I became everything I wanted to be - and I felt empty inside
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
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Video Information: “I became everything I wanted to be - and I felt empty inside”
In this video I wanted to chat about my journey achieving "success", by all external standards, in several different paths I chose in life. I found myself, more than once, in a place where I had achieved my dreams and yet felt empty and dissatisfied with life, lacking meaning, peace, and fulfillment. I wanted to share a little bit of my story, to offer encouragement and support to all of you on your own unique path.
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One of my absolute favorite quotes of mine that I live by is this, "Realize you can be happy this moment for no reason. Otherwise, you eternally depend on conditions for happiness. Unconscious of this moment, you remain a victim of circumstances." - Arthur D. Saftlass
So I do my best to pick happiness and peace, for no other reason than that I can. To hum and skip and smile and laugh solely for the sheer pleasure of it.
That's very similar to one picture about happiness where two people discuss how comes one of them has it:
-Where did you find that? I've been searching for it everywhere.
-I created it myself.
That’s lovely
Such wise words my Dear. Well said
❤
Perfect...just perfect.
Back in the 90s, I opened and ran my own Nursery School, for 7 years, on the side of my house in Devon, England, and that is the best thing I feel that I ever did in my life. It filled my heart with joy, working and playing with the pre school children, and hoping to give them the happiest start in life. I am now 66 years young, and live on my own with my rescue greyhound Madge, and it can be lonely at times, but I enjoy being on my own with Madge most of the time. I am lucky to live in a place where there is no traffic, and I can walk out of my front door into the countryside, and get to see nature, and enjoy it. Love and Blessings from Jilly & Madge the rescue greyhound, from West Devon, England. xxx
It is wonderful that you achieved the Nursery and all the good ripples that it brought into your life and that of others. I also live in the West country and similar circumstances to you. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.
It's the simple life that grounds us, right?
Such a sweet and inspiring comment! Thank you for sharing
@@linl344 Thank you for your reply. xxx
Such a beautiful comment. Giving the way you did to those children certainly brings much joy.
Your voice is a therapy for thousands of tired hearts❤ There's an incredible healing power behind those calm, peaceful words.
To the person reading this: Even though I don’t know you, I wish you the best of what life has to offer ❤
what a wonderful sweetpea you are to have posted that ! right back atcha, sista !
Thank you, and you, too. 🙂
right back at u 💜💙💚💜💙❤️
Thank you … sending ❤
I wish the best for you too :)
When I have a panic attack in the middle of the night,sometimes I watch you’re video and it helps me a lot!
Thank you for that.
Same 😊
Same. I'm in the middle of one right now and went searching for one of her videos right away❤❤ I can slowly feel myself calming down. Thanks so much Paola for the gift you have of bringing peace to others.
Same❤
yes its the slow vibe and calm voice that helps to center us.. we can attempt to be that for ourselves!
Me too with panic, listen to Paolo for her calmness and inspiration
I live on top of a mountain, off grid. Different life from most. I am 71 and still seek what I call the Littles in life. I also watercolor and create many things. My goal is to help my granddaughters find the Littles in life. You are an amazing woman who is showing others a slice of life that can be a way to live. Thank you for sharing.
The Little are as big as the whole universe sometimes 💖
Your story about your masters' degree is so relatable. My college pushed everyone to go on to get advanced degrees. I applied for a masters program and when faced with a $70k bill for just the first year, one professor wisely encouraged me to reconsider if I really wanted to do that, and be in so much debt. Now, I'm pursuing a dream (building my own house!) I never thought was possible and it has nothing to do with society or academia's versions of "success". Thank you for sharing your story with us ♥
5:00..."I decided that my new dream was to heal..."
I cling to these words! Thank you, thank you, Paola! ❤😇☺️
This part of the video spoke to my aching heart today, and my new dream too is to heal, for me and pursue the simple things that bring me joy.
It's a blessing to have you on this platform. You've shown us that it is better to live more simply.
Amen amen!
Your dress is beautiful… I love the wildflowers also. Enjoy your family time. Hugs and Love from Arkansas
so true!
Yes!!
Thank you for sharing your video. Very nice.👍😊❤️
Dear ma'am, I'm a 36 year old man from Botswana. I'm so glad that i stumbled on one of your videos,i really appreciate the practical lessons they convey.I also love how tranquil everything looks,the house and the beautiful flowers outside and your narration.Can't wait to watch them with my wife,there are valuable lessons we can learn!Thank you.
Botswana! It holds a special place in my heart although I've never visited it because of Alexander McCalls books, somehow they're absolutely perfect, somehow books of today don't have that feel...greetings from England
@@MAhmed-zs2vp I also love those books!
Botswana! Wud love to visit one day. Im not too fsr away , in cape town south africa.
I too am fan of mccall cmith books. U feel as if u in Botswana when reading .
It seems like a lovely country to be in.
@@aliceduanra7539 thanks brur👍
Oh, this title hits so hard. I became everything I wanted to be, bought everything I wanted to buy (house,sport car, rolex etc.) and in the end, I feel so exhausted and tired. I feel like I was trying way too hard to achieve all these things that I forgot to enjoy them. I have $100,000 car outside my $500,000 house, but I don't seem that happy as I imagined I would be. Now, I keep asking myself "what's next?". I have 2 businesses that I am currently successfully running, however, I miss the days where I had time to simply be relaxed. Even when I'm on a vacation, I am still struggling to feel at peace and calm. Always have the pressure following me with either what I have to do, or with what I will have to do in the future. I am 28 and already exhausted, I can't work 16-18 hours a day without a vacation anymore like I used to do when I was 23-24. Perhaps everything that I wanted to achieve, in the end was the wrong thing for me.
