might share more details in the future or with my Patreon group. Our youngest son, who’s still in Lisbon, often struggles with administrative issues. Here in France, yes, things do take a long time, but you see steady progress, and they actually communicate, which is a big improvement. In Portugal, it was just too frustrating for us.
@@AnArtistsLifeYT- from everything I've learned in researching Italy, Italian bureaucracy is even worse than Portugal's! 😞 I'm glad to hear France is better that way. Mil gracias for the lovely video 🙏🏻❤️
I love hearing about your move to France, Cecilia. Thank you so much for sharing! My husband and I have been seriously considering a move to France from Canada & the U.S. but France's visas make it a bit challenging to earn a living there. It's hard to take the leap without knowing what to expect financially on the other end. I take it you're currently on the Long Stay Visitor visa? And is the other visa you'll be eligible for after 2 years "profession libérale"? Thanks again for the insight and inspiration!
Thank you so much for watching! 😊 And yes, you're absolutely right about the visas. When we received our Portuguese visas, we were able to work, which was perfect for us since I'm a creative director in graphic design and a jewelry maker. But when we decided to switch to France, we knew it would be challenging, yet totally possible, given that both my husband and I can work remotely. Now, we're in the final stretch, waiting for the "profession libérale" working visas, as you mentioned. We’ve completed the two-year residency requirement, so we're excited to finally be eligible to apply. Thank you for your support, it’s been quite the journey, and we’re so grateful for every step forward!
I love this style of video (I love ALL your videos). please definitely feel free to do more videos where you sit down and discuss a subject in depth. you have so much wisdom to share and I feel like a little grasshopper learning so much from you hehe. also, I moved out of the USA a few years ago so the things you share about your journey honestly feels so validating for me because I've gone through it myself and still continue to do so 🥹 I feel like I'm not alone, you know? 🥲
When my wife and I grow up, we aspire to be as courageous as Josh and Cecilia. They are incredibly knowledgeable, humble, and willing to share a piece of themselves with us all. It's interesting to note that I met their family only a couple of months before they left the United States, yet it feels like I have known them forever. I've come to realize that no home is a forever home, and family makes any space thrvmost lovely place to be! 🙏🏾❤️🤌🏾
OMG Vicente, it is always so nice to hear from you :)))) You are the kindest soul. Yes meeting you guys was a blessing, a true magical moment. I wish we had more time to spend it together. Perhaps in the future we can re connect in person :) I feel the same way about you both, I think you guys are amazing!!! Thank you so much for your love and support!!!!
My husband’s company offered us a two year contract in 2018. We are still here. We first lived in Rennes moved to a small village in SW France. We love our life here. I was a nurse in the states and cannot practice here. We just got our new 4 year visa and are studying for citizenship. We want to stay here forever. ❤
Awww, I so agree with you, it is wonderful, no perfect but wonderful. I am so glad you are also enjoying the country and integrating yourselves so well, I can't wait for that to happen to us :) Thank you for your comment! and support!!!
I just moved to France this year. I love your family’s videos. Great job!
Welcome!!! how exciting!!!, thank you so much for the kind comment!
Hi Cecilia! What a wonderful video, loved the way it was naturally paced, where you spoke from your experience. This was very interesting, it's really helpful to hear about the realities of moving to another country. I think these are my favorite types of videos, something valuable to learn / consider. The easy part is thinking about the good parts. Too often it seems that there's not enough focus on the logic and technicalities of such a transition, and instead focus lies on the end result, leaving me to wonder what actually happened in between. Thank you for being so open about these experiences!
I'm so glad you found this helpful! For me, any story feels incomplete if it doesn’t include the internal experience, that’s really what matters most to me. So much of what we see out there feels detached from any real purpose, making it overly logical or lacking in depth. Taking this journey is about more than just moving, it can spark profound insights within, if we’re truly connected to it. These insights, unique to each person, carry valuable meaning, after all, they touch on the very essence of our existence. I really appreciate the support and kind comment :)
J'adore! - Sister, I needed to see this tonight and hear you talk about, verbatim, what I'm currently going thru. I am a couple of years behind you, finally sleeping at La Chev for the last 3 weeks and questioning my sanity. Total decision fatigue, the visa, the legal entities, buying a vehicle, getting quotes from tradespeople, roofers, septic, plumbers, electricians, shopping for basics, buying appliances, selling a house in the US, banking, where do I shop, buying mattresses, sheets, towels, absolutely everything because all of my stuff is in Atlanta... and all while trying to learn a new language and BTW alone!!! Holy craperson, It's soooooo much... but just hearing you talk about it honestly, and from the other side of this big giant leap gives me enormous comfort. You rock!
