The French Diaries: Part 26 “YOU CAN DO IT.”

Wow!

So, we’ve finally left Marseille. We’re in Paris with Edouard’s family after a two day road trip. It was supposed to be longer, but I was so excited to get to the north of France. What a crazy experience. We started our lives in this beautiful place and now our time there has come to an end. I can’t help but think of all the times we had together- and of the life we thought we were going to live. But because of that unshakable unease and dissatisfaction, I turned our lives around once again.

I can’t help but think of the life Edouard would have lived if we had remained. He was happy with his friends and family, and now I’m dragging him away from his beloved France. I say this often to him- usually over a few rums. But he always reassures me that this is what he wants to do.

I suppose it’s natural to be concerned about the other person. And this is a huge undertaking, so it’s normal to be concerned about this huge leap we’re taking.

But as the days passed in Marseille, the fear became less and less. The worry draining away until I knew there was no other choice. I had bought a boat and there was no going back. There is comfort in that. Knowing that you wouldn’t have done things any other way.

I’m just grateful I’m with someone who would follow me.

“Lizzie, I go where you go,” Edouard would say to me constantly.

And as our project grows, we’ve been blown away by the love from you all. And of course sometimes we don’t receive love. Sometimes we receive the absolute opposite. Occasionally it’s difficult, but I’m lucky because I have a thick skin. Living as a crew on Delos, if we ever received negative comments, it was ok, because we were a family and faced it together. Now, it seems harder because it’s just me. And sometimes it’s very direct. But I made the decision that I’ll never meet hate with hate. That’s not me. If someone sends me something cruel, I’ll respond with kindness. Life is too short to spread negativity and I won’t be one of those people who try and ruin someone’s day.

So, I’ll do as my dad says and “take it on the chin.” Because I’m living my life and will continue to do so.

It’s been wonderful watching the videos back of my time on Delos. I see someone who didn’t know what her future was. But now, I am more determined than ever. I will do this. I will succeed. And I will try my best. Always.

I’ve been working very hard on the videos, but I wanted to write to you guys today to say thank you for joining me on this journey. This page is called Earle Writes, and it wouldn’t seem natural unless I, well- you know- write.

Our time is drawing closer to travel to the UK and I’m so excited to be in my homeland. I love France, but understanding the language is difficult. Especially when there’s a party and everyone is enjoying themselves. After the two weeks there, we’ll be coming back to France for a couple of weeks and then BOOM. Off to the Caribbean. The 27th of May can’t come fast enough.

The Caribbean. What a crazy thing to be doing. Or is it crazy? I think it would be more insane to have remained in my home town in a job I didn’t enjoy, doing the same thing just to pay my rent and have enough money left over to go out at the weekend.

But I know it happens, and I know it’s common.

I remember sitting in my house in Nuneaton with my housemate, listening to him talk of his holiday in Barbados, thinking, “Oh God, I’m never going to be able to go there.”

Even when I was around the fire sitting with Brian, talking about heading to the Caribbean, I never thought I would have the opportunity afterwards when I decided to head back to France.

But the truth is- you can make anything happen if you put your mind to it.

Sounds cliché, right? I know. I have heard my parents say it time and time again to me.

“There’s no such word as can’t,” is another my mother used to tell me time and time again.

I had heard it so many times, I would just roll my eyes and carry on.

But now, I realise the importance of her words.

And I discovered the importance of following your dreams, sticking to them, and finding a way- always.

When things get hard, you need to carry on. No matter how difficult, how insurmountable- we have to try. Because if not, what’s the point? We all have the ability. We all have our dreams. Whether they be on land or the ocean. Whether it’s starting your own business, wanting to climb that mountain, wishing to do that hike, planning for that reunion, arranging that surprise, going on that trip- we can do it.

YOU CAN DO IT.

And so, what this journey is about, for me, is proving that the underdog can come on top. And I will be creating something with Edouard to bring people who want to pursue the adventure and the opportunities together. We don’t know how. We don’t know when.

But we know we will do it.

Because it’s another goal of mine.

So, when you remember that cliché saying your mother or father, or grandparents told you- put it into action.

Because as my dad says, “You know, we’re always right.”

Want to help the adventure? You can help towards our boat repair fund for new masts and rigging by donating here! 

Psssst! We are also now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/earlewrites

You can also check out my books, visit my shop of tees, pendants or my NEW section of limited edition art prints and original paintings. I hope you like! Much love!

Thank you as always! Lizbef  and Edouard x

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