Chris Freind said it best….”Those fortunate enough to have lived that experience now have a hole in their heart that simply cannot be mended. And those who were going to see Notre Dame, be it in a week or simply “some day,” feel absolutely, and justifiably, robbed. One of the world’s great treasures was taken from them. Notre Dame wasn’t a tourist attraction, but an unparalleled symbol of faith, strength, and unity.”
I felt helpless and saddened as the flaming spire fell, knowing it would never be the same. But overwhelmingly grateful for the 4 months I called Paris home. During college, I studied at a French university and lived with a host family in the 8th. Our apartment was just steps from the Arc de Triomphe. Here’s the view of my walk to Le Metro.
During my daily commute, the metro train traveled several stops underground before ascending into the morning sun where I caught my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. Out of habit, I chose a seat on the left side of the train to enjoy the view. When tourists gasped seeing it for the first time, I smiled. I too had had that same experience.
On a clear day, you can even see Sacre Coeur in the 18th, a northern arrondissement. Such an amazing city to live, work and go to school.
Memories of Paris are forever cemented in my heart and mind. Including the time I lit candles and prayed in Notre Dame and saw the rose window for the first time.
But watching the fire reminded me nothing stays the same. There’s no guarantee Notre Dame will always be there. French citizens said they never imagined this could happen. Neither did I.
Moreover, we can’t count on our health to allow us to travel “someday.” If we wait for the perfect time, it will likely never come. We should go when we can. But first, we have to embrace the idea that experiences are better than stuff.
Filling our homes with stuff is not bringing us happiness. In fact, it’s doing more harm than good. Playing the excessive consumerism game encourages us to work more hours, take on more stress, fill our calendars with busy, buy things we don’t need and fill our homes with stuff we have to pay for and clean.
What if we stopped the madness?
What if we focused on experiences, not stuff?
Maybe you’re not interested in a trip to Paris but what about a trip to the park? Perhaps trade your Target-Run for a hike in the woods. Or exchange the new Smart TV for a family road trip?
What if we turned all those purchases into time with people we love, experiencing all this world has to offer? Before it’s too late.
[bctt tweet=”What if we saw Notre Dame before the spire crashed to the ground and lived a life of no regrets? #experiencesnotstuff #noregrets” username=”simplyenoughamy”]
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