I really appreciate you sharing these thing, it makes me feel as if I am not alone thinking like that.
❤❤❤ I connected immediately with the title of this video. I'm 58, in good health, financially secure, content, and have never felt so alone in my life. Much of the family and friends I grew to love, have either passed on or moved away, and those that are still around, I find myself more distant with every day. I'm not sure if I've changed or if they changed but something has changed. There must be more to life after you have met all your goals and look to find a new path to bring joy and fulfillment. The next challenge or adventure is out there. Its just coming slower than I've ever experienced.
Hang in there 1000 weeks! And if you’re able try to find somewhere to serve. Serving others is a true way to feel good inside! ❤️
I feel you 🤗❤️
Seek Jesus and he will be your best friend who will always know, understand, and help you.
Try reading the Bible it might surprise you
I will not give you any specific suggestions, but I will affirm that you are not alone in the experience you described. It is the case for many of us who have realized that chasing (and perhaps even getting) the carrots this world dangles does not result in peace, happiness, or contentment.
As stated in the video, those are found within, and will be unique to each of us. It's a challenge to find that path (because that's also unique to each of us, no one else's "recipe" is going to be quite it).
Perhaps just wanting to find it, accepting that we haven't yet, and feeling and healing the associated emotions is all we can and need do?
The dress, hair and flowers gave me medieval princess vibes.
Hey Paolo ✨
For many many years I was 'stuck in the city' , married with children, both of us worked full time, mortgage, child care fees, even taking holidays that left us exhausted, only to repeat the process the following break. I / we saw the danger signs but ultimately my wife & I separated with all the upheaval suffered by our teen children and the sadness all that brings.
Entering dark times came with emptiness......on reflection that emptiness had always been there, no real fulfilment. I moved to a very rural location, once my children had reached adulthood, although it still left me wondering what direction I was aiming for. I had retired on a full pension (because of my job) yet 10+ years from state pension age.....early....... but when a job materialised at a University back in the city (London), stupidly I took it, perhaps seeking out a connection I longed for back in the city I knew as 'home'.
The job was affected by the pandemic and put even more pressure on me, as a lone key essential worker where my presence was demanded on site (only going rural at weekends), yet that pressure and the demands on me were not supported and eventually broke my will. I made the best decision, to leave, and it was not respected by the one person who was supposed to be my go to person. The supportive promises, before handing in my notice, were fake, just words people say, never meant or put into practice, stupidly I put my trust in this individual, who I thought just might be different.....I was so wrong.
Two years later I have decided to never return to any job, if at all, or one that demands so much where I cannot negotiate my worth to the tune of my terms and condition....
Having been on your channel for quite a while now, I am refreshed in knowing you have come through some rough times and experiences, and young enough to see the darkness and take a different path. I don't think my wife and I would have been that brave to up sticks and take the children 'off grid' , we will never know........may be we should have left that city earlier, my wife (better than saying ex), still has a high profile banking job, health issues always hang over her and only now has she realised its time to make future plans. One of my children is independent and loves the city, working 2 jobs, one is full time the other is art based (a link to her Uni BA degree).
I spend my days, reading, painting, volunteering at a museum, walking along the village river, working on an 81 year old jeep, heavily into my music and I will travel back to the city for concerts........
Sorry to have gone on for so long, but I truly wish and hope that we all can see what makes our lives fulfilled, everyone has different ways of reaching their goals, hopefully seeing the signs, and making a decision to eliminate those negative pressures are obvious, and change is made.....however difficult that might be.....just go there.
Stay Safe and sending you, Luke and all the pet family my Love & Best Wishes 🙏☯🌻☮🧡🌞🕊
@@2pie2smash, I’m glad you’ve decided to not work anymore, and I truly hope you’re able to find hobbies (and perhaps people too) that fulfill you. I pray you find deep meaning and peace in this chapter is your life. 🙏🏻
@Peace is Yeshua 💜✝️ Thank You 😊
Blessings always on your adventures through this life.
@@2pie2mash Absolutely true....Amen ❤
@2pie2mash - Thank you for sharing your story. Your story sounds like others I have heard and am living myself. So many of us have blindly subscribed to the “dream” when it was possibly the wrong dream for us to begin with. Once you’re in it, you’re stuck for the duration (waiting for kids to become adults, retirement, etc.) and convince ourselves we cannot change for XYZ reasons. If money were not a factor, maybe we would have had the luxury to live our best possible life and not be afraid to live how we want. Unfortunately, this is not reality when you have people depending on you. I applaud you for living your best life now and I hope I could follow your and Paola’s success at this. Hopefully I can live beyond putting my kids through college and taking care of an aging parent to be able to live my life with more peace, working at a small job I love and living simply, lovingly and happily. All the best to you!
Paola, I started reading this delightful book called 'The Dictionary of Obsecure Sorrows' and I wanted to share this part from the introduction that I think you'll also resonate with
'... The word sadness originally meant "fullness", from the same Latin root, satis, that also gave us sated and satisfaction. Not so long ago, to be sad meant you were filled to the brim with some intensity of experience.' 🍀
Wow! That's beautiful.
Former Latin student here. Can confirm ;).
They say sorrow is greater than laughter. I embrace sorrow; something that a lot of people don't, can't, or won't do. It is akin to happiness, or joy; I can feel both so intensely. But unlike happiness that fades, sorrow leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed, like a good downpour on the parched earth.
