Julie & Julia : A Lesson in Joie De Vivre
“Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” Julia Child
This morning, I finally got to see Julie & Julia, the feel good movie about Julia Child and Julie Powell. The movie itself is very uplifting and has a message about change that a lot of people can resonate with. But there was another message that I found to be more striking. The life that Julia Child created for herself was full of joie de vivre. In each scene of the movie and in her memoir it is clear that the joy of living comes first to Julia Child. She follows her passions, speaks from her heart and engages in activities that bring joy to her.
Watching this movie got me thinking about joie de vivre and how very little of it most people have in their lives. I know for mer joie de vivre usually gets lost somewhere in between the laundry and paying the bills. With the spirit of Julia Child in mind, I have decided to embark on a project to include more joie de vivre in my life. Each day I am going to set aside at least twenty minutes to do an activity that makes me feel joy. Through doing this I hope to be able to create and radiate more joie de vivre in my life and in the lives of others.
What is one thing that you can do today to make your life more full of joie de vivre? How can you carve out more time in your life for things you truly enjoy?
i think this is a great idea! i also think attitude has a lot to do with joie de vivre as well. i think a person with a positive attitude can find joie de vivre in even the mundane tasks.
Ellecubed says
Thank you for the comment Melita. I agree attitude is a very important aspect of joe de vivre.
Kiki says
What a great idea for a daily project! I'm excited to see what you'll be doing to add joie de vivre to your life on a daily basis.
Today, I'm adding joie de vivre by channeling Coco Chanel in white and black: white shirtdress, black capri leggings, wide black belt, black flats. Feels great!
Kim says
love this elle. can't wait to see what your joie de vivre moment will look like today :)
Carolyn says
So well said. I noticed the same about Julia and wondered if I could live my life in the face of setbacks and disappointment, just as she did. Can't wait to hear more about your 20 minutes of joie de vivre everyday!
Ellecubed says
Thank you all for your lovely comments on joie de vivre.
Kiki, I love that you are channeling Coco Chanel. Your outfit sounds fabulous.
Kim, I am embracing joie de vivre today by combining two of my passions swimming and yoga and taking a water yoga class.
Carolyn, I think it is an excellent goal to be able to live your life in the face of setbacks and disappointments. I think that is why Julia is so inspirational. Even though there were many times she could have been discouraged, she kept pushing forward and embracing the joy in her life.
Pace says
I was struck by the same thing when Kyeli and I watched the movie! Hooray for more joy in life! (:
Sharmila says
Thanks Ellecubed for sharing this blog! :) check out my latest one, you'll understand ;) lol. I guess I'm meant to pick up this book or movie or something.. thanks for the final nudge. ~Jen