LIVING ALONE IN FRANCE | How Am I Happy Alone? 

Janice, you may be a socially introverted lady, but you're such an optimist and amazing lady! You are an inspiration, one day I hope to have your courage and joie de vivre. You go girl. :)

Oh Janice, I so enjoyed every minute of this video. You absolutely described me. It feels so good to know that someone out there feels the same as I do. I love that you are taking us along on your journey living in France.

I understand your need to have time “on my own”. I can feel So Alone in a room full of people, even if they are loved ones. It took me quite a long while to understand that part of myself. Nature is often my best way to recharge myself. It just lifts me back to my energy. Walking is my form of exercise and it is something I realize I must prioritize for me at least several times a week.

You explained this perfectly. I love good company and conversations and even a long trip to the farmers market, but I also enjoy my time alone.

I happened up on your VLOG today and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to seeing more of your solo adventures. Thank you for sharing 😊

I know exactly what you mean about being a social introvert. And the older I get the more me time I need. Alone, with my dog and lots of nature to recharge my "batteries"

I can relate-I'm an introvert too who also likes being social...in small doses. Always need to recharge after. I don't mind being alone, like my own company, and am independent. Love nature as well. ❤

I enjoy my own company, and that's a good thing - I am a professional calligrapher working from my home studio for some 45 years now. I finished high school with music as a full academic subject, ended up playing both piano and a pipe organ for many years. Now at 73, I live in a retirement community in Johannesburg South Africa - and I am yet again involved with music, this time in our small chapel, which is interdenominational. I also get to organize and sing in secular concerts in our community hall. My biggest dream (after having only discovered my solo singing voice 20 years ago!) is to sing, just once, with our local full symphony orchestra. You have inspired me - I am going to contact the current orchestra conductor, and ask him to give me a chance! And no, I do not yet have a wobbly, trilly old lady singing voice!!!! People are asking me whether I've sung in musicals, and whether I was planning on making some recordings on CD..... wow. Little ole me, a pop star!!! LOL!

You are such a pleasure to watch, I love you’re honesty so refreshing. You will be such a inspiration for so many of us🌹

Some people are never alone yet Very lonely. I relate to you so much on this idea.

Yes, being in a crowd for a short period of time is plenty for me also:) I prefer to be in a "safe" group of people who know me and whose company I enjoy.

I am just like you. I live alone, yet never feel lonely and I find nature very calming.

I love your answer. I love being alone! I can spend 100% of my time alone. Being with people drain my energy! I have been to France alone! It was a wonderful trip! You easily meet people especially if you speak or attempt to speak French! I love your videos! Keep it up! I have friends that are Extroverts and they are going crazy now during this pandemic! So I am thankful that I love being alone during this period especially! Keep it up! Your videos are beautiful!

My granddaughters have inherited my habit of making up a fancy tray of food to enjoy all by themselves with nice dishes and an appetizing presentation. Sometimes that's accompanied by a good book or movie and sometimes just sitting outdoors. I often fix myself a lovely afternoon tea as well.

It's so nice to have found your story. You make my heart and Soul smile! ❤️ Thank you for your energy and all that you do to share your life with us . Sending you a big hug from Florida !

Hi, Janice! Although I have been married for 56 yrs, I need alone time. I truly identified with what you were saying. I felt that we were cut from the same cloth until you said that you could be a public speaker! LOL I think that being a Believer in Christ helps us to feel at peace. It's like having a companion that makes no demands on us. It's very comforting. I enjoy visiting with you through your videos! Great job!

Janice you and I are souls sisters - you are an extraverted introvert - empaths and sensitive people with anxiety usually are - I’m 61 still working full time heading up an HR department so my days are managing conflict encouraging and influencing many and also selling the company values and its brand to new employees - like you I adore the company of others can easily talk to strangers and can happily travel alone dine out alone etc. I enjoy the company of others love social settings but am always happy to make my way home - the pandemic has been wonderful for people like us no excuses as to why we don’t want to head out and about. I know that Sunday evening feeling too when I haven’t had sufficient me time over the weekend . I’ve been known to read a book from cover to cover and binge Netflix series. I so hope we can share a Starbucks coffee or wine with you sometime in Paris. x

What an eloquent explanation of how to enjoy one's own company and make the most of every experience. Thanks, Janice!

