I'm leaving Paris.

Summary

The video explores the creator's journey of self-discovery as he grapples with wanting a slower, more introspective life than the busy one he created for himself in Paris. He explains this realization came recently at 26, countering assumptions that this should be a fast-paced phase. Detailing profound goodbyes he didn't fully take in, to his dog and childhood home, he concludes by reciting a poem underscoring the importance of presence - of standing and staring, not rushing through life unaware you're doing something for the last time.

Takeaways

• 😀 He is finding that getting older leads to his priorities and desires shifting over time
• 👴 He feels less rushed now and wants to be more present in whatever he is doing
• 😕 Questioning his current life path has been confusing and turbulent
• 🌄 He wants to spend more time in quiet countryside open spaces
• 🎥 His YouTube channel tells the story of him figuring out life in real time
• 🐶 He regrets not being fully present during final visits with his childhood home and dog
• ⌛ You don't know when you're experiencing something or someone for the last time
• 🚗 Life changes quickly - you have to appreciate each moment
• 🐢 Going slower allows you to get more out of life
• 📖 The poem shares the idea of making time to appreciate life's beauty

Q & A

What realizations has Nathaniel come to recently about his life and desires?

Nathaniel has realized that his priorities and desires have shifted as he has gotten older. He now wants to spend more time in nature, be alone more, and feels less of a rush to constantly be active and busy.

Why was Nathaniel unable to see his family for over a year after moving to Paris?

Nathaniel was unable to see his family for over a year after moving to Paris because the COVID-19 pandemic began right after he moved. This prevented him from traveling back home.

What happened with Nathaniel's family dog Peanut while he was gone?

Peanut unfortunately passed away under unfortunate circumstances while Nathaniel was gone for over a year, which he did not realize would be the last time he saw her.

Why does Nathaniel say his mother was pleading with him before he left home?

Nathaniel's mother could sense he was not fully present and kept asking him to really be with the family in the moment before he left, but he did not fully hear her plea at the time.

Why didn't Nathaniel realize the gravity of his last visit home?

Nathaniel did not realize that his last visit home was the final time he would be in his childhood home, because he did not know his parents would soon sell the house and leave the country.

What has Nathaniel learned from his experiences of big life changes?

Nathaniel has learned that you often don't realize you are doing or seeing something for the last time when going through big life changes. He wants to appreciate each moment more fully going forward.

What poem does Nathaniel share at the end and why?

Nathaniel shares the poem 'Leisure' by William Henry Davies, which emphasizes slowing down to appreciate life, staring at nature's beauty, and taking time to be present. This aligns with his realizations.

How can therapy help with life transitions?

Therapy can provide guidance and perspective when going through major life changes and questioning one's path. It facilitates self-understanding and growth.

What does Nathaniel say is the one consistent thing he aims for?

Nathaniel says the one thing he always aims for despite other changes is his own character development, which he has publicly shared through his YouTube channel over time.

How can going slower help you get more out of life?

Going slower, being more mindful and present lets you appreciate and soak in each moment more fully. Rushing through prevents you from noticing meaning, beauty and connections.