Been down the same road as you, and then helped a number of others to do the same (as an instructor). Lots of good advice in the pevious posts.
Once you have your licence, do keep yourself properly current. Any skill will perish if it is not used. Make regular use of an instructor that you like flying with to practice emergencies that you do not practice by yourself.
Do some post PPL training Paris/London heliroutes, mountain flying etc.
You will enjoy your flying more and become a better pilot too