Wow, you’re amazing! Taking this on alone is no small feat, and I completely understand how you’re feeling. The endless to-do list can feel overwhelming, with everything seeming urgent, and not knowing where to begin. Relying on others without fully knowing the language adds even more stress, it’s truly a lot to handle. I’m so glad this brings you comfort. My suggestion is to remember that this is more than just moving to a new country; you’re on a journey of self-discovery. If you stay connected to that original feeling and decision that led you here, it will help you through the challenging moments. And if you ask for support with an open heart, it will come. I promise. We're still juggling so much, and my French is still far from perfect, but I’m doing my best to stay true to myself. It will take as long as it takes, and I want to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity. Wishing you strength, courage (which you already have, but a bit extra for when you need it), and lots of love. Thank you again for your support!
@@AnArtistsLifeYT Thanks for the reminder to trust the process. Something I truly believe in on a soul level...The force that pulled us here is still doing its magic even when it feels like drinking from a firehose while jumping from an airplane without a parachute! LOL. ! So happy you stepped into the limelight with your channel, your authenticity, passion, self awareness and commitment to personal evolution is very compelling. Lots of love back-atcha! I'm cheering you on, big time!
@@GoGoChateau Think of all the people who are getting to meet you because you need something. You're an ambassador for You. Life isn't supposed to be easy but because some of us have easy lives when it isn't...well, it isn't. We are here to learn. "Miles (kilometers) to go before we sleep."
@@destinydeems Amen Sister!!! Love You!
Bravissima - great to see you back in the feed and to admire your beautiful new home. This will be me next year hopefully, moving over from the U.K. I’ve lived in Italy, Spain and Nederlands but I’ve chosen France as my last stop!
That is wonderful!!! best of luck to you and your journey, thank you so much for the kind words!!!
You are such a natural in front of the camera! Cecelia you were born for this! Not only your journey and life living change but your ease in story telling and honesty is so inspiring on so many levels. Even me, being a creature of habit who has lived and still to this day lives in the same small NYC apartment for over 35 yrs ...this gives me the will and desire to make changes in my home and life. Thank you! xo Madelyn
Wow, what a kind sweet message, I so appreciate your energy and love. I am so grateful to be doing this, I am learning a lot as well :) I really appreciate your support!!! and encouragement :)
Hello Cecelia,
I love your “joie de vivre” as we say in French. I think what strikes me the most about what you said in your video is how you followed your intuition. You felt as though Portugal wasn’t the right fit for you and Josh and you both went with it instead of simply staying there. I admire your tenacity and your courage, both yours and your husband’s. You are radiant.
Wow, what a loving comment!! thank you so much, you are so thoughtful. Sometimes I think we are insane, and then we laugh and carry on :) Thank you so much for your support!!!
I really do enjoy your personality! You're a gem !!
We are in the process of organizing our leave from the USA and omgosh the stress!!! Its overwhelming. We have a daughter overseas and like you we want to be close to our child, so the madness begins as we have just received our residence visas!
Absolutely! I totally understand what you're going through! Take a deep breath and try to relax, letting the answers come naturally. Trust that everything will work out, even if some things feel uncertain right now, it’s just a part of the journey and will pass. Remember, taking chances is such a meaningful, spiritual experience. Going after what we want is exactly what we’re here for, to learn, grow, and expand our consciousness. This is an amazing opportunity for you, and I’m genuinely excited for all the beautiful things you’ll discover along the way. Wishing you all the best! 😊
So nice to get more of your story, moving from the US to France. I have followed your husband for years so I have seen parts of the journey, but not really understood how you got to the small community in France where you guys currently live. How lovely to be in Europe with your two sons. Keep the videos coming. They are so much fun to watch and always raise my energy.
Awww, I am so touched, thank you so much!!! such nice comment!! much appreciated :)
I love this! We are planning on retiring in Italy. We are still in the research phase and trying to narrow down the region we want to be in. We are so excited. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you so much!!! and best wishes on your adventure :) and thank you for the support!!!
I live abroad in Belgium with the US mil and there are still so many hoops despite the helping hand we receive, so i can only imagine the challenges that arise when you're doing it on your own! It's great to see how you and your husband have managed and I love how you both push yourselves to learn and push through. I wish my parents would be more open to traveling so kudos!
Thank you so much for your sharing and kind words. Yes to all you said, but I am so glad we did it :) Thank you so much for your support!!!
This was great. I would definately be interested in hearing more in future videos.
Thank you so much! More to come! I super appreciate the support!!!
I’m in Rome right now for my first extended stay, this is my fourth time here and what you said is exactly why I keep coming back and am thinking of staying longer the next time. It’s a challenge but it’s a way to grow and learn more about what you can actually do plus I just love Italy it always feels like home somehow. Thanks for the advice and honesty 🤗
Thank you so much for your comment, definitely explore the possibility to move to Italy, but do planty of digging on what it will take. Wishing you the super best!!!
