French Lifestyle Secrets I Wish I'd Known Sooner

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Thank you so much for watching my video! I post a new video on slow living, simple living and noticing the simple joys every month but if you're curious to see more of my content, check out my blog! As a writer, I have a full archive of posts written from the past 5 years on the Simple Joys blog about how to find more joy in your life as well as slow and simple living, presence, and life in France. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did me making it! Have a magical day, lovely soul! ☀️
French Mindsets That Will Change Your Life - Beauty in Paris
French Lifestyle Secrets I Wish I'd Known Sooner

[@helenawoods]

💕✨🌙If you'd like to support my video work and join our Patreon community where we do Zoom calls and livestreams, here's a link to my Patreon: www.patreon.com/helenawoods

[@SwissFairy]

I’m a part of your patreon and I’m absolutely enjoying all the content in there, I highly recommend being part of this beautiful Helena Woods “tribe”. I feel as I have enjoyed a family in there. This was another beautiful video, Helena!! I really enjoyed the slow paced video, your words of wisdom and the visuals were so inspiring, thank you for sharing this 🙏❤️🧚‍♀️

[@wildflowerwind6941]

"It is ok to do nothing." Thank you for saying that. There is hope for the future of mankind if they follow the French way of living. Not everyone lives for greed. Glad to hear it. All I hear in the US is how many "steps" people have got in for the day on their Fitbits. If you aren't busy you aren't living. What are your plans? What trip are you taking? What are your goals? Where do you want to be in 5 years? So much discord. Need to have this and do that. Why? I don't know. I feel I don't know anything anymore.

[@JYYB]

You make your own way, don’t rely on others to tell you what to do. If I lived my life wanted what other have I wouldn’t be happy. I live my life for me, of course we need to work for money but be smart about it. most people who live in the country area or who live off grid work hard to save money or do side jobs for income. Than they are able to do so. We can’t just complain about our lives when we aren’t happy because than we will be complaining all our lives. I make do with what I have, to be able to have food and a roof over my head, to be able to enjoy life and family is most important. Slow living is not handed to you, it’s a thought 💭 a process that you give yourself to do. “I don’t know what to do with my life anymore” is giving up. It’s stressing you out for no reason. I am 30 years old, I’ve traveled the world before I was 20, I’ve seen both bad and good to many countries. It opened my mind up and in the end I am glad I live in America. Yes it’s not perfect and I realized I do have my own freedom I choose what I want to do and who I want to talk to. I’ve let go of those who are always negative in my life, those who always put others down, I’ve learned to allow myself to grow and be who I want to be to have peace and to not follow trends. Be courageous and do what makes you happy.

[@wildflowerwind6941]

@@JYYB I think you have misunderstood my comment.

[@JYYB]

@@wildflowerwind6941 i didnt. This comment is also for those who are lost. And dont understand humans intentions. No need to do whats trending, no need for others who dont pay the bill. 😀

[@sarahjoy6704]

@@wildflowerwind6941 yes, it was obvious to me reading her reply that she did indeed misunderstand your comment. Oh well. I see you, and I understood :)

[@wildflowerwind6941]

@@sarahjoy6704 Thank you Sarah

[@jessicalt4121]

Thirty years ago, I lived in Greece in my late 20’s. What an amazing time, before cell phones and this faster paced life now. A simpler time. I learned to appreciate good food, the slower pace of life, trains, walking to work, time off, long meals, coffees at cafes watching people, Greek history, the islands, sunny days, etc. Memories.

[@leanaaymorejacob1211]

Wow, what a dream! 🤩😊🌹

[@anastasiamanolidou4421]

My dear Jessica,you have to come back to Greece,my country,this blessed part of the earth...waiting for you!!! You only live once.Much love🌹🌻🌺🍉🌞

[@AnnalisaJ]

What a beautiful moment of pause you gave me! I lived in Paris for a decade and I am originally Italo-french. Currently in California… and I completely forgotten many of the simple joys and beauty. Here the culture is the complete opposite. While it still has its charms, I very much miss the simple yet effortlessly elegant French lifestyle! Thank you for this reminder ✨ beautiful video!

