I was an undergraduate student on my first trip to France. This trip gave me a whole new perspective on life.
But it wasn’t until I moved from New York to Paris in 2011 that I noticed the driving force behind the French way of life.it’s known joie de vivre, which means “joy of life”. Parisians find joy in what they eat, where they go, what they talk and how they spend their time.
As a Nigerian growing up in Austin, Texas, I’ve always believed that the best things in life are reserved for the super rich.but anyone can access joy.
Here’s how French differ from Americans in upbringing joie de vivre:
1. They find joy in being.
Before I knew it, my first trip to Paris—a day spent wandering aimlessly by myself—had given me a practice of fine French art stroll (“stroll”).
The French work culture helps me find leisure time. In addition to 11 national holidays, French workers have 5 weeks of paid holidays. In 2017, a Laws Allowing Employees to Disconnect Emails are active from business hours onwards.
Giving you the “right to disconnect” by turning off your device when you’re not working. Explore your city or sit in a park or cafe, that’s it. Plan your breaks ahead of time so you have something to look forward to.
2. They bond through food.
In France, where you buy your food is as important as the food itself. I like to ask my local cheesemongers for recommendations. He would help me choose various cheeses and let me taste a few.
If we view shopping as a social activity, we will not only strengthen our sense of community and mental health, but we will also learn from the people we meet how to cook healthy and tasty meals.
I may visit multiple stores and markets in one day to buy food for my family.
Photo Copyright © 2023, Jessica Antola.
Don’t let the need for efficiency deprive you of the opportunity to connect with others or learn about the food you eat. Visit local farmers markets and support specialty stores in your town. Meet your connoisseurs.
3. They bring people together.
As a Nigerian, the importance of gathering was instilled in me very early on. Still, I grew up eating in front of the TV more often than I care to remember.
But the French hang out a lot and often sit around a table with family and friends for dinner. Weekends are notoriously long meal times. In 2010, UNESCO recognized French cuisine as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
Invite someone you love to your home. Sit with them. Hear the clink of glasses and plates. You will truly feel that you are living a good life.
4. They celebrate and protect the arts.
France has an artist status known as Intermittent duo spectacleIt protects musicians, fans, writers, painters and others.
These professionals work a certain number of hours a year, and the government pays them for the rest of the time, so they have time to create.
Parisians often party, and the happy hours and food go well into the night.
Photo Copyright © 2023, Jessica Antola.
The pursuit of beauty is also encouraged by other titles – “Most Charming Village”, “Most Striking Garden” – celebrating everything from architecture to green spaces.
So, if you want to find happiness like the French, doing art is a good place to start. Research Say participating in cultural activities (visiting a museum, attending a concert, going to the theater) has a profound effect on your health and well-being.
5. They feel good about their skin.
I moved to Paris with green contact lenses and $700 braids. Until then, I’ve longed for Naomi Campbell’s long, lean body.
Fast-forward to the French, and I shaved my head, replaced my obsession with designer clothes with a passion for antique dishes, and changed my mind about undergoing surgery to modify my nose.
I’m happy with the work in progress.I’ve gradually adopted a whole new attitude of self-care inspired by French culture, where style, beauty and overall mental health are all born out of pleasure, preservation and feeling fortunately my skin (“Be kind to your own skin”).
6. They don’t use the word “guilt.”
pleasure (“happy”) is a word I hear or use every day.
The French follow an unspoken pleasure principle that we can all benefit from learning: if something doesn’t make them happy, they won’t do it.
if anything Do Bring them joy and they sure won’t feel guilty for doing so.
You don’t need to compartmentalize your happiness into specific times or moments. To adopt this French way of thinking, don’t be too extreme or hard on yourself. Wherever you find joy, embrace it.
Aki Ajiri yes author “Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life” Co-author of a New York Times bestseller “Where’s Carl?: A Fashion-Forward Parody.” She has worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of the City of New York. After moving to Paris, Ajiri launched her lifestyle brand, maid of honor. She lives in Paris with her husband and two children.Follow her on Instagram @ajiriaki.
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*This is adapted from “Joey“, by Ajiri Aki, published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Random House. Copyright © 2023 Ajiri Aki.