La Vie en JOIE

Finding JOIE DE VIVRE in Every Day

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    • Vivre Francais

      Vivre Francais

      As a Francophile, I am drawn to everything French and have been since I was a young boy. While I do not live in France, I often try to spend days “Living French” as I call it. These are usually afternoons where I listen to French music, watch a French movie or TV show, and take myself out on solo dates to a French restaurant or cafe. I typically do these French days once a quarter. However, the other day, I was planning my trip to Europe in 2027. I plan to visit Spain, Italy, and of course France. My traveling companion is learning Italian to get us through Italy (he is already a Spanish speaker) and I offered to brush up on my French to help us along in France. I’m committing to a consistent practice of speaking French in 2026 in preparation. 

      This had me thinking, maybe I just commit all of next year to Living French. Really attempting to immerse myself in the idea of living a French inspired life, but not just inspired by, almost as if I do ACTUALLY live in France. A year-long immersion in slow living, elegance, joie de vivre, beauty, and intentional wellness—through the lens of a modern Francophile.

      This is not about imitation.It’s about embodying the spirit, habits, aesthetics, rhythms, and pleasures of French living, particularly life in the South of France.

      To live more French is to embrace a life shaped by beauty, simplicity, and intention. It is the quiet art of slowing down, savoring each moment, and finding joy in the everyday rituals that make life feel soft, warm, and exquisitely elegant. In the south of France, life unfolds gently—mornings begin with sunlight and movement, meals are shared with presence, and days are guided by a deep appreciation for nature, art, and the pleasure of being alive.

      This year I will explore the rhythms, rituals, and philosophies that define French living: mindful nourishment, effortless style, slow wellness, a curated home, and the timeless pursuit of joie de vivre. Through storytelling, routines, and serene glimpses into daily life, I will try to discover how to create a lifestyle that feels softer, more intentional, and beautifully aligned. 

    • Joie de Vivre

      Joie de Vivre

      “Joie de vivre” is a beautiful French phrase that literally means “joy of living.”

      It represents a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures — the art of savoring beauty, laughter, good food, love, and meaningful moments. It’s not just happiness; it’s a radiant, effortless delight in being alive.

      There’s a certain beauty in the way the French live — not rushed, not overworked, but present. Joie de vivre isn’t about perfection; it’s about savoring the little moments that make life exquisite.

      Waking slowly. Moving gracefully. Choosing peace over pressure. That’s the art of living well — the essence of slow, soft, intentional living.

      Is there a difference between “joy” and “happiness”? It turns out that yes, there is.  Happiness is fleeting, while Joy is eternal. Happiness often comes from an external source, such as a fun moment with friends, a great meal, visiting a new place, or a moment in time. Joy is a feeling that lingers, never fades, and comes from within us. Joy is something that doesn’t just happen, as Happiness does, but is something that we continually have to cultivate. Joy comes when we begin to love and accept ourselves for who we are and how we show up in the world for ourselves and for others. 

      I believe that Joy is not something we do for ourselves but something that we must share with others. Joy is selfless. I believe that part of obtaining Joy is to live in service to others and put others first. I also believe that Joy endures even in hardships and challenging situations. 

      Joy happens when we finally come to a place of inner contentment, satisfaction, acceptance, and gratitude. Joy helps to heal wounds, inspires us to help others, and fills our souls.