Which reason can you relate to most?

@orlettacaldwell

5 ай бұрын

I'm tired of being where I am not wanted.

@MsDezB1

5 ай бұрын

The "undercurrent of tension." Wow. Yes, I can relate. I also love that waitstaff are paid a fair and living wage. I love the French language and have been using language apps as well as immersing myself in French media for the past 4 years. Feels like home and you can be your authentic self. Sister, you are so inspiring. When I retire in another 15 or so years, I plan on moving to France. I'm so happy you've found this happiness out there. Continued success and blessings, Love and prosperity to you!

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Yes, that is not a good feeling at all Hopefully, you won't have to deal with that much longer.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

@@MsDezB1 Thank you. Continue with your French learning. Having a good base with the language will come in handy once you make your leap.

@gabrielapaulinho1luv

3 ай бұрын

My longtime passion for the French language and literature, and for various lifestyles from one province to another; my need for freedom from total oppression due to the color of my skin/my phenotype; my love of French cuisine; and the affordable healthcare. Merci.

I've lived in France for 37 years now, and every time that I return to the USA to visit family and friends, the sense of insecurity and the spectre of verbal, physcial and psychological violence are just as vivid as in the mid-1980s when I fled the country. That was the era when Reagan and his sbires were threatening all of us gay and queer Americans with exile to some unspecified, imaginary island(s) far out at sea. These Republicans would then starve us to death and/or bomb us to oblivion. They were dead serious about this, and they still are today! These ideas still have currency in the American Reich-wing, make no mistake. Here in France, I never have to look over my shoulder and fear for my safety. America, however, remains and has long been far too violent for us sensitive souls. France, on the other hand, has been a safe haven for us of the delicate disposition for centuries. Obtaining French citizenship 24 years ago totally changed my outlook on life. It anchored me here in this land of beauty and freedom, and it made me realize early on that I can/will/should never return to the USA except as a tourist.

@elipotter369

5 ай бұрын

Woe, beautifully written. So glad you found your safe place.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Yes, I, too, am a sensitive soul and need to be in this "land of beauty and freedom." I might have to add another chapter (or at least some elements of this idea of being a sensitive soul) to my book that keeps on being written. Thank you for sharing this.

I visited France. I was surprised. I felt more comfortable there then my life in U.S. I felt safe and so comfortable. I so enjoyed walking to the square, the shops,my mind and body liked the pace of life. If it were possible, yes! I would move to France.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

2 ай бұрын

Sounds like you had a wonderful experience in France. There is definitely a vibe here, for me, that is different from the US.

I agree with you that there is a feeling of freedom not felt living in the U.S. I always feel I can breathe and enjoy people. I have had a sense of human connection on my several trips to France.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

24 күн бұрын

Not sure what it is but it's palpable.

Sounds weird but I feel like a HUMAN BEING outside of America and not just an AA BLACK WOMAN 💋I really appreciate your videos Queen they are inspiring and helping so many people ❤️THANK YOU

@elipotter369

5 ай бұрын

Not weird at all. Indigenous Australians have said the same thing - they're treated (and respected) as human beings outside of Australia, instead of all the labels and prejudices.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Oh, wow. Yes. Thank you for sharing this. The ability to be as you are, a human being, is so empowering. I hope you have found that place where you can feel like a human being all the time. ❤

@Sunrise6410

5 ай бұрын

That is my ultimate dream. I'm an African American woman and I simply just want to live in peace without race being a factor. I just want to be a person and not a black person and in America, it's ALWAYS about race.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

@@Sunrise6410 , I hear you. Have you picked a dream country?

@spacesandplacesoutthere

5 ай бұрын

Not weird at all. Its only been 400+ years of terrorism and evil.

I can relate to the safety reason the most. I’m in agreement with many of the reasons as well like food quality, health care options and feeling lighter as a person.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Once you make a move to your dream country, I think other reasons for your move will come to light and may be the reasons you chose to stay. That was my case.😀

I'm white, but in the years I have lived in France, have noticed a big difference in the interaction with Black people here vs in the U.S. Basically, it is just an interaction between humans, with no reference to color! Very refreshing even for me and what I would suppose is an incredible relief for African Americans to be able to relax and not have that "difference" shoved in their face at every step. I'm so glad you made the move and are getting the message out there. Racial tensions are not inevitable, as some might believe!