@@darleneengebretsen1468 "What is grief, if not love persevering?" Take care of yourself love 💚
Wow!!! I came to know about this book through one of her videos. I felt so relieved that I am not the only one with these obscure existential feelings. I felt that someone understands me. I would never have known about the book if not for your channel.
Thanks for this Paola! I am going through this now. I was a teacher for 11 years and had to stop because of the stress. I have always been searching for that *something* and realized it wasn't in the work I was doing. I am on a different path now filled with gardens, plants, herbs, food, medicine, permaculture, and lots of unknowns. After dealing with some recent traumas that unearthed old traumas, all these changes are like a big catalyst that are pushing me toward something better and brighter. I feel these struggles, hopes, fears, joys, and healing reflected in your stories and videos too. It is often isolating to be on this sort of journey, so it feels good to hear what you have to say too. Cheers
Beautifully said! Relating to this as a former teaching trainee.
Thank you for sharing! I can relate so closely. You’re never alone ❤
I became very sick from the stress of teaching as well. Now the only expectations I accept are my own for the day. I am gardening as well and just got three chicks!
Same to me.❤
I agree with all that you said Kate. xxx
This video made me feel many things. I've been working so hard trying to attain my "dream life", with knowing full well that even if I achieve all of my goals and live in the cottage of my dreams, nothing will make me feel fully happy and at peace more than my own mind. Right now, I'm going through a low point and it's been very difficult. I haven't been able to get myself to film and edit a new video for my channel in a few months because of this and I'm constantly beating myself up about it. However, the other day I went for a long walk along a trail close by my apartment. I left my phone at home and sat in the grass, surrounded by trees and just... was. The sound of the birds and the wind on my face was all that I needed to feel fully present and at peace in that moment. It's so important to remember this, and it's almost a sort of superpower to be able to change your mindset. To be grateful for the little things around you, even if it's just the way the sun is hitting a certain tree, making it glow.
I wish you all the peace in the world! You bring so much joy into the world. ❤
Also, where did you get those two dresses? They are gorgeous!
She put a link in the description for the 2 dresses❤️
@@SweetKonekoCat Ah I looked for it there, must have missed it. Thanks!
Just checked out your channel and love your videos, your way of filming and your artwork :) I know it doesn't necessarily help with those low points, but just wanted to let you know... don't beat yourself up too much, it happens to all of us, and you are not alone
@@kassandra8010 Awww you are too kind! Your words really mean so much to me, thank you. 🥰❤️
I get you, a little... Some people say philosophy thought to me that do not depend on external world but after 6 months I volunteer in a farm where I can listen to nature and a 10-days Vipassana meditation in a pagoda, I feel it's differently. External world matters too. Till now, I'm come back home but always feel it's very uncomfortable to live in the city for a long time. Time to make money and get a land my own...
I felt this disconnect with my academic achievements a lot before I quit everything and started my videography business. I guess when we're younger we don't fully understand the concept of meaningfulness. I vividly remember how I always thought the most successful people must be the happiest, so that's what I wanted to be. It didn't occurr to me until my late twenties that being good at something doesn't mean you're leading a fulfilled life. I'm definitely making very different decisions now.
There are so many things like this, too, where we may have heard the words a million times but until we live it, it doesn't soak in all the way to our bones. I honestly love growing older (in my 40s now) and understanding more of those types of things.
this right here.....definitely one thing l wish l had known before turning 25....
I am an introvert who grew up a mentally ill narcissist father. I spent my childhood and early adult years in survival mode with low self esteem and feeling rejected.
It is too complicated to talk about briefly, however my experience with struggling immaturely to find pride and a sense of self worth has taught me a lot I believe. There idea of if I only had.... is a flawed one. As is the idea that I could reach where I wanted without assistance. I don't mind being eccentric one bit, but I was coming from a place with no real idea of what the normal base really is.
It is a process of non linear development that doesn't always benefit by extremes. Being defined by the eccentricities doesn't fill in the sense of emptiness. In some ways it only reinforces it where life feels like acting in a play or a facade. The truth is that the beauty of a damaged person is muddled with their flaws and deficits. Over time with growth hopefully eccentricity and passions in life become more of an extension of the core and less of an attempt at distraction, trying to create a world we want to live in, and attempts at self soothing which was true in my case perhaps even still more than I would prefer.
My apologies for the unsolicited commentary, but this is a bit of my personal perspective and experience.
You are a beautiful person of worth and I have ever bit of confidence that you will believe that more and more over time.
So I woke up this morning filled with gratitude as I write this. Honestly almost in tears. Coming out of my darker days.. I found your channel somehow when I was experiencing major depression this past year or two, putting myself out there yes. Only to say, your videos saved me (were a huge part of my healing process).. Your existence is simply a gift. I’m older than you but your wisdom is profound. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 😭♥️
I watch Dr Berg n he mentioned that depression is a sign of Vitamin D deficiency.
@@inezy6329 I did not know that, thank you :-)
You are a light in the social media world 🧝♀️🦋
so true
"Simply trying to be kinder, sitting with myself. Growing a feeling that is somewhere between fleeting joy and sadness. A sort of quiet peace and contentment with who I am." Those are profound words.
Literally an hour before I watched this I was thinking, "I need to be less critical of myself." Thank you, Paola, for the reminder.
you can hear my cat aggressively playing with her toy at about 3:50 😂 I forgot to edit that out, haha! Sending much love and well wishes to all of you. Hope you enjoyed the wildflowers, more to come.
just that was one of the highpoints, it made me think of our cat and the sounds she made. Miss her deeply, she left this world in 2021.