Could listen to you for hours lol. Informative, fun, natural, intriguing, intelligent. Thank you
Wow, thank you! you are so sweet!!! what a kind thing to say. I just posted on my community a couple of links to a podcast my husband and I were invited to if you like to listen us talk more about our adventure and relationship :)
Bonjour! We love your videos. Your journey inspired us. Our VLS-TS Visa appointment is on December 2nd in Seattle. Merci. Dean et Cindy
Awww, thank you so much, I am so glad you find the channel inspirational, I am very grateful for your kind comment and support!!!
This was wonderful Cecilia - exactly what I needed to hear!
AWWWW, thank you, I am so glad you enjoyed it :) I so appreciate the kind comment!!!
I wondered where your videos went!! Glad to see you back in my feed!! I’m moving to France, to a small town for writers and writing crafts called Montmorillon, near Poitiers. 😊 it’s just a small pied a terre for now. Might get a bigger place eventually, with garden for pets. Very excited to be moving back to Europe, where I grew up!
Haha, don’t forget to subscribe! 😉 Wow, it sounds like an incredible place, I looked at the photos, and it truly looks dreamy. Wishing you all the best on that amazing journey!
We are in the process of moving to the Island of Madeira in Portugal. OMG... the bureaucracy! Coordinating our arrival with our furnishings is proving impossible, making it likely we will be living in our basically empty new house for months. At so many points along the way, we have second-guessed our decisions. But you are right; being spiritually centered, resilient, and extremely patient keeps us moving forward. It's exciting to start this new chapter. Watching your journey has been very helpful.
Wow, how exciting, and yes, it can definitely be stressful too! Moving to a new country takes a lot of patience and trust. Stay persistent, and remember that in Europe, people often prefer in-person or phone conversations over emails and texts. So, if things get tricky, try reaching out the way they’re most comfortable with if you can.
And during those challenging moments, keep the big picture in mind: this is such a beautiful, spiritual experience. It's a chance to grow, learn, and really exercise your intuition and heart. Embrace the joy and discovery along the way, this journey is truly a gift. With all my love, wishing you all the best! 🌍✨
I’ve followed your journey from the beginning. I’ve been looking at both Portugal and France for the past 3 years. If I was to pick on house styles, it would absolutely be France. But Portugal offers a more diverse growing season, like California. I wish I could have both. Still more exploring to be done since it will be 5-7 years before I go. For now I live vicariously through others that have made the move. ❤
Thank you so much for the follow!!! I am glad you are doing a lot of research and yes every place has it charm. You will know once you travel and experience each one :) Thank you for your support!!!
thank you for blessing us today with another wonderful video straight from your heart 🥹 we feel the love you put into it❤ thank you sooooo much Cecilia! xoxo 🥰
❤️❤️❤️
I plan to join your patreon in the future 🥹 how exciting that you're giving us the opportunity to connect with you via livestreams! hehehe
Thank you, no rush, whenever it feels right to you :)
Look at you! 👏🏻 I love watching how your journey is transpiring. I hope to achieve similar goals one day. ❤🎉 thank you for all the knowledge.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate the support!!!
Loved your video Cecilia! I am in my fifties as well and my husband and I are looking to move to Italy. I’m in the process of getting my Italian citizenship through descent. I so appreciate your willingness to openly talk about your experience and look forward to your videos. I can appreciate how important it is to meditate and be comfortable listening to the silence, being a yoga instructor myself. But I get overwhelmed researching and finding how insane Italian bureaucracy is. So thank you so much for continuing to talk about your experience.❤
Wow, what an incredible opportunity! I’m so happy for you, you’re about to embark on an amazing adventure. As I mentioned in my video, this journey will stretch you in new ways, and that’s a beautiful thing. The key is to stay kind and patient with yourself. You’re stepping into a lot of unknowns, and even when seeking guidance from your higher self, it can be challenging to interpret the answers or quiet the ego. So, give yourself compassion and remember: this is more than just a move to a new country; it’s about living your truest, most fulfilling life! 😊
Love, love your channel Cecilia. Keep up the amazing work content ❤
Thank you so much!!! will do!!!
This explanation was so helpful! A different angle on the same story that your husband shared on his channel. Thank you!
Ha ha, yes, we share the same feelings but have our own unique experiences and observations. I am glad you found it helpful :) Thank you so much for the kind comment!!
Cecilia thank you for the update. I love France and I love your family. Together you can do anything. I look forward to your next post. Much love ! ❤❤❤
Thank you so much! you are so sweet!!! I super appreciate your support and kind wishes :)
So enjoy your ventures. Your family is just lovely.
