Money! And The Pursuit of What Makes You Come Alive

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 I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I lost my passion—for my job, my marriage, or even life itself. Everything felt flat and uninspired. Then, one day, I stumbled upon The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Following her advice, I began journaling daily, a practice she calls “morning pages.” The concept is simple: write whatever comes to mind every morning without judgment or structure.

At first, it felt strange. I wasn’t a “morning person” by any stretch. My routine revolved around workouts, showers, smoothies, and suits—not journaling. But I gave it a try, stopping at a nearby café on my way to work. To my surprise, I enjoyed it.

So much so that I started exploring ways to immerse myself further. One idea struck me: a writers’ retreat.

I wasn’t a writer. Numbers were my thing. But something about dedicating time to creative expression appealed to me. And if I was going to attend a retreat, why not make it unforgettable? Why not tie it in with a trip abroad?

The Paris Writers’ Retreat

A quick Google search led me to the Paris Writers’ Retreat, hosted by New York Times bestselling authors and a renowned literary agent. It sounded perfect. I booked my spot, packed my bags, and boarded a flight to Paris.

The retreat was beyond anything I could have imagined. Our writing sessions took place in a stunning loft on Île Saint-Louis, overlooking the Seine. The setting alone was enough to stir the soul.

There were 16 of us, each bringing unique perspectives and stories to the table. Among us were a banker turned World Food Bank director, three psychotherapists, an architect, a nurse, an economist, and the former director of the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Surprisingly, only one participant was a full-time writer.

We spent five days together, writing, discussing, and soaking in the inspiration of Paris. Croissants and wine flowed endlessly, fueling our creativity. I wandered through cafés like Les Deux Magots, where literary icons such as Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and Ezra Pound once gathered. The ghosts of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir whispered reminders of my teenage years when I’d devour their works and passionately preach their philosophies.

Finding Myself in Paris

The retreat reignited something I thought I’d lost. The stimulating discussions, the vibrant energy of Paris, and the act of writing itself brought me back to life. It was there, in that loft overlooking the Seine, that I made a life-changing decision: I was going to be a writer.

Within two years, I left my career as a financial advisor to pursue my passion for writing and travel. It wasn’t an easy transition, but it was transformative. Embracing my creative side stretched me in ways I never thought possible. Seven years later, Paris remains my annual pilgrimage—a symbol of freedom, creativity, and living life on my terms.

What About You?

What burning desire lies dormant within you? You don’t have to go to Paris to rediscover your passion. You simply need to reconnect with the essence of who you are.

As Julia Cameron taught me, sometimes all it takes is a pen, a piece of paper, and a willingness to listen to your inner voice.