💜💜💜
Paola, I so miss the sound of a dog bark in the house! You are so lucky to be where you are and have what you have.
Please do not edit out the sounds from your pets!....it is too special!
It makes everything homier...
I want to listen to him purring when you end your video. Perhaps an endless track...
Hey Paola, I just wanted to thank you for sharing you're story. My story is a lot like yours. I live in New York, and as an HSP and a soft soul, I find the city to be incredibly loud for my being, and it does not suit me. My dream, I should say my reason for waking up every day previously, was to someday move somewhere near nature, somewhere quite, where I could watch the clouds, hear the birds chirping, smell the flowers each and every day. The idea consumed me, and the fact that I wasn't there made every single day simply unbearable, and my depression only sky rocketed. Early last year, I came across your channel, amongst Taoism, Buddhism, and Stoic philosophy, and it made me start looking into why I was so unhappy here. It wasn't the city that made me unhappy, but my own perception of it. I was romanticizing the idea of leaving it all behind and starting somewhere that I knew would nurture my soul more than the city would, and I realized that to find joy and contentment, it had to start with me. I still live in New York, but I see it a bit differently now. I still look at the clouds, listen to the birds chirp, and watch the flowers bloom, I just refused to see all of these wonderful things because they were not in the environment I desperately wanted. I am still not a city person, and I am hoping that one day, I am able to leave, but instead of focusing on what I don't have, I instead now, focus on what I do, and it's made me SO much happier
Omg, This is exactly me! Just instead of NY, it’s Berlin.. Thank you so much for posting this!
Go for rural if ur an HSP.
Thats funny because i always dreamed of the "city life" to live in NYC ofcoarse i still appreciate my hometown rn but im still working towards going to move there someday. I'm scared, i dont know if i can do it but im gonna chase my dreams while also appreciating what i have in the moment
“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.”
-Augustine of Hippo
Yes! Only God can fill the void that so many are trying to fill, apart from Him.
Saint*
@@delainnabatoon💯!
I love nature, children, gentleness, but I too was empty until I discovered the Lover of My Soul and the One who created it all. A relationship with Jesus completely filled me and healed me. That was over 30 years ago. I will never be alone because He is always with me.
Wow!
Hi, Paola. I am a scholar, and I know how difficult it is to remain a sensitive, childish and authentic soul in a tough and snobbish academic world. I manage to remain myself, but it is very difficult. You are such a beautiful soul! You have such a wonderful house. The dresses are adorable, this style is just for you, so feminine and graceful. My cat also starts to play at 4 am every single morning😊😊😊🥰Lots of love to you!!!!
What a beautiful video! I absolutely believe that lasting purpose, fulfillment, and peace have to come from within and not hinge on external validation. I'm a Christian, so I find that purpose and peace in serving God. He's my inner light. And you're right, no life is ordinary when you realize that we've all got an internal purpose that matters and we've all got a unique soul and spirit.❤
yes i agree
@@Courtney, amen. A relationship with Jesus is where true peace is found. I’m so thankful I have that too! 🙏🏻
Same ❤
I will join you ladies and am in total agreement with the original comment. ❤
AMEN!🙌🏻
Put God in the center of your life and you shall never feel empty. God bless all the viewers!
The red dress is absolutely beautiful. Your videos always bring a sense of light, peace and calm. I agree there can be light in darkness but it's often very difficult to see when your still in the dark
A veces, la oscuridad es más pesada cuando es reciente. A veces, también , el tiempo ayuda a que se decante y las cosas fluyan y encuentren un camino 🤍
The red dress is sooo beautiful!
@@adrianabustamante2860 try yuu😅
It must feel that way to be a seed in the dark soil, longing for the light. When the seed in you comes to maturity, and you burst forth into the light of day, all the time spent in darkness will be forgotten.
Beautiful dress! Looks like it's from Son de Flor
Something I learn is that having goals and dreams is great. But you should not lose yourself in the process and enjoy the moment that you are living. Because you won't ever enjoy anything even when you get to your goal or dream/home. Loving the moment even if it's just a cup of tea or a walk or books to read. 😊 it helped me come to a certain peace and calmness that I did not have. Its a I'm enough this is enough this is beautiful.
OMG I'm sobbing. You have no idea how much this video resonated with my current situation. Thank you. Love from Argentina.
Me😢
Even the most kindest,empathic,compassionate,creative person needs an occasional lazy day in order to recharge. Often merely spending a day doing nothing at all is really truly something.
As a mum of two small kids and living with a very negative-minded mother-in-law I was on the verge of losing myself. I had everything I wanted in terms of family. However I felt empty and unfulfilled. After suffering from postnatal depression with the birth of my son last year, I knew I needed to turn myself around. The first thing I did is that I forgave myself for all the mistakes I've done in the past and realized that I only made them because I was human. Then I strived to be a better person every day, not just for my own sanity but even for the sake of those around me. In all my years, this was the first time when I felt I could say I'm feeling fine today. It may not change the whole world around me, but it changed my whole life. Thank you for making me realize that I am not alone in this. I really relate to what you went through and proud for both of us for making such a huge improvement for our mental well-being.
I just love your videos. They are so inspiring. Much love ❤❤
I am going through this at the moment. I grew up in a house full of stuff but no one was happy. I was taught to pursue career, relationship, house, family. At 40 I had a partner, a job, a house and was deeply, deeply unhappy. I reached the point where I simply walked away from all of it. I am still learning and figuring out what does bring me the happiness I need in life but letting go of idea of who I should be has certainly helped a lot.
