Fearless Friday! From the BX to France - Leap of Faith story

Happy Friday world!  A while back I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my sorority sisters, Keenya Hofmaier, about her move to France.  I had been following her move ever since she announced it, and have been curious about her story.  She's been in France for over a year now and here I share her story with you all.  Enjoy!

_________________

What was your life like before moving to France? What were you up to? What motivated you to move?
Honestly, I was physically and mentally OVER my job. I worked as a special educator for the NYC Department of Education in one of the poorest congressional districts in the United States (Hunts Point, Bronx). The only thing that gave me joy was my students.  Everything else was just so taxing; testing, budget constraints, bureaucracy, and unprofessionalism. As a single woman I made good money but even that wasn't motivation enough. I saw how staying in the education system made other co-workers burnt out and depressed, and I wasn't going to let that happen to me.

Why France?
Why not France? I think Paris is the top place Americans idolize and I did the same. The summer before I resigned I remember reading expat blogs from all over the world. One woman's blog from France really inspired me. And I think subconsciously it stuck with me as I made the decision to move there. I mean, I only visited Paris once before but I've visited many other beautiful cities as well.

So I guess that was it - France just spoke to me.

What steps did you take in order to accomplish your goal?
I probably didn't give myself as much time as you should if you are planning an international move! I started by researching visa requirements. I realized getting a student visa would be the easiest route because it would allow me to work. Plus I wanted to learn French! Then I researched housing which was a nightmare, and it always will be for someone searching from abroad. Then I made sure to visit every type of doctor and use all my insurance benefits: dental work, new eyeglasses, medication etc. I didn't know how difficult the system would be here so I wanted to be prepared. Once I had my visa secured I put in my official resignation, bought a one-way ticket and watched the day's roll by!

How long did it take for you to go from decision to actual move?
I initially started thinking about it in September 2012. Then I officially decided to move the next month in October 2012. That is when I started requesting visas, etc. and I arrived in Paris on Jamuary 31, 2013.

What were some obstacles (if any) you faced when working towards your goal of moving? 

The main obstacle was financial. Luckily I had a lot of money saved up, but I still had to plan how I would budget out my first months and start the job hunt in Paris. The entire visa process (though a lot of paperwork) was surprisingly quick and easy.

How did your friends and family react when you announced your decision to move?
My parents were really supportive. I actually called them on 3-way to officially announce it (and ask who could keep my dog while I got settled!).  They told me they wish they could have had the opportunity to do the same thing (at my age my mom already had a 3 year old - me!).  They said I should take the opportunity while my life still allows it. 

How were things when you first moved abroad?
I wouldn't say "culture shock" - I still had Starbucks! But it was definitely an adventure navigating a new country in a new language. Even though there were ups and downs, the downs never felt so bad because I was enjoying my life so much! For the first time in 3 years!

How has your life changed since moving?
My life has changed so much in a year - proficiency in another language, pursuing a different career and finding my French "Prince Charming". This summer we will actually be getting "PACsed" which is something like a "civil union" back in the US. So I've gone from a complete American tourist to what's looking like a very long-term resident!

First picture in Paris!

What are you up to now?
Now I'm getting my Masters in International Administration here in Paris., after comparing prices to similar programs back home ($50,000 per year compared to 300 euros per year!). I also teach English part time with a really great company. And when I have the time off, you'll usually find me exploring different parts of France or Europe.

What advice can you give to those thinking about taking their own leap of faith?
If you are physically, financially and spiritually able - do it! You probably will never have another chance. You must be ready however as its not always easy. But as I've learned this past year, you really can't put a price on happiness.

Learn more about Keenya and follow her fabulous life in France via her blog: www.treschicmixedchic.blogspot.com

And you can find her on Instagram posting her adventures abroad @ameriparis 

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!

Leap and the net will appear

What's interesting is that I just recently learned this lesson, after taking my leap of faith.  When I first decided to move and basically turn my life right side up I didn't have much support from my loved ones.  Not to say they were completely against the idea but they were fearful for me.  I made the decision to move somewhere I had never lived before and in a place with no family, or security (I didn't have a job lined up).  I continued on with my decision against all odds.  Then once I actually made the move I had more support and love than I could ever have imagined.  The net appeared for me in so many unexpected ways.