I am so similar to you. Absolutely enjoy your channel. Especially you mentioning the importance of help to Ukraine. It’s just noble. Thank you

Thanks so much for inspiring me. You truly are a wonderful inspiration to all. Love listening to your story. Keep well and be safe. ❤️🌹

Janice, you are so much fun to travel with !!!!

Thank you for that gentle video. I identified with so much of it although I would not care to be alone ,just yet. There will be more years for that, later. I have just 'unpacked' my luggage that was ready to leave for France next Wednesday. Unfortunately my Nearest and Dearest had a bad fall on Sunday and although he is very bruised he was not concussed, but a scan revealed a compression fracture in his spine and the doctor said absolutely no travelling. I am sad but relieved too, as I was anxious about travelling with him in frail health anyway. It is a long journey by train as our house is way down in the country near Limoges and trips have ended in hospital before. By the way, we have always had good treatment in the health care system in France. We are not part of the Social Medicine system and pay cash but the treatment is good and the hospital near us actually has doctors who specialise in geriatric medicine. (Where have all the years gone !!) WE have spent all our long marriage travelling and being very active so it is hard to have our wings clipped now. Hopefully we will be in France sooner rather than later and our son has discovered a company that will pick up at Charles de Gaulle and drive us to our house, that would make all the difference for my husband who finds it difficult to get on and of trains. People are invariably so very kind and help me with luggage and getting him on trains, but It would be nice to be taken door to door! If anyone feels they are too old to travel or transplant to France tell them to take their courage in both hands and do it as soon as they can! Use the Web to find ways of travelling..it can be done !

Hi Janice, Awwwww, thank you so much. That was so cute and endearing, very happy that I CAN be of help, when you need it.. My pleasure.. By the way, I feel like covid has made me into an introvert.. Being alone in our apart, just the two of us, not being able to go visit friends and go out to coffee shops or restaurants for so long with friends.. Has made me NOT want to do it.. hahah, that might sound bad, but I actually PREFER to cook my own food, healthy stuff, and also make my own coffee, like you.. I am sooo relaxed just being me, and being at home, that I think the transition from a town to the countryside will be very welcoming to me, and also to Alex... I really appreciate the explanation of how you experience this 'sensory input' /people interaction and then needed to recharge.. I considered myself to be very social/a people person/ and overly extroverted, but at the same time, would start fizzling out after a period of time and just wanted to get out of the people /social situation and be alone... I guess I really understand what you are saying here.. I feel that same way, too.. Cheers.

I've just recently started following you and really enjoy your vlogs. Thanks for sharing your new life in France with us all. You truly are inspirational 🙂

Hi Janice I am planning a trip there with my daughter. My name is Janice too. I have been binging your videos I’m a Christian so Jesus is the center of my life and I am never alone and I rely on him. I do appreciate your insight, really fun videos.

Love your video . You are so calm If I had the money to visit one day I will love a walk to the park with you.

Thank you for a new perspective on how to spend one’s time!!

I love watching your videos. You are so delightful!

Just like you I also am a introvert and also be with a group and be on my own, not lonely , sometimes bored, I suppose I enjoy my own company, I love nature and happy with company of pets. I am enjoying your videos , I live in the UK, Janice keep making these videos xxx

You will need to take us on your many walking trails when ready, I'd love to be a part of it.

Buster is so cute❤ love 🐾 doggies!

You, like me, are possibly an ENFJ on the Briggs-Meyers personality test. We love outings and people, but definitively need to recharge! Great video! You inspire me!

Great blog

You hit it on the nail for me!! I think I am also a social introvert.I like people,etc.but have no problem shopping, walking etc.on my own. I am married 58 years and we are very much alike in that way.

You inspire me so much! I love your videos and it gives me hope that one day I too can take that leap to move elsewhere and start over.

Janice, I absolutely understand about recharging and refreshing. I am also a retired Teacher, and when you're also a Mom and wife (trying to be so many things for so many people- your students, children, hubby) you just want that time for SELF to reflect at your OWN pace. It's no wonder Teachers retire earlier like Police and Firefighters. They call it burnout for a reason🤷‍♀️You do you. Self-reflect and INDULGE❣YOU deserve it.