My husband was listening as I watched this and he said your voice is so soothing and calming! Much love to you and your family.
Yes, my boyfriend had heard her voice, from my phone and he also said her voice is so calming
Agree!😊
The burden of "Trying to find peace in achievements" Thank you for the wonderful message
Not only to live more simply but to live more intentionally, with the goal of peace. 🌿
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” - St. Augustine ♥
Beautiful ❤
Thank you. God Bless You! I'm in Naples, FL. I lived in Daytona from 1983-1991. I LOVE St Augustine!
That is it. 100%. Thank you.
I was just thinking exactly that as I was watching and listening to her video.
amen
Yes
So timely for me. A health crisis forced me to reassess my whole lifestyle and living location. 4years later I’m largely well and my life is wonderful but lately i have been feeling empty. This video has helped me by guiding me to continue to focus on spirituality 🙏💙🦋
I just had an anxiety episode. I just spent the last hour connecting with my God and listening to my more spiritual side. I love watching your videos because you're one of the few people I know who understands life has a spiritual component. After an hour with God, and these 13 minutes with you, I feel a lot calmer. Thank you for making this channel- it's helped me rethink the way I approach life and consider what peace may look like.
Dear Fairy
Your videos are wonderful
I left a high world traveling job during the pandemic, a job that brought so much stress to my body. I now live in a village where life appears surreal.
A dream life is not filled with things, it’s a daily approach done deliberately minute by minute. At the moment stillness is what brings me joy, not “being” what everyone else is doing.
Thank you for sharing all the beautiful images.
Ditto regarding the "stillness....and finding a village as well. :-)
@@Loti-gr7bc Yes! Small village life is what most people need, I think. They just don't know it yet.
Ernest and Celestine! I love that movie! 😍 And your red dress is quite lovely 😊
I find peace in knowing that God has a good plan for my life and I can trust him even when I fall and make mistakes or get distracted by things that don't truly fulfill. And in knowing that this dark world is only a small and passing thing - like your abundant flowers after winter! One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 139:11-12.
I pray you come to trust him too. ❤
Beautiful! Amen ~ Heather ~
Paola you have no idea what an impact you are making via You tube . ❤️🙏 I am a teacher and I am debating whether to get out of this career after over 20 years . I’m miserable , due to the adults , admin and parents that disrespect and try to destroy my spirit . I am a sensitive soul like you and love children . But this career has become toxic to my spirit . I wish I could live a more spiritual life and put myself first . But I live in California which is expensive. 😒 Know that your videos are reminding me that a job or title doesn’t define you ! It’s the beautiful gifts inside that God has put in each of us . I wish I had a beautiful friend like you to talk to and remind me that it’s all going to work itself out in time . I am existing at the time , but not living like you are . Keep posting your videos , they are very inspiring . Self love is soooo important. 🥰❤️🙏
When you meet the adults - just put out your hand and say "speak to the hand" - then just walk away...
Same! Loved the kids but was pushed out by the adults’ insistence that all the joy, wonder and love be sucked out of teaching.
Love this! For me that peace and contentment for my soul comes from the Lord and my relationship with Jesus Christ 🙏 May all of you find peace in the season you are in!
" Salvation is found in no one else..." Acts 14:12 ~ Heather ~
You said that it's during our darkest hours when we are most ready to become who we really are, and I feel that's true for my story too. I have a history of addiction in my family and personal relationships. While I've never struggled with addiction myself, I have had people in my life who kept me small and ignorant. I've been used as a crutch to lean on, and there've been encounters that have absolutely terrified me. I'm now renting a room in a place that I love. I'm making my own health, happiness, and well being a priority. I am setting my own goals. I'm working towards a future that aligns with my authentic self, and my personal values. I was at my lowest, and that gave me the courage to say: I've had enough. Looking back, I feel it was a simple choice to make. You leave, or you die; not in a physical sense, but a death of the soul. Either way... I had nothing left to lose, and nothing left to stay for. It felt strangely liberating.
Thank you Paola for reminding us of who we are, in our quietest being, without the adornments of exterior facades. In this sacred place, that you so gracefully invite us to live and breathe, we can all come together, relaxed, whole and belonging, just because we are alive and present in this beautiful world of self acceptance.
You are so lovely 🎉Your channel has helped me to accept myself daily.
I am nearly 60 and look over my life and it is so easy to critique. I am
learning to be be at peace with my past and generate a different life
more nourishing and less stressful 🎉
The journey of my life to find true peace and contentment led me to one conclusion. Only a personal relationship with Jesus could give me the peace, love, hope and forgiveness for which I was searching.
Beautiful video 💖 It really made me think about my own goals and my expectations. I keep thinking I will feel happier when I get a good job, find my own place, get a masters degree, move to another country... But hearing you talk about your journey, and still struggling now that you have ''everything you wanted'', makes me feel different about my life, in a good and hopeful way. It reminded me that even the best goals will not guarantee hapiness, so it's important to try to be happy now instead of waiting for a better future. That future will hopefully come for all of us but it's such a waste to be sad while we're waiting. Thanks for all the insights✨
Well said 😌💞
Paola,we all love you,our sunny girl.
