From Bonjour to Belonging: Finding Connection in Paris and Beyond
Hi, friend! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re dreaming of Paris, navigating a big life transition, or just craving connection—you’re in the right place.
I’m Heidi—a 40-something girl from Alaska navigating life’s twists and turns on my lifelong journey to Paris. There has been a bit of an unexpected layover in Phoenix, Arizona (13 years and counting), but now that my kids are almost grown, I’m full steam ahead on a journey to make Paris a reality.
But this isn’t just about me. It’s about us. You, me, and the amazing community we’re building to support each other through life’s transitions, challenges, and triumphs. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let me share why Paris is my dream, why this community matters, and how we can create something beautiful together.
Why Paris? It’s Always Been in My Veins
People always ask me what sparked my love for Paris—like they’re expecting some big, dramatic aha moment. But honestly? It’s just always been there. It’s like the stork meant to drop me along the Seine and got caught in an Alaskan snowstorm instead.
Can you imagine that poor stork? Thinking it was headed for a crisp fall day in Paris but landing in the frigid, dark winters of Alaska? Somebody file a workman’s comp claim!
But seriously, Paris has always been in my heart. In middle school, I wrote about living near Paris and teaching English. I studied French all through high school, and my French teacher became like a second mom to me. On a school trip to Nice, I was so determined to feel like I belonged that I skipped sightseeing to get my hair done at a local salon. In hindsight, maybe not the best decision – not being able fully communicate my thoughts on a brand-new haircut is not the best of scenarios – and it showed.
There’s no one thing about Paris that calls to me—it’s just Paris. The energy, the architecture, the food, the way it feels like magic and home all at once.
Fast forward 20 years (and a few detours later), I’m back to chasing this dream. Sure, I’ve had to start from scratch with my French, but the roller coaster of life has taught me so much about resilience, belonging, and the beauty of community. And that brings me to why you’re here.
Why This Community? Connection Changes Everything
Did you know loneliness—whether real or perceived—can impact your health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? That’s wild, right? And yet, so many of us have felt it.
I’ve been there—lost in the lunchroom, not knowing which table to sit at. Maybe you’ve been there too. You could sit anywhere and be welcome, but you didn’t really belong. Or maybe you’ve walked into a party, heart pounding, scanning the room for someone familiar, and felt instant relief when you spotted your work bestie.
Loneliness doesn’t just show up when you’re physically alone. It can sneak in during transitions, like moving to a new city or starting a new job. It’s that nagging feeling of being the auxiliary friend, the one no one checks for when you’re not there.
It’s hard to admit these feelings, let alone ask for help. And even when you’re ready, finding the right support can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I created From Bonjour to Belonging. This is more than a blog—it’s a community for anyone craving connection, support, and a sense of belonging. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, chasing your dreams, or just looking for tips to build confidence and self-trust, you’re in the right place.
What You’ll Find Here
This space is about real stories, messy growth, and shared wins. We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, and we’ll explore the big, beautiful questions of life:
- How do we find belonging in unfamiliar places?
- How can we build confidence in ourselves and our connections?
- What does it mean to truly feel at home—whether in Paris or anywhere else?
You’ll get tips for creating community, strategies for navigating transitions, and a whole lot of gushing about Paris. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re dreaming of new adventures or just want to feel a little less alone in the world. Together, we’ll share stories of connection, build our sense of self, and create a community that feels like home.
Let’s Do This Together
This is a journey. Want to stay in the loop? Join the newsletter for additional tips, stories, recommendations, events, lessons learned, and never miss a blog. Come along. Let’s belong, together.
Bisou! 💋
Heidi