[@helenawoods]

totally! I'm originally from san diego california! :)

[@andrewma9975]

We are are all Californians. Yes the life over here is constantly on the move. It’s so beautiful to see it from your perspective! I love your voice by the way too. ☺️☺️🥲😊😇

[@marriedaprince1]

@@helenawoods hey we just moved from San Diego, we now live in south Carolina (grew up around LA tho :))

[@rosefrancaise]

Annalisa! Delighted to see my ‘favorite gals’ here… and I so agree. I long for the presence of being that the French (and Italians!) have mastered. Beautiful video, Helena 🌹

[@hervedupont6955]

Bjr, pourquoi avez-vous quitté Paris🤔

[@monicasuissa2026]

Having also lived in France, I 100% agree with all of your observations. There's a reason it's so difficult to translate "savoir-vivre" - because no one does it like the French!

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

Être bien dans sa peau.

[@winter9753]

"Savoir-vivre" means "politeness", I think perhaps you meant "art de vivre" ? But anyway I agree with you

[@amytamez]

I am Mexican and I traveled for many years to Paris because I used to be a flight attendant and there is nothing in this world as beautiful as their language, the smell of a coffee and un crepe de banana et Nutella. God! I will always miss París! Bon vivan. 🙏🏼💗🙌🏼 Beautiful video and you are lucky!

[@jessicacarpio7963]

I lived and worked in Provence for a decade. Spending many weekends in Paris, I can say you have accurately captured the French way of life. Lovely to watch, brought back many warm memories.

[@LiveFree123]

This was so beautiful. It’s ok to do nothing. Confidence is quiet, soft and subtle. Embrace aging gracefully and exercise is moving your body for the pleasure of your soul. By the way, the powder blue looks stunning on you. Much love to you and Alex. ❤️💙

[@helenawoods]

thanks Tracey! 🤗

[@n.b.3521]

My first trip abroad was to France. The tour guide mentioned that Parisian couples often do not sit across from each other outside cafés, rather they sit side-by-side so they can all enjoy the same view. I thought that was wonderful and have done likewise ever since.

[@guineverebachelor6089]

“Make appreciating beauty in all its forms a priority now.“ That is exactly what I have been doing by watching this absolutely gorgeous video. I was going to put aside this video, rush and start on my work immediately but I just couldn’t resist. And I’m so glad I did. What a wonderful gift for the start of the year!There are so many lessons in this short, beautifully-edited video that is an absolute delight to watch. Thank you, Helena for reminding me of what it means to be truly alive through this and your other videos. All the very best to you and your husband for 2022!

[@r.p.8906]

I am so glad to hear you say those things. I am French, Paris 13 eme, and live in Florida the French way, so now, with your words, I understand that. I did not realize this, wondering why am I so different. Merci. It's an inborn way of living, very different than the US.

[@carolynmarshall1968]

🇬🇧 I just adore Paris. The cafes, how they live around food and socialise (although being an introvert, I wouldn’t be good at that) not all the time. I just love to people watch. We live in such a fast pace life these days and I’m learning now moving away from a city to the coast and living a slower pace of life, I’m appreciating life and living in the present as much as I can. The more I read the more I learn the more I learn the more I live. X

[@raghavendra4633]

A person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for Thanks for wonderful Vlogs from France Happiness is LIFE Wishes from our family from INDIA

[@aleilic.2475]

Thank you for this video. I, too, love France and the French culture, and it’s what keeps me going back there every year for vacation. The French do seem to have mastered all the art forms, including the art of living, which is expressed in everything they do. I really do love and already subscribe to the idea of living life in subtlety, privacy, and mystery. In today’s world, everybody seems keen to live out loud for the whole world to see and take notice of. I wonder how many people actually feel like they are truly living in the moment. Thank you for reminding me that not everything has to be important or momentous to be celebrated. At this moment, I am celebrating discovering your channel by having a glass of Riesling and a generous slice of my favorite cheese.🧀