Great video Janice. I subscribed as soon as I saw the title "moving to France at 70" I just turned 65 last month and I need to make some serious decisions about the rest of my life. I am also an introvert and I love traveling by myself. I have visited different cities in the Atlantic coast and think I would love to move there. One day.

Love this! I am very similar and perhaps because I am an only child I am comfortable being on my own and doing things on my own. Love all the tips you give us. Someday I would love to move to France! Have a great weekend!

Love your opening Art work SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!

I love Villefrancheto sur mer the most but it is expensive, the second would be Limoux and Carnas. There is an amazing place called Picculu, not sure of the spelling, I’m trying to find a place now, I really need to come back. I’ve never known anyone either. You do give me motivation. I must say I’ve had some harrowing experiences, not France but there a few countries I wouldn’t take another chance. I really want to hook up with an organization to volunteer. I will have to look at Fountainblu. Have a wonderful weekend.

Love this episode, can totally relate.

I'm new to your channel and loved this post. I'm moving to Central America next month. Solo. Studing Spanish will be taking up a lot of my time as I settle into my new life. I look forward to watching more as you explore inner & outer landscapes.

Hi Janice,so nice to watch your video and feel so clam so connect with your sprit and your talk .thanks for the wonderful video!!

So agree with needing to have alone time. Someday I would like to live in France as well. You are so brave moving there without knowing anyone! Did you speak some French before moving there?. It will be nice if one of your future videos can be on how French medical system works for non French citizens. Thank you!

I loved the Bernadette movie and used to watch it every New Year’s with my mom and sister when it was on TV. I’m also a social introvert and totally get it love to be with people love to be alone.❤️🌺❤️🌺

thank you for sharing! I resonated so much with your personality!! Blessings!

OMG this is me to a T. I love my own time doing my thing when I want and how I want. I love people and love my space. I love horses they are my spirit animal I can sit in a field and watch them run and dance so free all day long! Never had a horse and dreamed of raising one from the moment she/he was born. Anyway thats another life. I think it's my secret life. I love being alone and i like knowing someone is around also. I've been married over 20 years unhappily I might add and I dream of living somewhere in Europe, Italy, Spain, South of France - somewhere warm where I can grow olives! LOL...I have fears holding me back and I am working on releasing those. I love your inspiration and it motivates me away from some fears, Thank you for sharing your life. 🙏💜🤎🖤

I too am a born and bred Georgian, didn't know you were from Georgia. I love France.You are very brave, kudos to you chasing your dream.i spent two vacations in France and enjoyed it very much. I have mobility problems now or I'd go back. I traveled a lot, but I'm happy now at home. I am alone most of the time and I'm very content. I was raised on a farm and was outside most of the time. I can be social too, but I'm like you, being alone doesn't bother me. I make dinner special, and little treats for myself. I stay busy also but if I want,i do nothing. I will be 80 this year and am blessed to live in my home. Thanks for sharing.

I so enjoy all of your videos. They are not only entertaining but very calming! Have you considered getting a Kindle? There are free books too. Also, audio books people like you read to us, most without ads. I do that often too. I am a prime Introvert/Extrovert. I'm like you, I enjoy social interactions but in small doses. I don't mind crowds or traffic as long as the vibe is good or in the case of traffic, I am in no hurry. I like people watching. On the other hand, my anxiety kicks in when I have to go out until I'm on my way. Odd but true. I won't fly, I have & I don't like it regardless of what awesome thing /person awaits on the other side. I don't like feeling trapped & that's flying to me plus the total lack of control. I'm a bit of a control freak. lol I love free time but I'm so happy my dear man is in the other room while I do my thing. We are retired, he is the ONLY person I enjoy being with 24/7, all but my sister is smaller doses. I applaud you liking being alone but I just never have been & dread it if it's for long periods of time. I do get more done though. lol

Janice you are an amazing person and your videos are always beautiful and inspirational! Have a great week 💗💕💗💕💗

I am the exact same way. It’s all about balance.

