How to Capture Joie de Vivre in a Busy Professional Life — Especially as a Parent!

There’s a reason the French phrase joie de vivre has no perfect English translation. It’s not just “happiness” or “pleasure.” It’s a state of being — a deep, embodied joy that comes from living life fully awake to the beauty in ordinary moments.

As professionals and parents, we often operate in survival mode. We wake up running — juggling deadlines, lunches, emails, and expectations. Yet somewhere in that rush, we lose touch with the very essence of why we work so hard: to live well.

What if the path back to vitality, meaning, and energy isn’t through more doing… but through more being? Let’s borrow a little wisdom from the French art of living and learn how to weave joie de vivre into our own modern, busy lives.

1. Start Your Day with Presence, Not Pressure

Begin your morning with awareness. Instead of reaching for your phone, stretch, hydrate, and breathe. Let the first five minutes anchor you, not overwhelm you.

I want to: _______________________________________________________________

 2. Create Rituals, Not Routines

Add intention to the ordinary. Take in some deep breaths before your first Zoom meeting, play soft jazz while preparing dinner, or sip your coffee from your favorite cup. Rituals remind you that small things matter.

I want to: ________________________________________________________________

 3. Savor Food — Don’t Just Eat It

In France, meals are an experience, not a task. Step away from your desk. Taste, smell, notice. Even a simple lunch becomes nourishment for body and soul when you’re present with it.

I choose to: _____________________________________________________________

4. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Simplify your space, wardrobe, and commitments. Invest in what brings you joy and aligns with your values. Fewer, better things equal more peace.

I get to: _________________________________________________________________

5. Reclaim the Lunch Hour

Step outside. Breathe fresh air. Have a conversation unrelated to work. It’s not indulgent — it’s productive self-care that refuels your creativity and focus.

I want to: _________________________________________________________________________

6. Make Family Meals Sacred

Turn dinner into connection time. No phones, no TV — just food, laughter, and stories. These simple gatherings are where joie de vivre truly lives. After day-light saving time sets in again for the winter months, we love to light candles every night to accompany our dinner. 

I can: _____________________________________________________________________

 

7. Schedule Joy, Not Just Work

Block moments of pleasure into your calendar the same way you schedule meetings. Joy doesn’t “fit in” — you create space for it.

I get to: ___________________________________________________________________

 

8. Embrace Imperfection

Let the unfolded laundry or half-finished project remind you that life is meant to be lived, not perfected. The French call it le charme de l’imperfection — the charm of imperfection.

I am committed to: __________________________________________________________

9. Surround Yourself with Beauty

Fresh flowers, natural light, soft music — these are not extras. They are sensory anchors that reconnect you with calm and creativity.

This week I want to: _________________________________________________________

10. Protect Your Energy

Say “no” with grace. Boundaries are not barriers — they are invitations for deeper yeses to what truly matters.

I choose to say "no" to________________________________________________________

11. Move with Joy

Forget punishment workouts unless that is what makes you feel good and accomplished. Move because it feels good. Dance in the kitchen, walk at sunset, or stretch while your child reads. Movement is life in motion.

This week I am determined to: _________________________________________________

12. Choose Depth Over Distraction

Invest time in relationships that inspire you. Linger over long dinners, ask real questions, and celebrate connection over busyness.

I want to (re)connect with:_____________________________________________________

13. Take Micro-Vacations

Don’t wait for summer. A morning walk, a tech-free Sunday, or an afternoon at a café or museum can offer the same soul reset as a week away.

This weekend I want to: _____________________________________________________

 14. Be Content, Yet Curious

Gratitude grounds you. Curiosity grows you. When you hold both, you live from a place of wonder rather than worry.

I am grateful for: ____________________________________________________________

A Final Word from Dominique

Joie de vivre isn’t about having more time — it’s about having more presence. 

When you learn to slow down enough to notice the richness already around you, something shifts: your energy, your relationships, your health, your sense of fulfillment.

It’s the art of living well — and it’s available to you right now.

If this resonates, join me for “60-day Metabolic Reset" — an 8 -week journey (2x (3 weeks on 1 week integration) ) designed to help you synchronize and realign your body, mind, metabolism and daily rhythms so you can feel vibrant, nourished, and alive again.

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A gentle reminder that joie de vivre starts with how you show up for yourself today.