[@alexac5001]

Being French I wish the French were as you describe them in your video! Cos this is exactly what I have been missing as growing up here... we do not have philosophical courses unfortunately and people do not have deep thinking most of them and are superficial and comparing themselves to others while sitting at cafes... but your video was inspiring and refreshing with good French stereotypes which make foreigners dream of France! thanks

[@amitpalve6089]

Lol 😂

[@ChillingWithRae]

😂😂😂

[@mrvador7352]

I am French from the South West, I lived 25 years in Paris and now I live in Normandy. You present in your video our art of living which consists in living the present moment and considering that work and money are secondary. You are right to share it, the vast majority of my compatriots favor quality of life over material possessions and that's how it is wherever you go in France and not just in Paris. That said, preserving our art of living is a fight against the single capitalist thought which wishes to make citizens docile consumers for whom happiness is to work more to consume more. Our art of living is threatened by ultra-liberalism. Everything we have, our national solidarity system, our health system, the education system, our 5 weeks of paid vacation, we got it in the streets and with strikes. Macron the banker is a threat to our way of life. Our way of life is a fight.

[@broomhag]

I visited a friend in Paris quite a few years back. The beauty and charm of the people has never left me. It was an eye opener to be in a place that didn't rush around. This video has brought back some very positive and pleasant memories. Thank you.

[@helenawoods]

I'm so glad! It's a joy for me to bring some beauty to your day 🤗💕

[@kimgordon3695]

The Daily Connisseur ✓

[@farabogdan3845]

So beautifully said … makes sense why I love Paris so much 🤍 everytime I come there I enjoy every moment , croissant , sun and rain , getting lost on the streets , finding a little boulangerie , biking around , having picnics and reading a book on the banks of Seine . Every breath in Paris is magical ! Can’t wait to be back :)

[@davidkyle5017]

I did a year abroad in college about 40 years ago (1970's) and experienced much of what you did in this vid. I won't go into all the details , but your comments on food and health were true back then too. I grew up in the NYC area and thought I knew it all, well I didn't, not even close. I had my eyes opened not only to the french way of living but to many other cultures too. France has always been a melting pot of cultures. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to make that trip and know that it changed my life for the better.

[@janeyd5280]

David Kyle I wish I had gone to Paris in the 70s. I feel I have left it too late. I would love to have experienced it the.xx

[@kmichalene]

While much of my experience is not in line with yours, this is one of the most beautifully rendered videos I’ve ever seen of Paris. It definitely captures a certain aspect of being here. Just beautiful…

[@brendadrew834]

Merci beaucoup! Thank you very much for this beautiful serene and touching video! Brought back many great memories. This 73 year old Yankee New Englander learned some of the same traits the French have when I was over in Paris and France many years ago! I live a very similar lifestyle and shared philosophies. Could be part of my French blood in my DNA and family history. I recently heard that international philosopher/psychologist Alain de Botton discovered that many Americans who live in the Northeast do actually embrace the European lifestyle more than the rest of the country in many areas. Not surprising when one thinks and remembers that the founding of this country was just 246 years ago, heavily influenced by the very radical Liberal French Enlightenment aka the "Age of Reason"! In the time frame of 1000 years, really NOT that long ago when you LOOK at those numbers! Vive la France~

[@susanr5546]

Years ago I was in the travel industry. I have been able to visit France three times and I have so enjoyed my visits. What you speak of, Ms. Woods, is a delightfully slow way of living, being mindful and appreciating each moment, hour and day. Thank you!

[@ladyofwildrose]

lovely, I have French blood in me and I am recognizing and understanding myself more in the revealation of these French lifestyle secrets. Born in Wales and growing up in Canada, I did not understand why in highschool my peers always asked if I was French. "You look French", they would say. I still am not entirely sure what they meant, but today, I take that as a compliment. Thank you..

[@GretchenBostrom]

This reminds me to slow down, live in the present, and appreciate all I am and all I have.