Great video Janice. I think you spoke to a lot of people today including me. I cannot wait to see your upcoming videos. Oh, and when you get up on that horse, don't forget to bring us along! Bye for now.

I am also the same way. I like to interact with people, but only for a certain amount of time, then I need to be by myself. I am 65 and married and my husband is the same way, so we get along well together. I saw the movie "Bernadette" and can understand what you felt when you went there. Everyone sees things a little differently. What a bore if everyone was the same way! Love your videos and look forward to the trip to the museum!

Hello Janice! How are you! Is always so inspiring listen to you! Yes, I understand what you said, because I do need to be alone in silence with my thoughts and soul. Thank you so very much for helping me to reflect o myself! In Portugal we have the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima! It´s a magical place with an amazing energy! If you could come, I am sure you would love. Have a lovely weekend! See you in your next video! MERCI!!!! 💙💛 We can not let the world forget Ukraine! We are all Ukraine! Thanks

Ohhhhhh! There is a horse place where you are? This is amazing. Do you have any information on that? Thank you, Janice!

First of all, I think you are amazing and very brave to move to France!!! It is probably that you have lived in other countries before that helped you assimilate. I lived in Southern Michigan my entire life and then my husband and I decided we had seen and done everything we wanted to do there so we would spend the next half of our life in Northern Michigan. So we moved 4 hours north. THIS, just moving 4 hours north was a big deal for me. We knew no one here, not a soul. So, had no friends and no one to rely on. Well we have been here just under 3 years and LOVE it and are SO happy! We haven't made too many friends yet due to the pandemic but we have made a few. We are so glad we had the courage to TRY something new. Now, I feel like we could move anywhere in the US and be just fine. Little steps, lol! Also, we are JUST alike....I am an introvert as well. I love going to parties, dinners, charity events, etc....but then I need my alone time. I am sensitive and can't handle a lot of noise so even noisy restaurants are bothersome. I love nature as well and our move allowed us to move to a home on 11 acres and it is beautiful! I have never walked more in my life and my dogs are loving it!!! I just found you last week and am now caught up on your videos and I can't wait so see all of your adventures in France! Take care! XOXO

This was so insightful - thanks!

You are so comfortable in front of the camera talking about anything. Probably because of you were teacher and you just love people by nature . Anything could be interesting subject if you bring it up to talk or discuss in front of the camera. Keep Vlog-ing

Very inspiring, l plan to travel to Paris in May for the 3rd time. I will be in Lourdes too!

Just got back from Paris one month ago. I finally went to Museee D’Orsy and Jardin Tulleries. Boy, how I would love to move to Paris but I have responsibilities here, a brother with mental health issues. However, what I have been doing is going back to Paris as often as possible. Making plans now to return maybe this year……

Oh my goodness, I'm soo glad I found your channel. You are soo inspiring to those of us starting the transition into retirement. I'm not quite ready I have about 2 more years to go. But I am taking care of my 95 yr old dad that has dementia and its getting harder to care for him on a daily bases and still go to work. Any advise on retirement living and living a fulfilled life would be very much appreciated.

I hear you. I can socialize in chunks then need some alone time🤗

I would love to move to France later in life; it's a dream of mine too ❤️💖💕

Thank you so much for your Words

Wow this is great! This is me to T. A social introvert. People never understand how I can be so outgoing when I'm in a social situation, but then I go "away" for long periods of time just to have my alone time. The only time being alone bothers me is when I'm out in public. I just feel like I stand out too much as a woman alone. It's other people's perceptions I think? I can shop or site see alone but feel strange going to a restaurant or bar alone. How do you do that???

Hello from Augusta, Ga. I do understand the extrovert vs introvert…I’m one too.

Good on you Janice, and yes you do sound like me 🤗

the best thing that happened to me was the divorce i had in 2007.... i finally realized that i was always meant to be a "loner" be it by nurture and/or nature....and as you stated--"loner" does not equate to being "lonely"...it does not. i retired in 2021 and moved to southern New Mexico in a very small town. as long as i can communicate via text or actual conversations with neighbors/people in stores/parks/etc.....thats enough to fill up my human contact quota....as you say....i don't want/need someone always asking: what do you wanna do, when do we do this or that, what do you wanna eat.....etc..... its a great freedom being "alone" allows us. i will be moving to France hopefullly in late 2024 and as long as i can text, and have some interaction with other humans.....i will be fine...i speak spanish and that will help in southern France where i plan on settling down.... i really enjoy your videos as they are helping me to see it through another over 60's American.....stay positive....your as old as you wanna be.....keep those knees healthy Janice.