Everyone tells me I'm so brave.  I did something that they could never do.  It's funny because I don't feel brave at all.  I was so hungry for change and did the most drastic thing I could think of at the time.  I made the decision to better myself and my life; I thought of it as the right thing to do. Our lives are ruled by the choices we make and we make them with the intention of being right.  I made the decision to move because I felt it was the right thing to do for me, not because it was the "brave" thing to do.  And don't think I just got up one morning and moved the next, I had a plan. My plan took 3 months to blossom.  

First step: I made the decision and set the intention.  I said "I am moving to San Diego" rather than "I hope (or wish) to move".

Second step:  I believed it was possible.  Right when I said it, I felt my heart leap for joy.  The decision was not made from a place of desperation or fear.

Third step:  I surrendered the "how".  I prayed on my desire and then let the magic happen.  I remained open to possibilities.  Once you believe something is possible, keep your mind and heart open to whatever presents itself next.  

Fourth step:  I kept myself open to receive.  I learned that we get the things we want (and need) in unexpected forms.  We receive the very best.  The path to the desire is not linear and it's also not clear to us, so I kept "my eyes peeled" to the things that presented themselves to me.  For example, right after setting the intention to move I was presented with the opportunity to work for a temp job.  I took it because I knew it would help fund my desire.  The opportunities which present themselves right away are important.

Fifth step: My daily routine involved planning to receive my desire.  My desire was to move to San Diego so I planned my move.  I did my research on housing, transportation, activities; I planned how my life would be once I moved.  I also made my desire present.  I wrote "San Diego" on the top of each month on my calendar so that every day marked off was one day closer to receiving it.

Sixth step: Make the desire greater than your fear.  This is a tough one because fear is a part of us. The fear inside will always be present but what helped me quiet it was to visualize my "new life" in San Diego.  Also I really avoided negative people and anyone who did not support my dream.  I did not like to talk about all the things that could go wrong because I can't control every single thing that happens (or doesn't happen) to me, so why focus on that?  I'd rather focus on what I can control.  Plus to be honest, everything was flowing nicely once I made my choice so much so that I figured the Universe was on my side to make it happen.  I felt right about it and so the right things were popping up in my life.  

When people are throwing shade your way, walk in the sun. Tweet this!

Seventh step: What's the worst that can happen?  I don't know if this will work for everyone, but I am a pretty cautious person and can be very paranoid at times.  Because my desire to move was greater than my fear, I did not let fear stop me, but trust me it was present.  One of the ways I was able to face my fear was by identifying what the worst case scenarios were.  In essence, it helped me to identify some of my worst fears tied to this decision.  I didn't create back-up plans to prepare for the worst case scenarios because I wanted to attach positive vibes to my choice.  I chose not to focus on the fear, rather just observe it.  I discuss a little bit about how I face my fears in a previous post.  I'll share with you my greatest fear attached to moving was that it wouldn't work out and I would have to go back home to live with my parents.  Doesn't sound so bad, right?  It's still an echo in my mind I can't get rid of, but I no longer fight it.  It is what it is.  I'm alive, healthy, have tons of people who love and support me, and that's what's truly important.  Which brings me to...

Eighth step: Gratitude! I thank God for placing "The Secret" in my life back in 2010.  This was one of the books that changed my life and the way I live it.  I am grateful every day.  I like to state out loud what I am thankful for every day.  I like to do this as part of my morning ritual, while getting ready for work, to start my day off right.  I think keeping tabs of what you're grateful for opens so many doors.  I think gratitude paves the way for blessings.

I can't tell you what happens after you take your leap of faith because there is no "cookie-cutter" result; everyone's journey is different. What I can say is that I have no regrets.  I would rather do something and determine whether it was the right choice or not for me, from my action, than live regretting my inaction.  I faced a lot of obstacles in the beginning.  I kept myself motivated by learning, meditating, writing, blogging, and taking comfort in the support of my loved ones.  I kept my desire to thrive in San Diego present.   I've shared with you in other posts some of the resources I used to guide me on my path.

I really hope this post can help you take more leaps!  I would love it if you can comment below what leap (or leaps) you would love to take? Or if you've already taken a leap of faith, how did you do it?

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!