Day 117: i left my heart in paris

I came back to Paris for my RE-DO for a reason.

Today, I lit a candle and said a prayer in Notre Dame.
To thank all those with gratitude and love who have gotten me here, and to remember who I am and what I came here to do.

A RE-DO!
And, a re-do it has already been.

As I walked through the halls of Notre Dame I fully realized that this visit is very different from my last one.

The last time I stood under the majestic arches and rose window that floats in the sky above, I felt an overwhelming presence — an almost oppressive one. Massive. Overwhelming. Suffocating.

Today, more than a decade later, I felt a very different stirring inside my heart.  It was uplifting and spiritually full. Inspiring. Touching.

I’d like to think the difference between these two visits, is that today, the cathedral was full of song and people from around the world slowly shuffling through with respect and reverence in each step.

But really, I know, the only difference is in me.

In my heart.
In my soul.

There is something so romantic and creative and utterly breathtaking about this city, you can’t help but feel swirled in love.

But, what I have learned on this second visit is more profound that the sugar covered crepes on the street corners and the magnificent architecture soaring to the sky —  it doesn’t matter how much love is swirling around you if you haven’t any leftover for yourself.

So, today we saw Paris.
From inside Notre Dame…

To the Eiffel Tower….

To a tour on Segway through winding streets and city squares…

But, today, even more magnifique, I saw the woman I have grown into, from inside the flame of a candle to the whisper of a prayer in my heart.

Because, while love is swirling all around me in the incredible City of Light, love is bubbling up inside me too.

Just like the bridges that are covered with locks as promises from lovers, I too have made a promise.

One that grew out of curiosity and has turned into love.
For my head, heart, body and soul — and something even bigger than that — bigger than me.

I don’t want to leave Paris. Alas, I will.
But, I certainly don’t want to leave my heart in Paris.
I want to carry it with me everywhere I go and with everything I do.

And if it takes a transcontinental flight, and a re-do redux, to remember the power of love…

It’s worth all the prayers and crêpes in the world. 

Tags: Eiffel Tower, light a candle in notre dame, locks on bridge, Notre Dame, Paris, paris redo, paris redux, power of love