Dear nécessité,
It’s brisked out, my love, and I’m enjoying the coolness, loving it. How are you? Where are you? I love being cozy, at home with my honey bun, near a fire, kids home laughing with their friends, and especially with myself. Yes, myself. I am a self-soother. I can entertain myself; I love myself, being in my own company, and being comfortable with myself. I am far from dependent on anyone to give me any supply or fill any void. No ego needing to be fed or stroked here; THANK GOD. It all comes from within. My mother was comfortable the same way with herself, so I had a great leader who set a strong and confident example to learn, appreciate and love myself. Thank you, Mom! I told you I’m living. Living freely.
It’s divine and truly great timing. I mean GREAT. Nothing, and no one is going to get in my way. I am living, living, living. But, remember, Birds like me cannot be caged. While in London, you know, I had to do a hop skip jump over to say hi to my girl Paris and see how she was doing since 2020 also invaded her personal space. The other love of my life is this city. Nothing gets between my Paris and me, and I mean nothing. Paris feeds my soul like nothing else. It’s nourishment to my spirit that connects me to all of me. It challenges me.
Makes me do better for my brain and practice brain health by speaking French. (Trying to, at least). Physically, I get to walk galore without any discomfort to my body. Mentally I am not disturbed or struggling. Emotionally I am happy; Spiritually, my faith volume turns up higher. Do you have a place that does this for you? I took the train, which I always enjoy doing. It’s relaxing, easy, and only 2 hours and it’s to Paris. What is there to complain about? Now, Paris is the place I learned and discovered a great deal about myself. One thing is, I live by faith, not by fear (You cannot have both, you must choose one or the other).
What do you prefer? I got to know a part of me and some of what I’m made of while briefly living there. I am very selective about who I’ll go to Paris with. If you want to fight, argue, throw a tantrum, pout, and act the age you are not and be difficult or negative Nancy, or downer Drew, simply stay home as that is not the energy I want to ever have in my space, nor will I tolerate it. I’ll ignore all that energy as I no longer have to raise any dependent babies.
The weather was nice and breezy. Of course, I was missing a few of my strong wardrobe pieces to adorn myself in a while in Paris strutting those streets, but I had to make it work and wear what I had. Paris and New York are daily runways to me. Being outside in these streets is like watching pages in editorial magazines come to life. That also toots my horn—beep beep. You get to see true freedom of expression, not what is trendy or what someone ‘thinks’ it is to be, but rather what it is. Truth. Real street art. Now Paris checks off all my nécessité boxes except for one. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually it does me great. I can walk walk walk through this city, and the energy itself shines all in me.
Now, the one issue for me with Paris I have, and she knows it because I am very honest and I never sugarcoat anything -a moment of true honesty here, (drum roll) it is challenging for me to eat in Paris. Yes, I said it. Always has been. Yes, challenging for me to eat in Paris. I am vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, no nuts, no fish, and I have not consumed sugar except from my apples and carrots (sans sucre in almost two solid years now).
In the 90s, when I moved to Paris, they thought I was ridiculous being in Paris and not eating cheese and meat. Pourquoi venez-vous à Paris? (Why do you come to Paris). That is all I heard. In my opinion, they are not too careful with allergies. I always experience this reality. Because I have this detective side to me, I can just tell when food is brought to me, so I must check everything more carefully here. (My family says I should have worked with the CIA). So many mistakes are always made, even if I say it in French. Error. But guess what? I still love her and all she offers me and how she makes me feel. She spoils me rotten. Nowadays, while they have vegan, gluten-free, and plant-based restaurants in Paris, they also use a lot of nuts, which not only harbor mold but simply create an imbalance in my overall health (On my next Paris trip, I’ll dive more into seeing what I can find to eat to share with you, without me having to cook it myself).
The hotels are beyond expensive. I mean expensive, expensive right now, although the euro is great to the dollar. Brace yourself. If you’re looking for a cute getaway, and you’re contemplating Paris or going, I thought to share with you some hotels to consider, and if you need physical self-care support like me, I listed one place that is super easy to indulge in. I use my infrared sauna daily and red-light therapy, so when I travel, I remain hungry for them because it’s like leaving the house without my phone. These health modalities are so important to me. My infrared has been medicine to me for over ten years now. I am an avid infrared girl. (Can’t find me, look in my infrared). I have turned so many families and friends on to them. Healing. So, if I cannot get infrared, I get some other sauna, although it’s not like infrared. Either way, enjoy!
Paris Hotels
Paris Spa- Self-Love
Head over to the Marais area for a moment of solitude and to sit in blessings and full of gratitude and reap some healing benefits for self. They have a full-service menu (food too) other than only saunas in case you do not want to sweat out your hair. I first did a hammam (Turkish bath/sauna) in Paris in the 90s and drank the best Moroccan mint tea. It spoiled me, and I never forgot it. While they do not have infrared and red light here, the sauna still helps release impurities from the body and supports mental clarity. A true nécessité.
I have stayed in every main French hotel in Paris (Remember, I have been going since the 90s), and it is one of my ultimate favorites; I do not list it here since I frequent it. But you’re in decent hands with the above list as I have stayed at all the above.
I’ll list one of my favorite hotels when I’m not going back soon. My birthday is coming; my husband mentioned Paris; I may do a girls’ spa trip. I will do whatever I can for myself because I can; as I have given to my husband and kids non-stop for over 22 years, it’s time for MOI. Or do like I always do…. celebrate every day, do it all, and let the bird’s wings guide me.
Did you know the tour d’ Eiffel (Eiffel Tower) stays lit with the help of 20,000 light bulbs? It is about to turn all those 20,000 bulbs out at 1145pm instead of the usual 1 am, so get your photos in before midnight. This is to help reduce cost and, of course, save some of that energy. (Many European monuments are also starting to do this, lights out early). Do you think people will turn in from their outings in the evenings earlier as a result? Hmmm, let’s see.
I simply enjoyed Paris. Each time. I took it all in, and I’ll be back soon to kiss all on her again. This is my love affair. She’s a safe one, causes no harm to anyone, and I can count on her too!
Bisous
You are a nécessité
Au revoir, until the next time.
Much Love and Gratitude,
Erica Reid
Founder of nécessité
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Certified Gut Health
Certified Auricular Therapy (Ear Seeds)
Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition
Certification T.Colin Campbell for Nutrition Studies.
Author of The Thriving Child (Parenting)
Author of Shut Up and Cook! (Cookbook)
Erica Reid, Founder of nécessité
