5 Things I Permanently Changed After Living Outside The US

Summary

This video explores various aspects of lifestyle changes and cultural differences. The speaker shares their experience of moving to France and how it influenced their perspective on aging, home living, and societal expectations. They discuss the shift from the American focus on youth and materialism to the French embrace of aging naturally and living in smaller, more efficient spaces. The speaker highlights how changing mindsets and habits can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable life, emphasizing that many lifestyle changes don't require money, but rather a shift in perspective.

Takeaways

• 😀 Home sizes have significantly increased, leading to higher costs for housing and energy bills, making smaller living spaces more efficient.
• 😀 Larger homes often result in unused rooms, which contribute to unnecessary expenses, while smaller homes with efficient use of space are more practical.
• 😀 A shift to smaller homes, such as living with 425 square feet per person, can lead to a more manageable and fulfilling lifestyle.
• 😀 The fear of aging, particularly as a woman, can be reduced by changing one's mindset and embracing cultural perspectives that normalize aging.
• 😀 Following influencers over the age of 50 has helped normalize the aging process, empowering women to live their best lives at any stage of life.
• 😀 In France, older women are represented as vibrant and beautiful in media, which contrasts with the U.S. obsession with youth.
• 😀 French media often showcases women with natural aging signs (wrinkles, gray hair, imperfections) as sexy, relevant, and worth listening to, promoting a healthier view of aging.
• 😀 The U.S. culture's emphasis on cosmetic procedures and youth is more extreme compared to the more natural portrayal of aging in France.
• 😀 While the U.S. places more pressure on thinness, France provides a better balance in the representation of aging and body image.
• 😀 Many of the lifestyle improvements seen in other cultures, like those in France, are often due to mindset shifts that can be adopted, some of which are even cost-saving.
• 😀 U.S. hustle culture and the pursuit of success can lead to damaging advice, both in productivity habits and financial management, impacting long-term well-being.

Q & A

What impact does the speaker's decision to live in smaller homes have on their financial life?

Living in smaller homes has allowed the speaker to save money by reducing housing costs, including energy bills, as modern building technology and efficiency gains are offset by the larger spaces in bigger homes.

How do unused rooms in suburban homes contribute to financial strain?

Unused rooms in suburban homes result in unnecessary energy consumption and higher maintenance costs, which can significantly increase overall housing expenses, affecting other areas of financial life.

What is the significance of the speaker's change in perspective on aging as a woman?

The speaker's shift in perspective on aging has led to improved mental health and a more positive outlook. They now appreciate the natural aging process and admire women who embrace aging, especially in cultures like France where older women are celebrated in media.

Why does the speaker emphasize the cultural differences in how aging is viewed in France versus the U.S.?

The speaker highlights that in France, aging is more openly embraced, with older women appearing in media and being celebrated for their natural beauty, while the U.S. often prioritizes youth and physical alterations to maintain youthfulness.

How did following influencers over the age of 50 benefit the speaker?

Following influencers over 50 helped the speaker normalize the aging process, providing them with empowering role models who live fulfilling lives at any age, which boosted their mental health and self-esteem.

What are the key differences in the pressure to conform to beauty standards in the U.S. versus France?

While both countries have beauty standards, the U.S. has a stronger emphasis on youth, thinness, and cosmetic procedures. In contrast, France offers a more visible and positive representation of older women in media, allowing them to age naturally without stigma.

What role does media play in shaping perceptions of aging in different cultures?

Media plays a crucial role in shaping cultural perceptions of aging. In France, older women are represented as vibrant, beautiful, and relevant, while in the U.S., media often idealizes youth, which can contribute to insecurity among aging individuals.

How does the speaker view the concept of 'hustle culture' in the U.S.?

The speaker criticizes 'hustle culture' in the U.S. for promoting unhealthy productivity habits and unrealistic success standards. They suggest this mindset is damaging and contributes to personal dissatisfaction and burnout.

What mindset shifts does the speaker advocate for to improve life quality?

The speaker advocates for mindset shifts that prioritize well-being over societal pressures. These include embracing aging, living in smaller homes to reduce financial strain, and challenging productivity-based success ideals.

How does the speaker suggest that lifestyle changes from other cultures can be applied to improve life in the U.S.?

The speaker suggests that many aspects of life from cultures like France, such as a more balanced view on aging and less emphasis on excess, can be adopted in the U.S. through mindset and habit changes that could lead to financial savings and overall life satisfaction.