Thank you so much! you are so kind, I am glad you are enjoying our crazy lives :) I really appreciate the support :)
Wow! I am exhausted just listening to all that you folks did to finally arrive at where you are. I hope Nathaniel's new fixer upper is close to you! My experience in life is that once you know what you want to do...then if you fix your mind like a laser beam on the end goal and not on how you arrive or even what the exact end is then it can happen. You just put on foot in front of the other and then you know what the next step is. There is a Sanskrit sutra that begins "Padam padam..." Step by step.... It is like driving in fog when you can only see a few yards in front and then another. So happy that you found a wonderful home but I won't say your forever home:)
Haha, yes, looking back, it’s amazing to see our journey. Every time those memories come to mind, I feel such joy. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced this and don’t take it for granted. But yes, it was exhausting, and we’re still recovering! :) and crazy as it sounds, I agree with you about the house, who knows what will happen, we are a bit crazy for sure :) Thank you so much for your support!!!
Guapa!! Admiramos tu pasión por la vida, el arte, la gastronomía, me encanta tu manera de ver la vida! Un beso desde España!!
Muchas gracias, que lindo tu comentario, sos muy amable y aprecio tu apoyo con todo corazon :)
Cecilia, i love this discussion! We live in Sausalito (just over the GG bridge from SF in California) and don’t want to move permanently but think about a second home in S of France (unless the election goes sideways and then we may reconsider) My question that nobody ever addresses is what is it like socially? Have you made friends? I know your husband made a video saying he doesn’t really need friends at this point in life but for those of us who are extremely social, i wonder about that aspect? I watch Nathaniel too, thanks for sharing your lives with us and giving us a glimpse into the reality of dream scenarios!
Thank you so much! I’m an extreme introvert, which means I don’t socialize a lot, even though I have no issue talking to anyone, I’m not shy at all! 😊 I’ll probably do a video on this. Honestly, I find it easier to make friends in small villages if you want to. We’ve been invited to plenty of events and parties, and while we’ve gone to a few, I truly enjoy my own company. The French are incredibly kind and have a strong sense of community, so rest assured, you’ll be warmly welcomed! 😊
I have loved watching your husband's channel and the journey you two have been on thus far. You both have documented your experience so well and I'm sure you are so happy to be settled at long last! I love the area you have chosen as it seems to encompass your interests and lifestyle. Plus who wouldn't want to live just outside Paris!!!
My husband and I moved 3 years ago from Eastern to Western Canada and we thought that was tough...we lived out of hotels and Airbnbs for over 4 months, but I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to move to an entirely new country where you don't speak the language! You are so adventurous (not to mention brave) and that's what I love about your channel! Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us - it's so appreciated! :)
Thank you so much! Yes, it’s been incredibly challenging, but also so rewarding and genuinely fun. I feel so grateful to have had the chance to do what we’ve done and to continue this journey. Everything fell into place so perfectly, and with our spiritual practice, we were able to navigate some very intimidating decisions with a calm and steady approach. I’m thrilled that you embarked on your own adventure, too. Even if it was tough, I’m sure it taught you a lot about yourself. I hope you’re now enjoying the rewards of all that hard work and finding time to relax. Here’s to the next adventure, thank you again!
Hello Cecilia! I found your blog and I love it so far. I'm sure I'm here to stay for all the creative projects and your beautiful house interior design I'll be seeing in your blog. I also love your philosophy in life. I wish you all the best in your UA-cam blog. Can't wait to see the blog grow.
Thank you so much!!! what a lovely comment!!! You are very kind, thank you for the support!!!
Cecilia I love you and your family. I am following your son since he went to Mexico. Great admiration for your courage, it’s not an easy process even for a smart people like you all. Keep smiling and everything will go your way. Success!
Thank you so much! What a kind loving comment, I super appreciate it :)
honestly you posting on UA-cam today was the highlight of my day 🥹 like I've said before, any day Cecilia posts is a good day! hehe 🥰
Awww, you are so sweet!!! I am so glad I bring you joy, you are so sweet!!! much love back to you ❤️
Hi Cecilia🤗Just want to say how much I enjoy listening to you tell your stories. I'm subscribed and I always give you a thumbs up. I want to spread the word on your new channel! I watch your husband's and your son's channels as well. You are an absolute sweetheart and I wish you all the best!😊🇨🇦
Thank you so much! You are so sweet!!! what a loving comment!!! you are the best!!! much love back to you ❤️
I always wondered how you felt leaving your gorgeous place in Oregon. I can imagine a lot of people would follow the feelings of not wanting to leave because of all the work they put in to make such a beautiful home. But now you are building another beautiful home in France and that experience is so inspiring to me.