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I think a country's history has a lot to do with this. I've heard that some Africans living in France (which colonized some African countries) experience different treatment. But, of course, I can't speak to this personally.

@sarahnd

5 ай бұрын

@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst I'm sure that's true. We have a relative in Belgium who married an African woman and their children have had a mixed reception. There are still (white) people in Belgium who grew up in the Congo and whose parents were part of the colonizing government. They are usually very torn, between the racist views imposed by their social circle and their happy memories of African friends in childhood. Not a simple situation.

lol I also forgot the food is so amazing and much more healthier that you don't need to go to the doctor all the time with stomach problems. Merci

Clearly, the most important reason is the one you stated: 'It feels like home' whatever that feeling entails.

Even as a French who travelled a lot in France, with my parents first, and by myself later, i'm almost sixty and always curious, and i haven't seen all the regions of France can afford.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Yes, there is so much variety here. I've only scratched the surface.

I'm with you on the language. That's what inspired me and that keeps me here. Safety resonants with me, as well. As with you, that's something that came home to me--so to speak--once I was here. Also, going along with the health care I receive, I appreciate how much that system and other social services care for those who are struggling here in France. In the US there's a distinct feeling and shaming of the poor and those struggling. I also really appreciate the lack of political violence/aggression.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Yes, it sounds like we've got a lot in common on this topic! Thanks for watching and commenting!

I like your video and I know other black women who have left the US and the first reason is having more rights and having healthcare. Its nice to being a black women and not being judged by our skin. Plus you hit the nail on the head, it is so sad to not be able to feel comfortable to go out and fear of being shot or attacked. Merci Beaucoup

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching and for your comment. I'm glad this hit home.

Yes to all of these. These are all the same reasons we listed about France even after only living there for 3 months. We need to move there permanently.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

4 ай бұрын

It doesn't take long to see the advantages. Thanks for watching and commenting!

I very much appreciate your thoughtful perspective on living in France. I saw a video of yours in which you mentioned the topic of loneliness living abroad. I would be interested in hearing you discuss how you adapted for the first few years. The French are formal people, not at all like Americans who are super-friendly. I say this as a woman married to a French guy for many years & have spent quite a lot of time in 🇫🇷 but have never lived there.

My husband and I who are A.A. recently purchased a tiny apartment in Nice and I feel like it's my home away from home.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Congratulations! Enjoy it!

@pascalebarlatier-surpris3307

5 ай бұрын

Thank you

Hello! I am a French woman and I've lived in the US for 20 years now. Moving back to my country has always been in my mind... But France has changed so much since I left... Not in a good way, unfortunately! Do you ever talked about taxes in your videos? How do you feel about the high tax rate in France? Do you have an LLC or did you have to create a French entity?

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Hi, thank you for your comment. Having a history with a country you've left gives you a different perspective on it. I feel the same about the US changing and not in a good way. My business is based in France. I've not done any videos on taxes. As I'm just getting started in my business I may not be experiencing the full brunt of them yet.

Most of the reasons you cite resonate. Our motivation for leaving the US was, above all, access to healthcare (we moved before the Affordable Care Act was enacted; but the ongoing expense of insurance would have continued to be a factor anyway); safety, a growing discomfort with the violent tenor of life, and the downward arc of public discourse were factors as well. Having lived abroad for almost 15 years now, other issues have come into focus that will keep us here: quality of life in general; quality of food in particular; cost of living; a culture where we feel the people and the government share our values much more closely.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

Ай бұрын

Yes, you left just before things became glaringly obvious. I'm glad that you, too, have found your happy place. Thanks for sharing.

Your videos are very helpful to me. I am making my plans for next year. I speak French well, have nothing holding me stateside and my only quandary is where to move. Definitely the south of France (I love Paris, but non). Not sure which village but will visit in September and try to figure it out. I feel compelled too!

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

Ай бұрын

Wonderful! Location is something that can be hard to pin down, but a scouting trip can change that in a heartbeat. It did for me. Bon courage !

Thank you for this video! All of the reasons were quite compelling. You answered a lot of questions I’ve had in my mind for a while + you have the experience! 🙌🏼

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching. I'm glad that I answered a lot of your questions.