[@JM-pu1iv]

This was an inspired gorgeous meditation. Thank you! I lived in Paris and was reminded of every step watching this. I miss that way of life. Thank you Helena!

[@Lkhrobertson]

Enjoyed this little break. I spent a week in Paris in April 1987. I would not trade the memory for anything.

[@reneevrs]

This is simply breathtaking--both visually and emotionally. I have a French best friend and picked up on some of these things before, however with the pandemic we have drifted apart the past few years and I've been caught up with the culture back here again and have forgotten these values. I am so glad this popped up on my feed--this is a very welcomed and a very, very much needed reminder. Thank you for this ❤❤❤❤

[@vijayadesimone7913]

Thanks for taking such lovely photos of Paris and I appreciate your grown-up wisdom! The French people truly know how to live in the MOMENT.

[@emmanuellegd4515]

Especially magnificent !!! Music, images, text.... I think you're a real artist.... Makes me feel proud of being French 😇

[@temismontenegromontenegro9319]

The French have inspired you and you have touched our lives in an unmeasurable way, always inviting us around the world to live now and forever. Thanks sooooo much!!!

[@virginiafeliciano9318]

Absolutely beautiful! I hope you and your hubby has a wonderful Christmas and happy new year.

[@kimberlylalley7255]

This is beautiful. Moving your body to the pleasure of your soul! Wow! Thank you.

[@johannahoff9185]

Aww Helena this is so beautifully made. I loved every second of it 💛

[@hannahlashbrook5419]

Oh my goodness, this was beautiful, inspiring, and relaxing all at once. Thank you so much!

[@KristenMelissa]

This is absolutely exquisite! 😮😍 Everything about this feels like cinema. A beautiful escape. Just gorgeous Helena!! ✨ I so desire a slower pace in life. I always feel like I'm 10 steps behind and not doing enough.. I realize this is a mindset that I can change.. thank you for the reminder that it is possible! 💛

[@mackenzie5716]

Helena, your videos bring me the inner peace I didn’t know I needed ❤️

[@ernestolongoria1221]

I love this video Helena! The KZbin algorithm sent it to me and I’m so glad it did! I have been to Paris several times and was just there in December. Even in this era of Covid it was still magical! I’m actually writing a song at the moment about Saint Germain, which is my favorite part of Paris! Thank you for making this!

[@sarahjoy6704]

Wonderful. Just wonderful!! I was inspired. I love this slower, softer way of truly living.

[@jaeepandit8129]

Your voice is so soothing.. you convey such positive vibes across continents!! Thank you :)

[@elilee1285]

I can’t help to watch this one twice! That’s how much your insight observations on French people and their lives speaks to our soul, a mysterious being of longing for true happiness and peace.

[@jessicabender1301]

Wow. This was so just so gloriously peaceful and lovely. Thank you, and you eloquently communicated the French way in a way that was felt.

[@earstud]

Gorgeous, and such a timely reminder. Helped me remember to slow down and appreciate the details ☺️

[@tralala88]

I love this beautiful reminder. Thank you x

[@TalentedDilittante]

Miss Woods, your relaxed-to-husky voice says it all, showing that you live what you admire. Thank you, D.

[@SMElder-od5cl]

Thank you! This will be my New Year's resolution!

[@nadia.lewis.]

Love the soft + slow Paris vibes. ✨💕☕️

[@GM8D79]

You captured so many things about Paris, and their culture. Life does not revolved around work. It not about who makes more money or posses more stuff. It's about living the moment. It is always good to learn from other cultures and be able to carry out the positive aspects of them.

[@piewacquet]

You are a wise woman to learn from other cultures as you have. You’ve truly inspired me to do the same. Thank you for that.

[@yustrialubna1900]

Thank you for a such soothing and calming video. It's beyond words, how beautiful. Sending you all my love.

[@draugustadorning]

Beautiful! Loved every second of it! Thank you!

[@Tammymarine]

This was lovely! Beautiful work!

[@EmiliesPiano]

Beautifully done! Your work is so visually captivating, relaxing, and an overall treat for the soul. ❤Thank you.