I love my own company.

I have been wanting to move to France since my first visit in 2016… But, of course real life happens, bills etc… If I could get ahead of finances, trust me I would leave in a heart beat.

Janice, I love your blog so much!! I'll be in Paris May 21Staying at Esprit Saint Germain until May 28. I would love to meet you if you have time. Is this the best way to contact you? Hope to see you soon! Best Sheree

Janice , I've always wanted to be in Paris since a teenager but one thing after the other and the fear of doing it or going for it stopped me, and I always wonder how someone can move and live in another country because all I've been doing all my life is working and working to make ends meet because here if you don't work you basically have nothing to go on with, how do people have enough money to move , do they find a job there to survive or do they live on their savings, which visas will allow you to live in Paris, I always watch vedios and hear people moving to another country but I just don't know how they do it or survive

I’m exactly the same x

Have you discovered Chateau Diaries? Check it out. You sound like you enjoy the little moments and living in the present.

A lot people ask how could you move to a brand new city by yourself? Do you know anyone there? For some reason that doesn’t bother me.

As they say in French : Idem .

Can we meet Buster?

Hi. I am a teacher and have lived alone too. Check out the research on Highly Sensitive People. It is a genetic difference. Xo. Merci!

Janice, you are a treasure. Your description of a social introvert is spot on, I share that classification and now that I am in my late 60's I have come to accept and enjoy all the aspects of expression. I am so pleased to hear of your interest in horses, this summer I got back in the saddle after a very long hiatus, here is a link to a little video my gentleman friend created. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Pz4F4HOUVgI.html Riding again has been very good for me, it inspired me to improve my fitness and I am looking for a new place to live where I might keep a horse, I too miss their smell and touch. Thank you for being you and "talking the bark off a tree"!

I think if you were to take the Myers Briggs personality test on line, you may very well be an INFJ.. which is only 2% of the entire population. We are rare but extremely special!!! Check it out.

You will love the horseback riding Get a knee brace before you ride and take a lesson once a week

I’m the same. I don’t mind being alone. I definitely need the recharge after being around people so much or talking so much to people. OMG thank you so much for making me realize that being talkative doesn’t mean I’m not an introvert.

I have always been one to love to be surrounded by people but after I moved to France I have loved to learn to spend time with myself. That’s one thing that France has taught me, you always see others on the terrace eating lunch or enjoying a coffee by themselves. I also enjoy nature, it is where I feel the most connected. You are an inspiration Janice❤️

Janice thank you for this video. You are right, being alone does not mean you have to be lonely. I love your spirit and it is an inspiration to me. I have been to France (Paris) and loved it!. I currently live in Atlanta and everything you say is true. We each have to grab life by the horn and live it. You are teaching me that with each video. Blessings!!!

Love your videos, Janice! Would love you to do a video on personal safety for a woman living alone in a foreign country. Thanks!

Thank you for your authenticity. I feel the same way. Growing up as an only child I need my alone time. No offense to anyone however, I do find people become offended and take it personally when you cancel engagements. Soooo relate to you and Sooo happy you are enjoying everything. ❤👍

Bravo Janice, you are following your dream🇫🇷❤️🇫🇷

I am my own best friend. I like being a homebody & introverted. Aloneness is energizing.

The ability to live on one's own contentedly and peacefully is a special gift. Some people have it and some don't in the same way that some are adrenaline junkies and others aren't etc. Also, society has always stigmatized people who prefer to engage others in limited segments or hardly ever especially women. Widows and divorcees were expected to live lives similar to that of cloistered nuns, rarely seen and not heard. Those women who never married were also deemed problematic especially if they were not troubled by their single status. All these women, particularly if they found a way to be economically independent, could even end up being the victims of witch hunts. Long story short, we should all live the best lives we can live and it is certainly possible to do so on one's own. Cheers to all the women who came before us and fought to create these options.