Well… I found your channel just a few days ago, and you’re already helping me so much! I have a very big problem with hating myself, and having low self esteem, and I’ve been this way ever since I was a child, so it’s been hard to recognise it as a problem in the first place, since it was so natural for me. But I already feel myself healing, I’m trying to be kind to myself and my body, and part of that comes from your videos (and book). So thank you! And keep being you ❤
I just wanted to say that I was at a similar place about a year ago when I stumbled upon this channel, though I now believe that it wasn't by chance. Slowly but surely, listening to Paola's wisdom and honesty had me looking at myself and my life differently. I can honestly say that it literally saved my life. I know from reading the experiences of others that I'm by no means alone in this! So stick around, and I hope that you can find the road to healing that many of us have found. You're valuable. You matter. And you're enough. 💝
Instead of running towards my dreams, I run from suffering. This is how I've been orienting myself for a long time and is similar to what you describe. "Maybe if I can escape this painful situation" "maybe if I turn away from cruelty". I'm not sure how to stop, but this way of life is not working
Hi, fairy
I just wanna say that you're living style , you're life experiences, your voice with piano sound makes me feel so calm........
Thank you for sharing this with us..
Enjoy every moment you have. Because in life, there are no rewinds, only flashbacks. Make sure it's all worth it.
Oh Paola, I have teary eyes after watching this video. I relate so much to everything you say! It feels like finally finding a kindred spirit that perceives the world in a very similar way to me.
I've always been trying to find joy in my achievements as well, even though what I was really doing was hiding a very low self-esteem and quelling my own inner critic.
I've always been a very good student, I got excellent grades at school, high-school and university, which actually lead me to very serious mental health problems. After that, I decided to focus on my new dream (which was actually always there, hidden, silent and buried beneath fears and insecurity), and that was achieving something through art (photography, painting, music...). Once again, I ended up being burnt out and quite disappointed because, apparently, I didn't achieve anything. On top of that, it also lead me to feeling very disconnected from my own art; the things I initially enjoyed gave me no pleasure anymore, and that felt outrageous, as if someone had stolen an essential part of my being.
At the moment I'm working on letting go that dream (or obsession) of being recognized as 'someone successful' by achieving something though art. I still want to create art and be creative because it can actually bring me so much joy, peace and contentment and it's an essential part of who I am. However, I know that to fully enjoy my art and find that sense of permanent peace and joy, I need to release myself from the unbearable weight of having to be successful at it. And I'm also trying to connect with my spirituality, which makes me feel like I belong in this world and that I don't need anything to be happy, just exist.
Thank you endlessly for sharing your wisdom and kindness with us and for letting us connect to your beautiful spirit. I'm sending you so much love :)
Garth Brooks's song came to mind as I watched this video- Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers...take care sweet fairy 💚
I really needed to hear this. Your every word speaks to me and where I am now.
Off to get that college degree to fulfill something I only chased from a wounded place. I do love what I learn, yet know I can just buy the book and be happy without going through the classes and getting the degree. I’m ready to go somewhere that feels slow and calming (such as a small town surrounded by nature rather than city lights).
All I crave is to have a sanctuary within myself. That is my #1 goal to focus on.
I just love listening to your videos. I’m 60 now and it took me soooo much longer than you to figure out that happiness is an inside job and I needed to reconnect to some form of spirituality and also service to others to feel peaceful. I’m so glad you’ve learned these things at such a young age and are sharing with others. 😊
I love this. I find my inner light through my faith in God, and what you said reminds me of a lyric from a song I absolutely love, "I've got peace that makes no sense." and it just really applies here. Thank you for sharing!
So interesting you phrase it that way the inner light is a phrase the quakers use to express god / spirit
@@cozieswithkritta I love and appreciate the Quaker faith- I would not classify myself as one but we certainly hold very similar views and values. ❤️
Such an important message! I lost every future plan i thought was gonna make me happy, i Got a blood clot in my arm. Was gonna go to the art academy, this year. But is so stressed i had to cancle the School i was gonna go to. And Can now only do very limit amount of stuff. The hard times forces you to prioritize whats most important, what doesn’t work needs to go, to heal. It Can be such a hard process. I’m in it right now, i’m so scared ill never get a relationship, more friends or Education and i’m 30, but i’ve been happy without relationship and Education. Just by having things in life i can’t wait to go to. And yes, i’ve been very sick but still found that inner peace. Dont know really why i say all this. I needed this video and i Can relate!
I remember clearly after 9/11 questioning my place in the world, was I doing what I should be, who am I etc. I went to a 5 day Holistic Nursing retreat ( I am now a retired ICU nurse, 41 years of nursing) and it totally turned my life around. Not as much from a nursing standpoint but from an energetic/spiritual place. It opened my eyes and heart to a stirring that was dwelling deep down inside and now was free. It has lead me on a path of pure light and love. No more stress and a much more comfort level now with who I AM. Thanks for this video.
God bless you beautiful. Thank you for your service to others.
You can achieve everything you want that makes you happy but a joyous and peaceful heart you won't get it in those things but only in God😊
the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding we will have if we live by the word of God♥️
Watching you have a full on conversation with your cat and the dog also responding was hilarious 😅😅😅❤❤❤
Your new linen dresses are beautiful. I'm trusting someone very special made them for you. They fit like a dream. You're a blessing to us all. I take deep inspiration from you, even at 73.
I really needed to hear this today. Thank you. I was severely attacked and have been in survival mode on every level. I am mostly alone except for my beloved four legged family. my intention is for peace and healing, while being told by the system my value is in my injuries. Your light shines bright!
