Bordeaux: A Different Kind of Paradise

After two days of indulging in stinky cheese, savoring incredible yet affordable wine, and running through the stunning streets of Bordeaux, I’m reminded of a different pace of life—one without stress, without complaints (traveling without kids), just reflection (while running) and presence.

Adjusting to jet lag, listening to an old podcast by Harvard Professor & Atlantic columnist Arthur Brooks joins Rich Roll to talk about cultivating happiness as you age, redefining success, and living a meaningful life. 

I was struck by a simple but powerful truth: We are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. 

But true life satisfaction comes from overcoming challenges, not avoiding them.

Nine years ago, I made a hard choice.

A choice that required immense effort, sacrifice, and perseverance. 

I know how hard life can be—raising kids, navigating careers, the stock market and economy fluctuate, and trying to keep a marriage strong while providing for a family. 

It’s a constant balancing act with many highs and lows. 

A decade ago, I made the decision to put my career first. At the time, it felt like a sacrifice, but in hindsight, I now see it as an act of love—not just for myself, but for my marriage and my family. I knew deep down that if I didn’t find my own true self/calling, our partnership would struggle. 

And statistics don’t lie—money is a leading cause of marital stress.

Back then, I only had a gut feeling that if I didn’t step up as a financial contributor/figure out my career, we might have ended up worse off - not just financially.

So I took the hard road, did the work, and pushed through the discomfort.

But today, I get to enjoy the payoff and work remotely ;-).

At 52, I look back with no regrets. The hardest decisions—the ones that demand patience, grit, and delayed gratification—often turn out to be the best ones.

Living in the U.S. often feels like a race, always chasing the next thing. But in Bordeaux, life moves slower, more intentionally. The French prioritize quality of life in a way that many Americans struggle to. 

I’ve learned for me, which isn't for everyone, life is about both ambition and joy, and both can coexist.

The key is focusing on what we can control— wanting less (spending less), appreciating what we have, serving others, saving for our future selves, and our long-term vision. 

That’s where real power lies. That’s how we build a life of both success and fulfillment.

If there is someone you think would find my post inspiring, please forward this to him/her.

Thank you for reading!

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

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