[@user-cl5zg2bc7u]

These french series in your channel are so inspiring 😍 Thank you 😊

[@gracerodgers8952]

Consuming this with my eyes was feeding my soul. Thank you,merci.

[@nicolafigini6346]

Food for thought delivered with true artistry. The manner of the delivery of the message really made me reflect on how I spend my days, and also the approach to life of a couple of French friends whom I lived and worked with last year. Good stuff, Helena!

[@helenawoods]

thanks Nicola! :)

[@frankieb4587]

WOW! Just WOW! I needed this!

[@linkedinlove106]

Truly beautiful, Helena! You're very fortunate to live there and to have learned these life lessons.

[@dominique8309]

Wow!!! I love everything about video. So classy, poetic and moving. And so true!

[@jonathanfarrell2378]

This was lovely! Very uplifting and needed. Thanks!

[@zsofiakeviczki1461]

Thank you so much for sharing such great ways to view life! Your videos really have changed how I perceive my days 💖💖💖

[@helenawoods]

ahhhh thank you 💕 that really inspires me. I appreciate it. 🤗

[@lindaking9222]

Many will agree with your observations of life in France ,myself included ,since having been there….I found other European countries the same as France🙂💗North Americans could learn a lot from the French

[@saraalmulla8232]

What a wonderful video 💕 loved the videography and your words were mesmerizing ✨

[@iris1547]

so truthfully spoken!😍✨

[@wisahour]

What a beautiful moment you gave Paris is so beautiful and clean

[@elilee1285]

I truly wish you’re keeping all the clips, which I believe you are, and make a whole movie of your journey in France someday. You’re an excellent photographer and story teller. I meant EVERY word I said, dear Helena.

[@helenawoods]

aw thanks Eli! :) I am indeed keeping all the clips! I have to keep buying external harddrives to store it all lol

[@terrilee36]

Evocative images and poetic prose. And your voice was the perfect accompaniment. Beautifully done. ❤

[@rebeccaasher5850]

Well said, well photographed/filmed, well done!

[@ginabina8944]

Thank you for this video. I've never felt more relaxed.

[@simplyhadassah]

I absolutely love this video from the meaning of life to the quality of these clips 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@lucyzhu2968]

My heart is melted ,love😍 love😍 &love😍 So appreciate for your lovely sharing Happy 2022 to you guys PS this video inspired me deeply

[@soniab.estacio3008]

What an inspiration ! Thank you for such a beautiful video . God bless you !

[@LibbyWithnall]

Beautiful words and images. Thanks for sharing.

[@joycefroney6162]

Lovely and I’m there now myself. Thank you

[@04sophiec]

This video was perfect for me. Thank you for sharing

[@annemaxwell9975]

We cannot wait to return to Paris. This has been the most enjoyable 8minutes this week thus far. Well done 🙏

[@rosanalavado5668]

An absolute beautiful video. Thank you so much xx

[@anupamaprasanna3339]

Absolutely loved this. Thank you.

[@kimgardner2281]

What a refreshing and life affirming video.

[@LetsChillPage]