Hi Janice. Wow, we are so much alike! Your explanation of being an introvert was excellent. I love people and getting together with friends and family, but I need my time alone to recharge. I start to feel sapped of my energy and very tired if I don’t have quiet time by myself. Thanks for sharing! I love your video’s and find you very inspirational, interesting & gutsy! You followed your dream of living in France! Very admirable! Brenda

Janice, I absolutely agree with everything you’ve said in this video. And I almost never take the time to comment on videos. But I mostly wanted to tell you how much your energy is such a calming presence to me. I just love the idea of living to France and I’m 59 now,so initially that is why I started watching your channel. But I’ve been so enchanted by you and your lovely aura. Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your journey and life for those of us that haven’t made the leap or may not ever take the leap you are a rock 🌟♥️ 🇫🇷 Jami California

I was uhm-ing and ahh-ing about going on a short solo trip and you've inspired me to do it Janice. Keep up the good work, I'm in my 30s and hoping to move to France in my future too so I'm loving watching your journey through these videos!

Hi Janice, well, I am exactly like you! You’ve put a name to how I feel. Everyone thinks I’m constantly wanting to be social, but I don’t! I do tell folks I’m going to go find a tree to hug to give folks the message that I’m peopled out and gotta go out in nature. Some folks can hang out for endless hours and feel recharged but after 2-4 hours I really start feeling like I want to tell everyone to go home…bye bye, it’s been swell but I need to recharge……but I don’t, love coffees with friends and teaching my art classes but then I too need to rest and recharge….love you!

I am the same kind of person. 🥰I so grateful that God commands us to keep the Sabbath Day Holy and to do no regular work on that day❣️(P.S.Yoga leads one to Hinduism, I avoid it.) God bless you Janice❣️🥰💕🙏🏻💕

The beauty of Europe, the rich culture at every turn, their level of education and universal respect for the transcendental values that matter, conservation of history, heritage, tradition and green spaces, accompanies you and speaks to you and nurtures you at every turn. And to the human soul, regardless of origin or propensity, it is perennially elevating. Moi je pense que peut-être vous avez été française dans une autre vie, ça se voit dans votre demeure. It is now scientific fact that we have centenarian life expectancies and that brain cells and synapses renew throughout life, so you have at least 30 to 40 years ahead to grow into this new life, that is a lifetime in itself. "Age is a number and mine is not listed!" No good reason to cut quality of life short. Our ancestors sacrificed and earned this progress in civilization for us to enjoy.

Hi Janice, I’ve been enjoying your vlog from the start. I can relate to so much of what you say and am happy to watch your journey of learning to live in France. You are so interesting and courageous too. Good luck with this new chapter in your life!

I love your insightful views on life. Your comments really inspire me to look at my life differently. Thank you for sharing your honest perspective!

You are right. I am an extrovert but only for a certain time. I walk my dog every day, in the forest next to my house, and it does me good. I can feel it. I need time for myself. Maybe it is because we have worked all our lives. Just been to Amsterdam for 4 days to see Van Gogh museum. Such a vibrant and tolerant city. Love d’Orsay. And I can tell you you should see the musée Jacquemart André and also le musée de la vie romantique which is about George Sand and her paintings as she was not just a writer. I enjoy your videos and love your singing accent. I am a neighbour born and bred Belgian 😁. Please do not drink Starbucks it is not real coffee…

I'm a social introvert, as well. I'm a very good conversationalist and people think I'm and extrovert for that reason. I can go to a party and talk to anyone and have a great time but when it's time to remove myself, I do just that. I'm never one of the last guests to leave. I have a great time with friends when I am with them but I need a lot of time alone. I like to daydream and outside chatter is not helpful. I recently had lunch with an acquaintance who has wanted to get together with me for ages. The stars aligned and we had a wonderful lunch at a local café. It was relaxed and last-minute and that suits me because I know after a couple hours, I will be alone again and can recover.

I love your videos so much. I’m so glad you talked about how is introverts need time to replenish. I always felt different because of this. That’s the beauty of getting older. We realize things about ourselves and embrace who we truly are. Thank you you Janice!