It was really hard, but I knew that leaving was essential. I grew so much from the experience, learning at a deeper level how to let go of precious things for what truly matters, my relationship with myself and my loved ones. Now I have the opportunity to reinvent a new home. I miss my Oregon home deeply and am incredibly grateful for the experience of building it and enjoying it for so many years. Thank you so much for your support.
It's lovely knowing sometimes life is a journey and you don't know what the big plan is, just go along for the ride!
So true! Thank you so much for your kind comment and support! :)
Cecilia, this episode is so timely for me! My partner and I are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the US presidential election and planning a move to France, depending on the result. We originally considered Spain as I was born in Cuba and speak fluent Spanish, but taxes there make it impossible. So now we are looking at either Nice or somewhere near Paris, as you have done. However, I'm concerned about the impacts of climate change and wonder if you have any insights on droughts and flooding in your area or elsewhere in France.
I totally hear you! We also considered the climate change impacts, which is why we decided against the south of France. It’s stunning but dealing with droughts is a serious concern. The center of France still lags a bit in modernization, and outside the big cities, medical deserts are a real issue. Choosing to live outside Paris was an easy decision for us, and it’s incredible having such convenient access to one of the most culturally rich cities in the world!
I’m planning a video soon to share what life is like in our area and how easy it is to go to Paris and back in a day. Wishing you all the best on your journey, and thank you so much for the support! 😊
@@AnArtistsLifeYT I was wondering how the healthcare system in France and particularly where you live in the countryside works. Does your village have EMS services and how far is the closest hospital? As a retired critical care nurse I know time is of the essence particularly for heart attacks and stroke. Do you have to travel into Paris to see doctors or are there medical practices near your village? I feel these are important things to consider if one plans to live their elder years in France. I have followed your whole journey from the start and I give you and your husband a lot of credit for getting through the chaos and your still married! LOL P.S., be happy your not here in the U.S. for the election!
I completely understand where you're coming from. We are also considering moving to another country depending on the outcome of the election. So sad it's come to this.
Wonderful ... I love the story of your journeys and the way you excite our imagination with possibilities and a true honesty. garder la France dans nos coeurs .. -Daniel (Paris)
Thank you so much! you are very sweet! I appreciate the support!!! La France est dans mon cœur, c'est un endroit merveilleux.
15:05 - oh my gosh how scary that a couple of your boxes went missing 🥺🥺🥺🥺 thank goodness it wasn't the most important stuff!
It took us a bit of time to figure it out, but considering what went went through we feel we got super lucky. All things are replaceable but not missing experiences and not living to the fullest, even if we are afraid, is more important.Thank you for the caring :)
love your videos and your style (same age, having exactly the same thoughts where to live, also lived in Paris for 4 years...) but I really love your blouse... would you share what brand it is? Merci beaucoup!
Thank you so much!!! The blouse on the thumbnail is from this boutique: bylenaetlola.com/collections/blouses/products/chemise-catherina and the one in the video is from LaRedoute www.laredoute.fr/ppdp/prod-601362578.aspx
I hope this helps :)
13:35 - "the unknown is a constant" so true 🥲 .... the decision fatigue is real.
It is very real, and part of the journey :) thank you again for your support!!!
Great video! So many good tips. I'd love to see more of your jewelry making--do you have a link where we can see some of your beautiful creations?
Thank you so much!!! My jewelry site is coming soon! I will announce it :) Thank you for asking and for the support!
Really enjoyed this video, thank you and yes I would love to hear what it’s like living in France.
You got it! I will be sharing more on the topic :) thank you so much!!!
Thank you for being so open about your experience and reason for moving! See you on Patreon, can't wait to hear more!!
Thank you so much! You are so kind :) I super appreciate the support!!!
Thank you for mentioning it’s expensive as well as mentally taxing. So many on YT who have left the US gloss over the expense of doing so. I have wanted to emigrate for years but sadly made a lot of financial missteps that make it financially impossible at this point in my life. Travel is still in the cards though and maybe even retiring there if I stay disciplined. 65 is only 9 years away for me.
Thank you so much!!! you are very sweet! I agree there is such little mention of what it takes to move to a new country and that it might not be for everyone. Don't worry, when the right moment comes to move you will know it, stay focus on the the goal and it will happen :)
That was a really great compilation of your journey . It’s been a journey to get to know you and discovering that😂❤ i really like you .