Hello *Helenna,* Yes, as a man and a Frenchman, I like women with their natural expressions and their gray hair when it's gray, and therefore time passes and shows our wounds as much as our victories. These famous expression lines reveal our hard times, but also our laughter and make us living beings endowed with passion, anger, joy, and disappointment. Because no feeling can exist or be appreciated if its opposite doesn't exist. We often mistakenly think the French are negative, but they are not. They're fatalists; it's very different. They accept life as it is. That's why there are so many French expressions that go along the lines of: *"Voilà", "C'est comme ça," "Que veux tu y faire ?",* *"Laisse tomber la neige... (ça ne fait pas de bruit),"* *"On ne va pas refaire le Monde," *"C'est la vie !",* etc. 😊 I don't really appreciate smooth, "botoxed" foreheads, overly heavy makeup, and overly sophisticated hairstyles, which give the impression a person isn't themselves but is constantly wearing a mask, that of an affected appearance. I also like history, literature, science, politics, cinema, etc. And it's why, like many french, I watch numerous documentaries. And, although I haven't studied for a long time (I don't even have a diploma), I'm always curious to learn, to discover (Thanks to the internet, for that). Being French doesn't necessarily mean liking smelly cheeses and offal. 😊 Personally, I don't like either one. I don't drink wine or an apéritif every day either. However, I enjoy doing it when I share a very good convivial meal with friends or family. Yes, I also like to sit on a terrace, sometimes alone, and do nothing but contemplate what surrounds me, watch the life which is agitated around me while I myself am at that moment in the most perfect observation, seated, almost without moving. It's a bit like suspending time for yourself while it continues to move forward for others. It's very inspiring. Besides, isn't this how Einstein understood the relativity of time? Like what, doing nothing doesn't necessarily mean not thinking, not working. However, I've never considered working as an end in itself either. Why have a very nice car, if only to drive it on the way to work or to go shopping? Have a magnificent house, a second home, or a superb boat if you spend most of your time at work and only very rarely enjoy it? For a very long time, I didn't pay attention to the fact that it was cultural until I saw videos like yours. Since living in France and seeing that the others, most of the time, acted like me, then I considered that everyone was like that. 😅 Peace, folks. ☮😉

[@mihaelaclaudiap..2]

Loved every second of it Helena dear!! Beautiful editing, simple and extremely efficient! You are so much like me, moving house very often! That's one of the reasons why I like you so much! Plus your storytelling it' impeccable, always a joy for me to come here! Now I realize that you've changed the name of the channel and the picture. I've changed the picture as well with the new year :)) See you next time lovely lady! xx

[@helenawoods]

so wonderful to connect with you kindred spirit! I love finding and connecting with fellow travellers and movers - it reminds me that I'm not alone in this journey and there are lots of kindred souls out there. Your picture and name is so beautiful! 💕 Congrats on yoru change - happy new year ✨☀️

[@KarenAlexandra]

Wow this video was so surreal and magical to watch. Thank you for bringing the joy of France into our souls 🤍🙏🏼✨

[@biancapalomares5906]

Such a wonderful, peaceful video.

[@brendadudderar8230]

Having been to France this past fall, I completely agree with your observations. You don’t have to be there very long to see it but also feel it. Love to have a dose of The French everyday.💕

[@EnjoyingYourLifeWithJesus]

It's like I was there! Thank you Helena! So beautiful💙

[@melissahouse1296]

Love everything about this. Thank you *so* much 🥰💗

[@amyt2921]

This video is so soothing to watch

[@helenpruzan6970]

That was so lovely to watch before going to sleep.🥰

[@cartoonkiduniya1683]

hey Helena ...really great video- ....your each word are speaking your deep experience which nourishes so many of us...thank u for giving time to yourself

[@amberelf-mcp4912]

Beautiful video 💛 Thank you for sharing!

[@justinonyt]

This was great. I had a smile on my face watching this. Thank you

[@photolover6944]

Bravo Helena !! What a beautiful video, and also so true !

[@thestonsmith4971]

I enjoyed this video and found so much of myself in it it's great to be able to connect in this way. Thank you

[@shannonmckenzie2290]

I love your videos they are so inspiring! Thank you so much

[@helenawoods]

thank you Shannon 💕 I'm so happy to make them!

[@Pinerocks]

I’m Paris obsessed and so glad I discovered your channel. I’ve been many times (from London) and will be going again next month! ❤️😀

[@kaelisweigard]

This video is so beautiful it literally made me cry. Merci beaucoup! 💓

[@aprilfederico9216]

This is so inspiring and eye-opening, thank you! It’s funny because I just meditated about living in Paris!

[@naizzzakalhak4359]

Very nice episode that educates us well about other's culture life, full of serene moments and soul delights.

[@debbiewiens4276]

This way of life resonates with me. 💝

[@lindamasson8799]

Just love this thank you for sharing.

[@wwjackie7751]

Beautifully done. Thank you.