Ticket booked, luggage packed, holiday mode on—it was time to leap into adventure! I could already smell the café au lait and hear the faint whispers of “bonjour, madame” in my future. Yet as I made my way to the airport, hesitation and guilt started doing the Macarena in my mind. How could I leave my family behind? What if they struggled without me, their mother, even for just a few days? Since day one, my family has always been my priority. I’ve set aside my own comfort, my personal dreams, and yes, even my right to enjoy a cup of coffee without someone yelling, “Mom!” every two minutes. But, as they say, there’s a first for everything—and this was mine.
As soon as I landed in Paris, however, those motherly pangs melted faster than a pat of butter on a croissant. Adventure, here I come.
For so long, holidays had meant making sure the kids were entertained, well-fed, and not tearing each other apart. This time, it was all about me. I began my day with the sunshine warming my face, a crisp breeze saying, “You made the right call, kid.” From my window, I saw Paris cloaked in autumn glory—trees decked out in oranges and reds, leaves carpeting the pathways. I soaked it all in, feeling like I’d snuck into a painting without permission.
My strategy for the day? Let my feet wander wherever they pleased. At first, I felt like a lost soul, wandering the city with Google Maps as my unreliable co-pilot (I’m convinced it has a mischievous streak). But soon, the winding streets felt less like a maze and more like an invitation to get spectacularly, delightfully lost. I started the morning right with a café and a croissant, settled under a shady tree in a park, and cracked open a book. For once, there were no interruptions—no one asking for snacks, help with homework, or my Netflix password.
Then it was off to the museums, where I drank in the rich history and beauty of French culture (yes, that includes cheese). Later, I met up with my cousins for a boat ride along the Seine. As we drifted along, the Eiffel Tower sparkled in the night sky, looking just as stunning as in the movies. We shared dinner overlooking the river, danced down cobblestone streets, and laughed to French music—it was the Paris experience of my dreams, with zero complaints about bedtime.
Each day brought a new adventure, and I filled it with special memories that were just for me. I strolled from museums to bookshops to parks, sometimes walking for hours without even realizing it. I even dressed up for a solo dinner at a charming restaurant, channeling every bit of Parisian elegance I could muster. To my surprise, I never once felt lonely or bored.
Four days flew by, leaving me with a gallery of memories I’ll cherish forever. I promised myself to love myself more, to make time for what fills my soul—because, yes, we only live once (and frankly, someone else can handle the
Nada Najjar