Hello dear, so happy to have found your channel and thank you for the info shared. Would you mind considering sharing a special video on how you deal with home sickness when it hits? Thank you

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

4 ай бұрын

Thank you. I didn't experience home sickness when I moved to France although I did at University. I'll see what I can do about making a video about that though. Thanks for the idea.

the France you choose, in Catalonia, is home for you now, and if you want changes you can travel across the other region of France, the other countries of Europe... a lot of differences to enjoy.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Yes, it's so convenient to do exactly that. And since I'm so close to Spain I'm taking up Spanish. Thanks for watching.

Great video my sista The quote about stepping twice in the same river by Heraclitus is so true and profound. Much love from Oakland Subbed!

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Ah, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. And thanks for subscribing.

Hi Patricia, you're such an inspiration. I live somewhere I don't feel at home in, but i find it hard to motivate and focus on moving. It just seems it will take so much energy, and then having to learn perhaps a whole new city and re establish all my routines etc. So any video information on dealing with doubts etc is good for me. (I have also delayed moving because my health isn't great, it's been hard to find a better location and i get caught up with other activities and learnings instead). Thank you.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Making a change, be it a move to a place that feels better to you or changing careers, takes effort, and energy, and we can't always know how it will pan out. When I've gotten motivated to make changes it's been when the pain of staying the same outweighed the pain of change. I've got a lot of videos you might find helpful. Check out this playlist. kzread.info/head/PL_1a78vTMQdjbsre2No27wk3g0CUrtRZ5

I find many black Americans in Europe conflate their privilege as an American which grants them immunity from the casual anti black racism prevalent in France with a lack of racism or with the misplaced idea that your race is not registered as not native. This is the case in history as well. When you had black Senegalese elites studying in France in the 1950s they were treated with respect because of their status while France was brutally colonizing their country. This is not to take away from anyone's personal experience.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Oh, racism exists here for sure. And I know that how some Africans living in France are treated is wrong. I feel for them. This video is how I experience life in France vs. the US which feels like night and day. I appreciate your comment.

I moved to France a few years ago and as you say - I feel lighter for many reasons. Higher food quality (natural) and having more free time was huge. Not needing to get in car to get daily needs is also huge. Cycing and walking friendly cities is also a huge quality of life change. I was tired of worrying that someone was going to rob me, break in to my car (again) or watch over my back at my employer as everyone is against each other there. It's such a misreble way to live! Glad you're living the life that treats you best!

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

4 ай бұрын

Congratulations. I'm glad you feel lighter living in France. Thanks for watching and commenting

Great presentation as usual. Very sound advice for anyone thinking/planning to exit stage left. I emotionally left the US at the age of 9 and never looked back. Keep up the good work.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! Wow, age 9. Sounds like it was necessary for self-preservation. Hope that you are in a place now that supports you.

@TroyBounds

5 ай бұрын

@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst No real issues as a kid or an adult, I spent a lot of time in the library and discovered other places that seemed more progressive on many fronts.

You look so cute 🥰 That color is so flattering. You inspired me to get a color similar. I have similar coloring. I ❤️ how many of us are representing on KZread 🥰🥰🥰

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

3 ай бұрын

Oh, thank you!😊 And thank you for watching! Much appreciated!🙏🏾

Hi Patricia, you said at the beginning of the video that you've been in France on various visas now for 6 years. Have you considered getting French citizenship? You should be able to get that after 5 years residency and with a B1 level of French language. Then you won't have to worry about applying for visas or whether they get renewed.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Hi, thank you for your question. Yes! It is my intention to apply for citizenship. Perhaps this year I'll start the process. I've already passed the French language test, so now it's a matter of building up my courage and patience to kick off the process. The visa I'm on right now is good for four years (two years remain) so fortunately I won't have to go through another renewal for a while. Thanks for watching!

I wanted to move to France 4 years ago for my kids to learn French but we instead moved back to our home country Kenya. We don't like living in Kenya( because of very many reasons) now we are looking to move back to the US.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Finding a place that meets all your needs and feels right can be challenging. I hope that you find it in returning to the US.

