About two years ago, I completely changed my life philosophy. Since then, I’ve tried to build systems, big and small, that work for me. My whole body of writing—this living, breathing tapestry that is my newsletter—is ultimately about this: becoming the author of your life.
In this new series, Reporting Back, I share the lessons I’m learning.
I’ve kept a diary for years.
I started with notebooks, but I was always terrified—would someone read it? Would I lose it? I did misplace a few and still shudder at the idea that someone could read my disorganized—and sometimes outrageous! stupid!! Mean!!!—thoughts.
A notebook also wasn’t always practical to carry around, and that’s why, years ago, I switched to an online diary. I first used Grid Diary, and then switched to Day One. My ramblings were safe* and I always had access to them on my phone.
But more importantly, my memories became searchable—what a magical thing!!! Years later, I could be reminded of where I was on a certain day, what exactly happened, and how I felt about it. I could search for a name, a word, a place. Super helpful and clarifying.
Then, a few years ago, I started really disliking writing on my phone.
I already spend too much time on it, and typing on a phone is terribly uncomfortable.
Gradually, I stopped writing.
I felt bad about it, and I hugely missed it. I really missed having access to my detailed memories.
Until recently, when two things collided:
1/ I FINALLY got Lulu, my dog, back (this essay explains the reasons why!)—best day of my life!!!—and started the long morning walks again.
2/ A few of my friends and I have gotten into the habit of sending each other long voice notes. I was recording one as I was walking and… it felt good.
It was a day when my thoughts were overflowing—and that’s why I just decided to record a voice memo to myself.
Problem was, I knew I’d never ever listen back to VMs. And they would be quite difficult to search. That’s when I realized that the Voice Memos app on iPhone has a transcript. The transcript was this disorganized, monstrous text that I’d never ever read back. But it was there.
So I put it into ChatGPT, and asked it to format it for me, without changing anything else.
I then copied and pasted it into my Day One.**
I’ve done it for the last two weeks, and it’s become a ritual that I love.
Three of my favorite things to do, all in one. Walking, being with my dog, and talking about myself!!!
Highly recommend it. Especially if, like me, you’re going through a big life change. It’s a fantastic way to regulate yourself. To understand your own life. To not burden everyone with your thoughts. And to save memories, in all the little details that make life fascinating, complicated, and magical.
Share The French Woman by Garance Doré
*Probably not from Big Data, but I don’t think there is that much I can do.
**There might be better ways to do it, and if there aren’t yet, soon there’ll be a function like that in all the diary apps. But right now, this is how it is for me. Or maybe someone wants to launch a diary app with me? I’m a pro ;)
Talking about Big Data, ave you watched The Audacity on Netflix? I loved it so much!!!
If you’re in Paris and love hot and cold rooms (aka infrared sauna and cold plunges) you should totally try the new Oh My Cream flagship on rue du Vieux Colombier. It’s really a cool new way to spend time with friends.
My last letter was about that big question so many of us have—where should we live? and what France, America, England and Morocco each brought to my life. And a few things I hate about them!
In my last live—we talked about taking back your authority. We also had a live yesterday which I’ll publish very soon, stay tuned! I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of these lives and for all your great questions!
All right have a fantastic day, big kiss!
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