Thank you so much!! You are very sweet!!! I super appreciate the love :)
Thank you for your honest account of your international move, Cecilia. It's great to hear realistic experiences. I am an EU dual citizen born and bred in Australia. My husband and I will be making the move to Europe in the next 18 months, and even without the headache of visas, there is soooo much to prepare for. We also have 4 furbabies that will be coming with us, and I want to make their transition as smooth as possible. Thankfully I've found a private charter company that will fly us from Australia with our cats and dog in the cabin with us, but it's not a direct flight. It's exhausting just thinking about it. Because there's not much I can do to push things along, tonight I signed up for a language course to prepare myself so at least I'll be fluent when I land.
Thank you so much for your comment :) Wishing you the super best with the move, I am so glad your fur babies are small to be able to be with you, it is less stressful that way. Just in case, because this was a bit of a surprise to me, and I don't know the logistics from Australia, but you need certain certification to be able to enter France with your animals. In the USA was documents from the department of agriculture, and it is paper work that needs to be done by a registered veterinarian. In any case, best of luck, and thank you so much for your support!!!!
Welcome to Europe, it's such cute moment to see how much you guys enjoy the food over here 😊
Thank you! 😃 ha ha, yes, we love food so much and we both feel we are in the right place for that :) Thank you for the lovely comment!!!
Votre mari et vous semblez reposés et en forme. La vie dans la campagne française semble vous réussir à merveille. Bon courage à vous pour terminer l’agencement de votre maison afin qu’elle soit enfin à votre goût et le reflet de votre personnalité. Je vous souhaite de vous y sentir bien et heureux pendant longtemps.
Merci beaucoup !!! Vous êtes si gentils, quel gentil commentaire, j'apprécie énormément votre soutien !!!
It looks like it was all worth it! (I love the smile when the UA-camr takes on! ;D)
Thank you so much!!!! I appreciate the support!!!
Love the videos, interesting to hear what you did and why❤️
Thank you so much!!! I super appreciate the support!!!
yes, please go deeper on what it's like to live in France!!! 🥹🥹🥹 ❤❤❤
Ha ha, yes I have a lot of topics I want to share, :)
Cecilia you are so inspirational ❤️
Awww, thank you, you are very kind :)
I have an Argentine exchange student sister. I have been to Argentina once. Had the opportunity to visit Mer del Plata. I love Argentina. Once retire , I hope to visit for as long as my tourist permits allow.
That sounds great!!! I hope it happens sooner than you expect :) Thank you for sharing :)
you inspired me to move to France 🥹🥹🥹🥹 I might be moving there in a couple years to have it as my home base in Europe 🥹🥹🥹🥹
Awww, I am so glad you find my sharing inspirational, I am so grateful for you kind comment and your sharing :)
Cecilia, It was good to hear your story again. I picked up a few details that I had not heard before, mainly about your youngest son. I didn’t realize he was the one who had gone to Portugal. For some reason I thought he was still in the U.S. and attending university. One question I’ve had and that was whether you had considered Spain and, if so, why you did not choose to move there. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Haha, well, now you know the scoop! 😊 We never considered Spain, even though we speak the language, because Portugal initially appealed to us with its work friendly visa. But when I visited my son in Paris, I was smitten! the food, the visuals, the language, that was just the cherry on top. :) Thank you for your support!
10:00 - for exploring
Thank you so much!!
I admire your courage, flexibility, patience, hard work, and sense of adventure.
Thank you! you are so kind and generous with your comment, I am touched :) I appreciate the support!!!
I could listen to you for hours😅Love your program. Look forward to more design programs too. ❤from South Africa 🇿🇦
Awww, you are so sweet!!! thank you so much!!! what a kind message :)
I love this channel! Thank you!
Thank you too! I super appreciate your support!!!
Great video! Very helpful information.
Thanks for watching! you are very kind! I appreciate the support!!!
so enjoy your videos!
Glad you like them! Thank you so much for watching :)
Somehow I don’t get your notifications although I subscribed!
I think you need to turn notifications on your end, I have no control on my end. I hope this helps. Thank you so much for subscribing :)
👋 Hi
I just found your channel! I want to know so much about moving to Europe!
My husband left me last year after 37yrs of marriage. My adult kids want to move to Europe also! They’re 26 yrs old & 27. We would have moved already but I have an older horse who would not survive being moved over there. She is 26yrs old (same as my daughter).
So next year or year after. When she(my horse) moves to “permanent pasture” 😢
So, any advice to have at least 1 yr to prepare 😊
Hello, I am glad you found my channel and thank you for watching. You are being presented with an incredible opportunity for this new stage in your life, and that is exciting, my advise would be to EDIT as many things as possible, donate, sell and throw away as much as you are able. Do as much research as you can about the different countries you are drawn to, to narrow your decision, and start a meditation practice, you will need a lot of inner guidance navigating a move to a new continent :) I hope this helps and thank you for the support!!!
Thanks for the video. As an Oregonian, what are you doing about your French driver’s license? Oregon licenses are not exchangeable.