I stumbled onto your video and listened to it as I was drawing and wow was this relaxing but also Informative and helpful. Honestly, this year I'm on this journey of discovery and trying to find what I want most in life. I've always sought for the approval of others and did things to make others happy or proud of me but not really have I done that for myself. I recently left a job that wasn't great for my physical, mental,or even spiritual health and the constant competitive spirit was not something I wanted to live by for others approval. I took a step back from the work field in general to collect myself and see what did I want to really do with my life. Did I want to compete, mistreat others and fight my way to the top for money? Or did I want something that I not only feel helps my community but also something that while still nurturing myself had a Positive environment where I can just be and not have to fight for titles or respect. I'm still looking for what fits me best,but in this time I am constantly trying to grow and show myself the much needed acceptance that I have always deserved. And hopefully one day everything that is positive will fall into place so that I can maintain a better space for my mind and health overall. I'm glad you were able to find that and I hope things continue to good for. 🌸❤️
You're content is a huge reminder to care for your mind and ultimately yourself so that you can give your best to others . Not for their approval but because you are content with who you are and can fully share your joy with others.
This is so relatable. I feel like I was living in auto-pilot/zombie mode for so long, without stopping to ask myself if I was happy or fulfilled. Thank you for sharing your journey and wisdom with us, Paola 🌻
Another linen company with dresses, skirts, blouses etc. is Pyne and Smith. I have one dress from them and it’s so beautiful and has pockets 😊
Most everyone's dreams and goals change drastically from their late teens/early 20s. Kudos, Paola, that yours changed in the right direction. 🙂❤
How delightful to have a cat who greets you so nicely when you come home!
Our stories are so similar. I followed that academic path for so long and had the same realization- is being good and getting praise for something the same as really loving it? What a beautiful journey that came after 😊
I have to thank the TH-cam algorithm for sending me your video "I don't know how to be an 'adult' in this world" as well as this one. I have since subscribed. I just wanted to say thank you so much for your inspiring words! I have been feeling low and really restless for, honestly, the past few months. I've been going to college and just feeling lost and alone, feeling like I don't like the career paths I have available within my majors, my friends aren't the people who I want to be friends with anymore, my religion that I've been following since I was young seems like a sham these days, and there's family drama and turmoil. I am constantly wondering if the life I'm leading is what I want to do but I don't know anymore. Hopefully one day I'll come around and find what I need to be happy and at peace. Again, thank you for your videos and for your words. You are helping so many people out here in the world, more than any of us ever know.
As a man I’ve experienced such awful life situations. It’s nice to see a young lady that experienced trials like mine and was able to push through it. Your living situation now looks nice, much respect.
Your smile is profound and infectious. I can feel your peace.
I feel you. I always wanted to become a writer and when I finally published a book I was euphoric, I thought that from now on everything would be easy... but I didn't sell many books, only some of my family members and friends bought it and suddenly that happiness was overshadow by a sense of failure. I did all by myself: the correction, the editing, the cover illustration... I for sure was too hard on myself, it was the first novel by an unknown author on Amazon, what did I expect? I guess I placed my own personal worth on success and sales... I've published two other books now and even though the last one didn't do that good I'm slowly learning to appreciate the fact that I'm able to create these characters and stories that make me so happy and that I should do this because I love literature... some readers have even told me that my characters helped them with their anxiety and that makes me ten times happier that I can help others. of course I need the money to live, but I'll find another job that can give me some stability while I still write. If I don't become a famous writer, that's ok, because I'm still going to write forever regardless, because it's what I love the most along with drawing. I'll be ok. Thank you for this perspective! Sometimes we just need to stop and change the environment to bloom.
I love your personality, simplicity and your beautiful peaceful smile. I love how you appreciate nature, how you re transparent and sharing your ups and downs and your life with us with the aim of sending positivity and encouragement to each one watching. I wish i can come join you in that peaceful corner of the world. Like you i m looking for this peace in nature away from the complexity of this crazy world. Thank you 🙏🏼 keep making those videos and keep that beautiful smile ❤️❤️
Your words are exactly what I needed to hear today! I have experienced many failures these past few months and I have gradually lost all of my confidence. I felt depleted. A lot of things I wanted to achieve have been taken from me even though I worked hard. I really wanted to believe that working hard always pays off. But it doesn't. I felt like a failure, and I desperately needed to succeed at the next task to prove myself to myself. I associated my self worth with that small success. Now that I didn't make it, I feel miserable. Your words helped me find some peace of mind. Thank you as always.
In this video, she talked about respecting yourself enough to give yourself permission and time to heal. You are more important that your goals and achievements. She chose herself over her goals and resumes. I know we cannot all afford to do this, but if you can, you should.
You have something deeper to offer the world. Just by being you, the you that notices the takes the time to embrace the wonderful moments the days provide. You inspire us to connect with our real selves and with our world around us.
This video is beautiful and I can relate so much to you ❤ I just moved out of my home town because I felt stuck and stagnant there. Society pressures us so much to choose a career, get married and have kids at a young age. The pressure sent me into a depression so I moved halfway across the country to a small beach town, and even though I moved here with the intention to start a TH-cam channel, it’s become apparent that I must heal from my past traumas to find what my true purpose is before trying to find “success”. I’m still in the process of healing but I’m starting to see that success to me isn’t buying the nicest things or having the best job but it’s finding peace within 😌 your videos inspire me so much and this one came at the perfect time. thank you for sharing your journey with us
Once again you have implanted words of wisdom to many. 🙏
You are very blessed to have a cat with such a beautiful spirit! I really enjoy seeing her playful attitude!
Paola, thank you for this insightful & contemplative peek into your life. I’m in an in between stage in my life. I’m 52, a licensed social worker for 25+ years in Philadelphia, & I resigned from my job without a new job to go to. Unheard of for me. There were people making the environment toxic & I had little work-life balance. I’ve been working on allowing myself rest, I’ve been purging unneeded items from my home, & being present for my 19-year old, all while contemplating my next steps.