@FierDetrefrancais1

3 ай бұрын

Dont move to the USA! Just don't! Worst country in the world especially to raise children

Really love those colors on you ❤️

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

4 ай бұрын

Ah, thank you. 😊

What is it about Europe that attracts African Americans so much? I'm not being negative. I genuinely want to know. I lived in 5 European countries and I didn't enjoy the racism there. Do African Americans hate being around other black people. Is Africa and its 54 countries and the Caribbean countries no go countries? All due respect to the lovely lady.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

4 ай бұрын

The thing is everyone experiences life differently based on so many factors. So to say all people of any race like or doesn't like something or that one person of that race should see things the way that another person of that race sees it defies logic. And the beautiful thing is we can choose what we want to experience. My being content living in a European country doesn't stop someone who prefers to live in an African country from pursuing their dream.

How can you get health insurance without being a full citizen? Thanks!

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Check out this website. www.welcometofrance.com/en/fiche/saffilier-au-regime-social-francais

i just moved from Richmond Virginia (to Idaho) because of the safety issues and cost of living and stress of my corporate job. prior to having a child it didn't bother me as much. i want to move out of the country, but without a college degree (which as you know costs a fortune here) i haven't found any options. if you have any videos in regards to this topic i would be so appreciative. thank you!

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Ah, Richmond! I hope that things are better for you there in terms of the cost of living and stress level. I don't have any videos on finding a job without a college degree. But maybe this video will help. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZGersNd6mNmZYqw.htmlsi=Pg4TcY-KUBogwtv_

when you are a resident isn’t there a time limit that you have to stay there? ie, you can only be out of the country for 3 months at a time? Please let me know

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for your question. I think it depends on which resident card you have. You might want to ask this in the "Legal France Immigration Answers (Visa / CDS / Nationality / License)" Facebook group.

I would stay for the language....btw can you recommend a novel that you found easy to read six years ago? Thanks.

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

2 ай бұрын

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm drawing a blank. You might want to ask a KZreadr who specializes in teaching French to suggest an easy read. Bon courage !

@joycew.6531

2 ай бұрын

@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst They are all native speakers who recommend Marcel Proust, lol

Can you do a video on your experience with racial discrimination in France, if any?

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

3 ай бұрын

I've spoken about racism in some of my videos. I don't think I could do a whole video on that. I have not experienced racism here, or at least nothing I can directly attribute to the color of my skin, though I have an African friend who has, unfortunately.

Interesting and well-done video. I was in France thru the military and with a last name of St Romaine, the French didn't have a problem telling me how to pronounce my name the French was instead of the the English way. I saw them as rather arrogant

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

That must have been frustrating for you.

@creolelady182

5 ай бұрын

@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst they can be rather grotesque bastards and they were always telling you what they were going to do and what they were not going to do especially in a service environment

France welcoes you

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

Ай бұрын

Merci. Je le sens. 😊

I reserved a phone call with you today, March 21 for 10:00 am through your website. I did not get the call. Wondering what happened?

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

3 ай бұрын

It was a Zoom call where you have to join with a link. I was there. My scheduler sends the call détails and reminders to the email and phone number you reserved the appointment with. Perhaps it went to your SPAM folder. I also sent an email asking if you would be able to join. Sorry we missed each other.

What about data science and cyber security jobs in France mam?

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Tell me more?

@l-14-ece-apavankalyan31

5 ай бұрын

@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst is this demand or not I'm planning to study France mam

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

5 ай бұрын

Unfortunately I don't have any insight on this.@@l-14-ece-apavankalyan31 . Have you had any luck googling cyber security jobs or job market in France? In any case, I wish you good luck on your studies.

@l-14-ece-apavankalyan31

5 ай бұрын

@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst Thank you mam

How do regular French people treat you as a Black woman?

@FierDetrefrancais1

3 ай бұрын

French people are open minded not racist like Americans.

Tu ne ressens pas le racisme en France en temps que femme noire, pourtant ce racisme existe bien ici malheureusement, je pense que le fait que tu sois américaine joue beaucoup en ta faveur, je suis contente pour toi si tu as trouvé ton havre de paix !

@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst

Ай бұрын

Je sais qu'il y a le racisme en France. Je pense que tu as raison, le fait que je suis américaine joue en ma faveur. J'ai un ami qui vient de Mali et il ressent le racisme ici, malheureusement. Merci pour ton commentaire.