Ha ha, you are correct, for the first year we had the international driver license, but for this second year, my husband who is a much confident driver and better with french took the french driving test, all in french and passed gloriously :) I am currently studying for mine, but honestly going very slow :(, but the plan is to pass it as well, I might share the journey :)
What I have noticed between the Cecilia of before
And the Cecilia of now
Is that you have bloomed 🌸🧚♀🌸
You are glowing 🌟
Your decision took you exactly where you should be 💫
Thank you 🤗❤
Awww, you are so sweet!!! we are slowly getting back into shape after so much travel :) it is nice to have a home base again :)
I can't imagine the anxiety on a day to day basis--in the end though, what a beautiful home and what a great decision!
Awww, thank you so much, and yes, lots of emotions, lots of mind control, meditation and contemplation. We are super grateful, and still trying to live the most intentional life, it is fun, hard, painful and wonderful, all together :) Thank you so much for your kind words and support!!!
I love your channel and your style! Di you ever share your home in United States?
Thank you so much! no I never shared the making of my home in the US, I am an extreme introvert (not shy at all) so that was not something I considered back then, but my entire family is in UA-cam (husband, and two sons) and they all encourage me to do this, and I am so glad because I am surprise how much fun I am having :)
Wonderful, thoughtful video.
Thank you kindly I am so glad you enjoyed it :)
I love your smile and vitality ! When will your jewels available for sale?
Very soon! I super appreciate the kind compliments :) you are so sweet!!!
If you are from Mar del Plata, why not consider moving to Nice or French Riviera area?
That would elevate to a higher level your Argentine city experience. (Can’t compare!).
I’m not a fan of hot climates, but I love the rain and lush, green landscapes. I did extensive research on climate change and other issues like medical deserts, and staying near my son was important to me. For all those reasons, we chose this area, and we’re really happy with our decision! 😊
16:15 - SO true!! 🥹
Ha ha, yes crazy adventure.
Great information! Wow makes my head hurt
Ha ha ha, I hear you, it was a lot and still is, but loving the journey:) I super appreciate the support!!!
I lived your life with details because I moved to Portugal and hated the bureaucracy, apathy, and slow pace, which felt like death! I packed my stuff and moved to France. Now, I'm in an Airbnb nightmare. I only want to rent an apartment; everyone in France competes for rentals and purchases. I'm now in Visa hell as I continue to study French! The funny part is that despite the instability, I'm under less stress than I experienced working in the US. I look at so many people online encouraging others to move abroad, which, I think, is a big mistake because it takes a particular type of person to constantly deal with change, uprooting, and bureaucracy in a foreign country! I've lived in six US states, and this change is something new!
I felt your pain and want you to know that with enough patience, things will get better, hang in there :) I completely agree, this path isn’t for everyone, and the decision has to come from the right place and the right energy. I hope everything gets resolved for you soon, and thank you so much for the support!
This was lovely. 🥰
Thank you! 😊 you are so sweet! I super appreciate you :)
Cecilia - such a beautiful name
Awww, thank you, you are sweet!!!
Thanks for such an interesting view on relocating. What i wish to know is did you make new french friends ? Once the french know you are there for good are they welcoming ? Curious tnx tc
Thank you so much! Funny you ask, I’m actually an extreme introvert. I’m not shy at all; I feel completely comfortable talking to strangers and can chat about almost anything. That said, I’m not really looking to socialize much beyond the courteous, casual interactions that come with living in a small village. We've been invited to quite a few social events and have attended most of them, but I find myself immediately drained afterward. I prefer small, intimate gatherings that are short and sweet. So, I’m actually very content with the socializing I’ve done lately! I also want to add that the people here are incredibly warm and welcoming, it's such a lovely culture.
You're a natural! Maybe you will visit my sight, too, thanx!
Thank you, I will
Thanks!
OMG!!! You are insane, thank you so much, I am so touched to your generosity :)
I heard that the customer service in Europe is a shock to Americans.
Ha, ha, ha, it depends! It’s true that communicating over the phone can sometimes be challenging, but in person, people here are generally very kind and patient. Most of our experiences have been positive, though there have, of course, been a few moments that were frustrating or upsetting. It’s a different culture, money isn’t the main focus, and there’s no pressure to "make the sale"or to put on a show, which I really appreciate. People are people, no matter where you go, but I hope this answers your question!
10:00 Visit Parisian countryside ❤
Thank you so much!!!
@@AnArtistsLifeYT Thank YOU so much ❤🙏 This video is so helpful and I enjoy seeing you all explore beautiful living and adventures abroad as a family - lovely to see!
