I told Zeva a few days ago that I am challenging myself to find beauty in my surroundings everyday for the month of May then THIS newsletter lands before my eyes. Perfect timing and beautiful reminder to open my eyes and let my heart and mind feel awe and wonder.
Paris has taught me a lot of the same things too, Jane!
Whether it's putting on a good face, or showing up classy even when you're not feeling it, Paris pushes me to be the best version of me I can be. It's not about pretending everything's perfect, but more about keeping your chin up and your eyes open so you don't miss the magic when it shows up.
So well said my friend! And I tell you, there are days that I have to search deep for magic - but I know I can find it somewhere! Love that we both get nudged by Paris...she does teach me a few things now and then...
Oh excellent! And I was just thinking about this the other day! (I was thinking more like it would be nice to start with walks along the quai or something? I see a lot of people running in this "heat", but I feel like I'd have to work my way back up to that?) ;-)
Flowers is how I turn the ordinary into something special! I recently went back to making sure I always have fresh blooms in my office at home and it makes the world of difference!
Thank you for writing this and making us pause to think about this!
It is the small things, isn't it! And I have to say, as I mature, I appreciate them more and more. A while back, I wouldn't even consider splurging on flowers for myself - now I see it's a wise investment!
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. It made me think about what brings me happiness in any city I’ve lived in: discovering local gems and exploring by foot. In Paris, it’s pretty easy to be awed by the beautiful Haussmannien buildings, the slight of the Eiffel Tower twinkling or crossing from one bank of the seine to the other. But I find that every city I’ve lived in, there’s always a special place that becomes a safe and happy place. Bonne fête du muguet!
Merci Jane. Bon mai êtes vous ! How to I turn the mundane into something special? I try and dress nicely, wear my lipstick and wear my favorite perfume ( Miss Dior for daytime, Dior Gris for night). ... I light candles or warm a wax melt for a pleasant scent, play music, grow flowers, clean up my kitchen - I hate a dirty sink! - pour a glass of wine and enjoy a book. Basically, I try and infuse my day with small things that give me joy.
Sometimes you have to step back to see the forest from the trees. To find that joy again. Paris is a city I have loved from my first time at 18; and then for my honeymoon at 36. Since then my husband and I try to come to Paris every year for a month or so. It is a special place with so much to offer - from the small little things to the all the cultural aspects. Enjoy every day, as each day is a gift. 🕊️
Indeed, Christine! I love that Paris means something different to each of us—as it should! Paris is a special place. But what I think is even more special is how people connect with it. I have the rare gift of seeing that every day through those who are visiting—and that is truly magical!
Thank you, Jane! This brings me joy to read (twice, yes), and delighted in where one can find the happiness even in the mundane and routine (and I love a routine) - and the importance of pausing to recognize the happiness wherever we may be or the prompt (such as this) to see and sometimes be reminded of the simple (mundane) moments that can elevate and warm the heart. For me, today my moments of happiness included reading this prompt and seeing the photos (such beauty) gathering with friends to knit and seeing the progress of rows (even with so many many flaws in the stitches). Thank you for all you shared in this prompt and prompting joy!
Thank you my dear Marcey! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Finding happiness in the mundane is my new preoccupation, and boy, I tell you it takes work! The hardest part is being present enough to see all of it.
You make me want to take up knitting! I have been interested for a while now, and knowing you are doing it inspires me! Maybe we can have a virtual knitting club =)...I love an activity where you can see constant progress!
I wrote a post the other day about embracing beauty because I know that I have not focused on the beauty all around me in my life. But I promised myself when I moved to France that I would look for beauty everywhere, even in the smallest things. It has affected my happiness, it truly has. You and I are on the same page!
Love that we are on the same page Susan! And it is so true, we have to be active participants in our lives so that we can be present enough to enjoy the smallest of things - often those make the largest impact!
I very much enjoyed this article. It provides me so many insights, including the excerpt referring to our brain's neuroplasticity, which is truly revealing when it comes to explaining why we stop appreciating mundane things, places, or even people.
Thank you dear Gustavo for taking time to read along! I am fascinated with the brain and it's many nuances! It at least gives us insights to how we can keep our brain exercising and not getting lazy! Appreciate you taking time to comment - thank you!
Talking to strangers brings me happiness, especially when I’m in France!
Love that Sacha!!! You never know who you might meet!
I told Zeva a few days ago that I am challenging myself to find beauty in my surroundings everyday for the month of May then THIS newsletter lands before my eyes. Perfect timing and beautiful reminder to open my eyes and let my heart and mind feel awe and wonder.
Paris has taught me a lot of the same things too, Jane!
Whether it's putting on a good face, or showing up classy even when you're not feeling it, Paris pushes me to be the best version of me I can be. It's not about pretending everything's perfect, but more about keeping your chin up and your eyes open so you don't miss the magic when it shows up.
So well said my friend! And I tell you, there are days that I have to search deep for magic - but I know I can find it somewhere! Love that we both get nudged by Paris...she does teach me a few things now and then...
And I havent forgotten about us running....
