23rd October 2008

Do you ever ask yourself 'what am I doing with my life?' Am I really happy? Analysts say that, despite current economic woes, improvements in prosperity over the last 30 years have had absolutely no effect on reported levels of life satisfaction or happiness at all. Moving to France seemed to happen for us like a stack of leaning dominoes. One minute we were in England, the next..... It all made me think about the consequences of our actions. George Bernard Shaw said he didn't want to be a feverish clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making him happy. Many seem to live their lives like that. So, what's the solution? Look deep within yourself. It's no good chasing around the world, if your inner demons are still there to cause havoc wherever you go. Forget your childhood with all its disillusionments, regrets and irritations. Many entrepreneurs had childhoods like that but overcome them by recognising their own talents and using them proactively. They didn't expect others to help them. But, at the same time, look for a less driven, more fulfilling way of life, even if you don't have that expensive car. That's what we like about France, whatever our original motives were in coming here. At last, it's no longer necessary to worry about the Joneses next door. The world has moved on, and so have we.