How about the language? Was it easy to learn French with a background of Spanish? ☺️
Honestly, it’s really tough, knowing Spanish only helps with reading French. Speaking it and understanding when someone else is talking is still very challenging. I am still studying, and I take long pauses to do other things so it is going slower than I was expecting, but eventually I will conquer :)
I am glad you are doing plenty of research, and yes all places offer their unique charm, but you really don't know until you experience things.Thank you so much for your support!!
Welcome to paradise.
Thank you!!!!
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Thank you so much for the love :)
Do you feel France's bureaucracy and response time is significantly better than Portugal? I've seen many compliants about France. We have family and a place in India and lately, I do wonder if we'll need a Plan B to go there. But, something happened this week that reminds me of how I feel infuriated in India a lot, it really sets me off and I don't know if I can change. Like what you said about Portugal. It's slow, bureaucratic, lack of response from people, you get thrown around like a balloon in a hurricane, even by a bank. Don't be messing with access to our own money. Your video is validation of my feeling that this culture is reason to cross a place off a list. But WHY? Am I intolerant? Unadaptable? Or is it something else like feeling very dependent in a strange place, and you can't trust anyone? Something to meditate over!
Going to Google and "dropping the little guy" ... LOL ... yes, everyone should do that. You get a driver's eye view of a place. I "drove" through the French village an ancestor left in the 1600s for Quebec (before Quebec was Quebec). The church he was baptized in is still there in the village. The house is still there! The field he plowed is still there. It was cool to drive through the streets. I may never visit in person. But I feel like I've been there.
Hello! I do feel that France is much better when it comes to response times and banking. We had quite a frustrating experience in Portugal, I might share more details in the future or with my Patreon group. Our youngest son, who’s still in Lisbon, often struggles with administrative issues. Here in France, yes, things do take a long time, but you see steady progress, and they actually communicate, which is a big improvement. In Portugal, it was just too frustrating for us.
@@AnArtistsLifeYT- from everything I've learned in researching Italy, Italian bureaucracy is even worse than Portugal's! 😞 I'm glad to hear France is better that way. Mil gracias for the lovely video 🙏🏻❤️
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Thank you so much!!!!
I love hearing about your move to France, Cecilia. Thank you so much for sharing!
My husband and I have been seriously considering a move to France from Canada & the U.S. but France's visas make it a bit challenging to earn a living there. It's hard to take the leap without knowing what to expect financially on the other end. I take it you're currently on the Long Stay Visitor visa? And is the other visa you'll be eligible for after 2 years "profession libérale"?
Thanks again for the insight and inspiration!
Thank you so much for watching! 😊 And yes, you're absolutely right about the visas. When we received our Portuguese visas, we were able to work, which was perfect for us since I'm a creative director in graphic design and a jewelry maker. But when we decided to switch to France, we knew it would be challenging, yet totally possible, given that both my husband and I can work remotely.
Now, we're in the final stretch, waiting for the "profession libérale" working visas, as you mentioned. We’ve completed the two-year residency requirement, so we're excited to finally be eligible to apply. Thank you for your support, it’s been quite the journey, and we’re so grateful for every step forward!
I love this style of video (I love ALL your videos). please definitely feel free to do more videos where you sit down and discuss a subject in depth. you have so much wisdom to share and I feel like a little grasshopper learning so much from you hehe. also, I moved out of the USA a few years ago so the things you share about your journey honestly feels so validating for me because I've gone through it myself and still continue to do so 🥹 I feel like I'm not alone, you know? 🥲
Awwww, thank you so much!!! don't worry, I will share more, I understand, you are not alone, I promise you :)
Is everyone moving to France???? 🫥
Apparently :)
I JUST JOINED YOUR PATREON OMG I AM SO EXCITED TO MEET YOU ON THE LIVESTREAAAAAAAAAAMM!!!! WOOOO!!!! 🥹🥹🥹🥹😭😭😭😭❤❤❤❤ LOL
Ha ha, I will meet you today via zoom :) so looking forward to our conversation today :)
When my wife and I grow up, we aspire to be as courageous as Josh and Cecilia. They are incredibly knowledgeable, humble, and willing to share a piece of themselves with us all. It's interesting to note that I met their family only a couple of months before they left the United States, yet it feels like I have known them forever. I've come to realize that no home is a forever home, and family makes any space thrvmost lovely place to be! 🙏🏾❤️🤌🏾
OMG Vicente, it is always so nice to hear from you :)))) You are the kindest soul. Yes meeting you guys was a blessing, a true magical moment. I wish we had more time to spend it together. Perhaps in the future we can re connect in person :) I feel the same way about you both, I think you guys are amazing!!! Thank you so much for your love and support!!!!
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Thank you so much!!! You are so supportive :)
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Thank you so much!!! You are so sweet!!!