Oh excellent! And I was just thinking about this the other day! (I was thinking more like it would be nice to start with walks along the quai or something? I see a lot of people running in this "heat", but I feel like I'd have to work my way back up to that?) ;-)
Flowers is how I turn the ordinary into something special! I recently went back to making sure I always have fresh blooms in my office at home and it makes the world of difference!
Thank you for writing this and making us pause to think about this!
It is the small things, isn't it! And I have to say, as I mature, I appreciate them more and more. A while back, I wouldn't even consider splurging on flowers for myself - now I see it's a wise investment!
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. It made me think about what brings me happiness in any city I’ve lived in: discovering local gems and exploring by foot. In Paris, it’s pretty easy to be awed by the beautiful Haussmannien buildings, the slight of the Eiffel Tower twinkling or crossing from one bank of the seine to the other. But I find that every city I’ve lived in, there’s always a special place that becomes a safe and happy place. Bonne fête du muguet!
You are so right! There is so much to discover - around every corner! I need to break my routine a bit more and sass up my morning walks...
Hope you had a wonderful May 1st! The weather was glorious!
Merci Jane. Bon mai êtes vous ! How to I turn the mundane into something special? I try and dress nicely, wear my lipstick and wear my favorite perfume ( Miss Dior for daytime, Dior Gris for night). ... I light candles or warm a wax melt for a pleasant scent, play music, grow flowers, clean up my kitchen - I hate a dirty sink! - pour a glass of wine and enjoy a book. Basically, I try and infuse my day with small things that give me joy.
Love all of these Danyel!!! And just love that you have a day and night perfume!!!
You and I are connected. I LOVE a clean kitchen - a dirty sink makes me insane.
Seems like on your list should be taking a quick trip to Paris 😜
A bientôt. 🥰🥰😁😁
My coworkers thought me strange for sharing with them a collection of pictures of door handles, knockers and knobs from my most recent trip to Paris.
but honestly, if we can’t Marvel at the little things, then truly so many everyday gifts will be lost on us.
So true AJ! Taking time to enjoy the small things helps us to appreciate the bigger ones!
Sometimes you have to step back to see the forest from the trees. To find that joy again. Paris is a city I have loved from my first time at 18; and then for my honeymoon at 36. Since then my husband and I try to come to Paris every year for a month or so. It is a special place with so much to offer - from the small little things to the all the cultural aspects. Enjoy every day, as each day is a gift. 🕊️
Indeed, Christine! I love that Paris means something different to each of us—as it should! Paris is a special place. But what I think is even more special is how people connect with it. I have the rare gift of seeing that every day through those who are visiting—and that is truly magical!
Thank you, Jane! This brings me joy to read (twice, yes), and delighted in where one can find the happiness even in the mundane and routine (and I love a routine) - and the importance of pausing to recognize the happiness wherever we may be or the prompt (such as this) to see and sometimes be reminded of the simple (mundane) moments that can elevate and warm the heart. For me, today my moments of happiness included reading this prompt and seeing the photos (such beauty) gathering with friends to knit and seeing the progress of rows (even with so many many flaws in the stitches). Thank you for all you shared in this prompt and prompting joy!
Thank you my dear Marcey! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Finding happiness in the mundane is my new preoccupation, and boy, I tell you it takes work! The hardest part is being present enough to see all of it.
You make me want to take up knitting! I have been interested for a while now, and knowing you are doing it inspires me! Maybe we can have a virtual knitting club =)...I love an activity where you can see constant progress!
I would love the virtual knitting club idea!! I’m in 🧶❤️
I wrote a post the other day about embracing beauty because I know that I have not focused on the beauty all around me in my life. But I promised myself when I moved to France that I would look for beauty everywhere, even in the smallest things. It has affected my happiness, it truly has. You and I are on the same page!
Love that we are on the same page Susan! And it is so true, we have to be active participants in our lives so that we can be present enough to enjoy the smallest of things - often those make the largest impact!
Sounds like we are on a very similar wavelength right now! 😉 Thank you for this beautiful reminder, I agree in every way. Beautifully articulated!
Thank you dear Olivia! I love even more that we are continents apart and still connect on the same topic!
I love this. Love it!
Thank you.
❤️❤️
Merci Carol!
Thank you Carol! It's the small things - including having something fancy for the dishwashing =)
So true! Just lifting your head up and looking around you. And people, if you give them a smile, they return triple!
Well said! A smile goes a long way - and you never know how it will change the day for someone else!
😍
Beautiful article and photos. Paris is my favorite city, I never tire of visiting it. I feel like I have walked through it by reading this.
Thank you, Lucy, for reading along! Paris is definitely filled with eye candy - I'm trying to make sure I notice and appreciate it!
I very much enjoyed this article. It provides me so many insights, including the excerpt referring to our brain's neuroplasticity, which is truly revealing when it comes to explaining why we stop appreciating mundane things, places, or even people.
Thank you for enlightening me.
Thank you dear Gustavo for taking time to read along! I am fascinated with the brain and it's many nuances! It at least gives us insights to how we can keep our brain exercising and not getting lazy! Appreciate you taking time to comment - thank you!