Skip to main content

Book Review: Joie

Lately, I’ve been drawn to books that remind me to slow down and savor life—the kind that gently nudge you toward living with more meaning and less hustle. Joie by Ajiri Aki is exactly that kind of book. It's not a manual on how to “do life better,” but rather an invitation to shift how you see and experience your everyday.

Ajiri Aki shares her journey of moving to Paris and learning how the French find beauty and contentment in even the simplest moments. While her life may look different from mine, the mindset she embraces is something I deeply connected with.

My Key Takeaways from Joie:

  • Visit a café: Not just to grab a drink, but to sit, observe, and be present. It’s about creating a moment—pausing to enjoy life as it’s unfolding.
  • Commit to lunch once a week: With a friend, a loved one, or even yourself. Carving out intentional time for connection is a quiet act of joy.  
  • Savor quality food: Ajiri’s appreciation for beautiful, high-quality meals inspired me to dream a little—this may have to wait, as I want to remain focused on decluttering the house, but it's definitely on my bucket list now.  
  • Entertain with purpose, not pressure: “The purpose of entertaining is to bring together one's friends. Focus on the purpose: It should be pleasure, not pressure.”  This quote reframed the way I think about hospitality. It's not about perfection—it's about presence.

    Highlights I Don't Want to Forget:  

    • This sentence hit me hard:  “It's no wonder I was continually searching for joie [joy]. I never felt satisfied with myself or my life as it was.”  How often do we chase happiness in the future, thinking it lives in the “next” thing, rather than uncovering it in the here and now?  Her words made me pause and ask: What if joy isn’t something to chase, but something to notice?
    • The book closes with this beautiful reminder from Dr. Maya Angelou:  “At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” This is the kind of wisdom I want to live by—a gentle guide for how I show up in the world.

    Joie reminded me that joy isn’t always loud or grand. Sometimes, it's as soft as a café moment, a shared lunch, or a deep breath between tasks. If you're looking to bring more intention and beauty into your life, this book will leave you inspired to find your own joie—your own version of joy—in every day.


    Image from GoodReads

    #life #lifethoughts #momblogger #journaling #journal #journals #selfcare #journalcommunity #dailyjournal #journalpage #selfimprovement #selfdevelopment #personaldevelopment #selfhelp #personalgrowth #selfawareness #selfgrowth #LifeStyled #IntentionalLiving #MinimalistLifestyle #CurateYourLife  #SimplifyYourSpace #HomeWithPurpose #StyleWithIntention #ClutterFreeLiving #MinimalismInStyle
    #CreateYourBestLife #OrganizedLiving #LivingWithLess #HomeStyleInspiration
    Labels:

    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    Cozy November Reset: Embracing Intentional Living

    As the warmth of autumn lingers, a soothing YouTube video has captured the essence of the season: "Cozy November Reset." This tranquil escape invites us to slow down and indulge in the serene beauty of November. The video takes us to Haley Post's cozy home, wrapped in warmth and comfort. She talks about November being a transitional phase between the vibrant fall season and the festive Christmas period. She uses the month to pause, reflect, and recharge .  
    Post a Comment
    Read more

    Embrace a Fresh Start This Fall

    Fall cleaning feels like more than just a chore; it’s a seasonal reset for both my home and my mindset. It’s an opportunity to create a warm, inviting space perfect for embracing the cozy months ahead. By tackling small tasks now, I can stay ahead of holiday chaos and focus on what really matters—family, friends, and cherished moments. This Better Homes & Gardens article I recently discovered offers a room-by-room checklist with daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks. It's a practical guide for decluttering, deep cleaning, and maintaining a welcoming environment throughout fall. Whether it’s organizing spaces or tackling forgotten corners, these tips make it easier to step into the season with a clean and refreshed home. Here’s to starting the season organized and ready for everything fall has to offer! The Complete Fall Cleaning Checklist for a Tidy Home :  Written by Jessica Bennett and Halee Miller Van Ryswyk Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay #life #lifethoughts #momblogger #...
    Post a Comment
    Read more

    Lavendaire: Artist of Life Workbook

    I discovered the Lavendaire YouTube channel about five years ago, and it quickly became a go-to source for personal growth and lifestyle inspiration. The channel covers topics like self-development, intentional living, self-love, meditation, and so much more. Aileene, the host, has also created The Artist of Life Workbook , a guided journal designed to help you craft your most intentional and successful year. This workbook, along with tools like ChatGPT, has played a key role in helping me shape my goals. Its thoughtful exercises have not only affirmed and refined my understanding of who I am but have also clarified what I truly want in life. Plus, the workbook keeps me accountable with weekly action pages and monthly reflections. It’s been an invaluable tool in my personal journey! Under the philosophy of slow living, it took me three thoughtful months to work through the exercises and refine my goals. This patient, deliberate approach allowed me to make meaningful progress and, at la...
    Post a Comment
    Read more