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

    Book Review: Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life

    As I continue to learn more about slow living, I came across the book Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life by Brooke McAlary—a book so small in size yet packed with powerful insights. It distills slow living into its simplest form, offering practical ways to create a life that feels more intentional and present.   The book is structured into three key sections: Rituals – Five foundational habits to anchor your days.   Rhythms – Establishing morning and evening routines to create flow.   Checking In – Letting go of the myth of perfect balance and embracing "tilting."   One concept that really stood out to me was tilting : the idea that life isn’t about maintaining a perfect balance at all times. Instead, it’s about shifting energy where it’s needed most and accepting that some areas of life will naturally take priority over others at different times .   McAlary explains it well:   Tilting is about being aware...
    Post a Comment
    Read more

    Book Review: The Story Keeper

    Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to read and review T he Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer—and thank you, Kelly, for your gratitude to reviewers; it’s appreciated and felt!   Kelly Rimmer has crafted an unforgettable novel that drew me in from the very first chapter. At its heart, the story explores family, identity, and impacts across generations. The story of the past and present are woven seamlessly, with characters’ histories shaping their choices and emotions today. The story also carries a meaningful lesson: some secrets are helpful to release, as it gives others the opportunity to understand. The characters are complex, relatable, and deeply human, each carrying their own burdens and hopes. The relationships—both strained and loving—felt authentic, reminding me how fragile yet enduring family can be. I didn’t expect where the story went, and with how much I read, it’s rare for a book to genuinely surprise me—but this one did. Rimmer’s writing is...
    Post a Comment
    Read more

    Book Review: The Unwritten Rules of Magic

    Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this unforgettable story.  While reading the book, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would have had Emerson’s courage.  And Harper Ross, the author of this book, I loved the note to the reader. The Unwritten Rules of Magic is far more than a story about supernatural wishes — it’s a beautifully layered reflection on family, grief, and the way we try to rewrite the painful parts of our lives. What stood out most to me were the themes woven through every chapter: how secrets can shape generations, and how healing often begins when we stop trying to control everything and start accepting what is. The story reveals how our desire to “fix” life can sometimes blur what truly matters and distance us from the people we love most. The author captures the ache of watching a parent fade, the complexity of motherhood, and the courage it takes to forgive — ourselves and others. It’s heartfelt, thoughtful, and filled ...
    Post a Comment
    Read more