Embracing Joie de Vivre: Finding Joy in Life's Journey

By Kayla Reetz

Jamie Cat Callan quote on joie de vivre.

Understanding Joie de Vivre

Joie de vivre is a French phrase that translates to “the joy of life.” When I think of someone embodying this joy, my mind often drifts to a movie. Under the Tuscan Sun, which debuted in the early 2000s, features a character named Katherine. She indulges in life’s pleasures, from recreating a scene in a fountain after a champagne bender to enjoying ice cream in a way that leads her to find love.

Famed poet and author, Sylvia Plath, recognizes the balance that comes with an attitude of joie de vivre.

Katherine’s experience reflects the essence of La Dolce Vita, or the sweet life. It’s about noticing and appreciating what surrounds us. Sometimes, we must actively seek joy, especially when life throws us challenges.

The Ups and Downs of Life

Recently, my life felt turned upside down for what seemed like the eleventh time. I faced a choice: wallow in despair or stand up, dust myself off, and try again. Guess which option I chose?

I believe many people feel the weight of both failure and success. Living the human experience means grappling with struggle and ease, pain and joy, frustration and contentment. Joie de vivre serves as a gentle reminder to embrace the gift of life—my life.

A common reminder to students at Safe Harbor Yoga.

“It doesn’t matter how we fall. It matters how we get back up.” This is a phrase I often share with my students. When we stumble, we have a choice. We can dwell on our misfortunes, reliving the events repeatedly, or we can rise again and try anew.

When we choose to get back up, we must consider our impact on others. Do we pull others down to elevate ourselves, or do we move thoughtfully, helping others rise as well? After experiencing loss, do we fall into a cycle of ingratitude, or do we strive to appreciate those who support us?

The Importance of Intentional Living

To lead a life of intentional purpose and joy, we must ask ourselves what truly matters. While there are many easy answers, we should also confront the tougher questions. Life is not merely fun and games. Work is essential, but how we approach our work is a choice.

What type of work fulfills you? What brings you joy or a sense of accomplishment, even after a long day?

One definition interpretation of joie de vivre and a good reminder- even in the tough times.

Everyone will have different answers to these questions. Ideally, these answers will be thoughtful and consider the greater world around us. For me, it’s the work at Safe Harbor Yoga. It’s about creating a safe space for everyone to discover and rediscover themselves.

I’ve recently identified my noble goal: to promote wellness and peace for myself and others. This could be through yoga classes, retreats, mindfulness sessions, or educational programs like the MES programming we offer. Sometimes, it’s simply about showing up and dedicating time to personal wellness.

Cultivating Joie de Vivre

I plan to reconnect with my joie de vivre both on and off the mat. Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it’s a reminder to live with gratitude and wonder. We should embrace the gifts around us, even if they come in the form of challenges.

May you find peace in your mind, heart, and each day moving forward.

At Safe Harbor Yoga, we believe in creating a nurturing environment for all. Our personalized and individualized care emphasizes the connection and growth of the mind, body, and spirit. We cater to all ages, offering various classes to meet the needs of different age groups. As a Licensed Affiliate with Challenge to Change, Inc., we provide mindfulness education in public schools, helping students become more aware of their emotions and equipping them with tools to self-manage and regulate.

Let us help you find your harbor of peace through yoga, education, and wellness.