Dear Paola, have no doubt who you are! You are one of life’s beautiful, gentle souls. You bring light, hope and peace and a wonderful sense of calm, to all who have the honour of subscribing to your channel. You bring me back to what is real and true and remind us all, that we should never compare ourselves to others. We are our own,unique selves and each and every one of us has something wonderful to bring to the table of life. Thank you for you and all that you are . Much love, Francesca ( your new dresses are sublime and look fabulous on you. ❤❤❤❤
-finding peace within myself will help me enjoy life more
flowers grow after the winter
Thank you ❤
I don't know why but this video feels a little different in a way. Like a masterpiece. It eased my mind. This is the peaceful life I'm looking for , for 12 years. I hope i can built that soon.
I see a new light in your face, coming from the inside, like a happier soul, its nice to see you like that, it inspires me so much
You are blessed in so many ways to be able to live a life that you have created for yourself. Dream the impossible... comfort your inner sole with the beauty that surrounds you. Thanks for being here for so many!
Omg you are both so cute... the sparkle when he looks at you is so beautiful ❤ Mom and Grandmum are just lovely ❤❤
You have done everything you want to do, Knowing and excepting Jesus Christ will set you free! That’s when I never felt lonely ever again no matter what happened to me. ❤
This is it 100%
SPOT ON 🎯❤️🙏🙌
Jesus is the missing piece. We all need Him to fill that void that we all experience. ❤
Thank you for sharing, so precious. I too often just stop and look at beautiful skies, with clouds or clear blue, sunrays going through clouds when closer to sunset. Green walls of trees on both sides as i walk through. And I wisper to myself: this is a gift worth living for, gift all money in the world cant buy, what else can we wish for. Just look at it, admire and treasure, and cherish
Paola, you have one of the most beautiful voices i have ever heard ❤
You're such beautiful human and your sweet spirit shines through! Your videos leave me feeling so inspired to live a more thoughtful life. Thank you for your videos!
While looking so closely to who you are and what you truly want then acknowledging that the path you were on wasn’t really what truly made you happy or at peace is extremely brave. Know for a lot of us watching your videos we feel that peace and happiness that you have found and share with us. You inspire us and maybe give us the courage to really look at our lives and our goals. Thank you😊
This video could not come at a more perfect time 💖 I have been meditating on the word desire recently and asking what it truly means for me. Often our desires for accomplishments and accolades can blindsight us and make us overlook cultivating true inner peace that's unwavered by our endevours or environment. I wish this level of self peace and freedom for everyone 💗
Oh dear! Such a beautiful spring views! I am also had very long winter this year and I am very very happy that everything around is blooming and getting warmer and warmer! Sometimes I walk down the street in the evening, I look at the blue dome of heaven, the sun's rays falling everywhere, many flowers on the flowerbed - and I feel like in a fairy tale! I ve many dreams and I believe that fulfilling them will help me achieve even more. But I think that everything external: achievements, delicious food, beautiful things, routine things- are just help in contemplating and creating beauty to be inspired and loved.
In the past year, I have been experiencing what seems to be depression and due to health and stress, my people often had panic attacks. I developed bad habits and a terrible sadness because everything changed so much that year, because I had never experienced such shock and devastation. nothing helped me get out of this situation. I began to earn a lot, but I could not live in peace and felt fear.
I am a Christian, but only few months ago everything changed when I met God. I have long dreamed of starting a church life, and then I was able to go to worship... And my life changed. Very. So i believe He is the only one who can fill our void. Spending time with Him is the ultimate peace. He's my inner light. Now I am grateful for every moment of my life, which has become even better.
"So do not fear, for I am with you" 41:40
I am so glad and and amazed that you so sincerely emphasized that each of us has an internal goal that has the greatest meaning - we are all unique, and each has its own soul.
Faith and love gives me strength to live. And paints everything around in the joy of color. I realized that I need to learn to love and rejoice and sorrow and fun days. And then the light of the soul is illuminated.
Yeah, it's not even a feeling. But something higher. It cant be described in words. I can only wish you all the best and that one day the truth and faith in God will open up for you too. So that you can always find consolation and joy .. and your soul is lit up with light..
greetings from St. Petersburg❤
What Truth and so beautifully spoken! It reminds me of a song we sing in church: “This Joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. And if the world didn’t give it, the world can’t take it away.”
@@Angela-ep9pm amen🙏
Sometimes we work so hard to get to a place or with people to just feel more lost when we get there.
I would rather travel and know I’m lost than feel lost in the same place around the same people.
Paola,
Thank you for this channel. I love listening to your voice.
Your channel is a most precious island of calmness in a turbulent world.
I love it that you don't claim to offer any easy solutions, for there are none.
You are quite correct that lasting happiness can only be found within.
In our troubled world, that is almost always a very challenging search.
Warmest wishes to you and your family.
Praying for you Paola. God loves you very much.
please never stop making videos even if you get older . the one thing I watch every week of my life is your video. i just wanna listen to your voice for rest of my life. i have same emotion that you have. i just thing someone in this world far away understand me when I don't understand myself. treat me like your little sister.
I have the same feeling that I put high goals and pressure on me. I want to have the best job for me after I graduate. But I also don't want to work my ass off all of my life. I only want to be happy.. it's finding work that doesn't feel like work, but in my opinion it will always feel like work in some kind of a way. Why do we all need to have such big goals.. It can not (always) be healthy.