What Is Joyful Living?

Bonjour!

I started Joie de Vivre – a French phrase meaning “joy in living” – in 2019 so I could write about some of my favorite things, from food and travel to ways to incorporate simple pleasures to make everyday living more joyful. Over the years, my priorities and focus have evolved to include caring more about the environment and how what I buy and how I live affect my carbon footprint. Read more in the Joyful Living Mission Statement.

The secret of joy is the mastery of pain.”

Anaïs Nin

Today, Joie de Vivre’s mission focuses on joyful living in everyday life and incorporates four attributes: joyful, authentic, sustainable, and natural.

For me, joyful living is about seeking pleasure in small things, keeping routines simple and commitments to a minimum, and taking breaks to reset, refresh, and recharge. As I’ve incorporated more organic and sustainable products and habits in recent years, joyful living is more than self-care; it is also about noticing my impact on the world seeking an authentic, natural lifestyle.

Joyful really means simple, as in simplicity: A freshly brewed cup of coffee. A sunrise with a puppy on your lap. A home-cooked meal, a phone call with a friend, a luxurious bath with soothing scents and music.

Joyful living means embracing the power of uni-tasking and the joy of missing out. To be joyful is to focus on the here and now, to be mindful and intentional about how I spend my time and money, and to embrace and nurture what I already have.

These habits and approaches take practice; I seek progress, not perfection. They are also what joyful living means to me.

Ultimately, joyful is taking what you need to make your own life feel more complete, authentic, and whole.

I hope Joie de Vivre inspires you to be more joyful this month, day, minute, or moment – it’s never too late or the wrong time for a fresh start!

Merci for reading and please subscribe and share!

À votre santé,

Katie