By Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com
Inspired by the life – and lifestyle – of her French-American grandmother, Jamie Callan travelled to France and interviewed hundreds of French women to discover their secrets to joie de vivre, timeless beauty, love, romance, lingerie and ooh la la! The result was a series of books extolling the French approach to life, including “Parisian Charm School” and French Women Don’t Sleep Alone.”
Captivated by her philosophy, Prime reached out to Callan for advice on how we can add more joie de vivre to our lives – at any age. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: What is the biggest difference between the French attitude towards life and the American attitude?
“My French grandmother never had much money, but she lived a life full of joie de vivre and elegance. She didn’t own many outfits, but she always dressed well. She and my grandfather lived in a very modest home, but it was always full of life and art. As a child observing her, I realized that while my American friends were rushing about, my French grandmother took her time to enjoy her simple life.
“As I see it, the French do not embrace the concept that “time is money.” The French like
to walk, rather than take a car. They don’t embrace fast food or fast living or even fast loving! They take their time in all things. It’s the height of luxury. For them, life and love are all about the journey, not the destination. This is the cornerstone of the concept of joie de vivre. A French person will enjoy little pleasures every day, such as a tiny piece of dark chocolate with a leisurely cup of espresso after a good meal. Life is to be savored.”
Q: What are the most important steps Americans can take to embrace the French Joie de Vivre mindset?
“Little gestures can go a long way. I would suggest that we begin with enjoying meals at the table with our family. Take out the good silverware. Don’t save those pretty linens you inherited from your grandmother “for a rainy day.” Embrace all this beauty now. And even if you’re dining alone, consider setting the table, using a pretty placemat, light a candle, sit down and take your time. Oh, and bring in fresh flowers or something from nature, such as a bowl of pine cones or a pretty arrangement of branches and put them in a vase. Simple, thoughtful gestures can go a long way in discovering your own joie de vivre. This exercise is not about spending money, but it’s all about honoring all the lovely things that are already in front of you.”
Q: What else can the French teach us about life, especially as we age?
“At a certain point in life, you will step into the role of mentor. Enjoy this delicious phase of life. Every day you have an opportunity to inspire and encourage your younger friends, your grandchildren, your children and colleagues. Step into your role as icon with confidence and grace. Embrace the power of having lived and learned so much that you now can give back.
“Cultivate your own special Secret Garden, a place that nurtures your body, mind and spirit. This is particularly important and vital as we age. We need to harness our energies and protect our health, so it’s important to practice self-care. This Secret Garden (a very French concept) can be anyplace you chose—in an actual garden, or at the library, reading a book in your bedroom, taking a nap on the sun porch, at a yoga class or dance studio, or even your favorite café. It’s the place that makes you feel restored and where you can re-discover your joie de vivre.”
“And finally, the most important message that I reveal in all my books is this: Reading is sexy. Being brainy is beautiful. Parisians flirt with books—yes, there’s all that conversational magic you get from reading good books, but the book itself is a delicious conversation starter. “Hmmm…I see you’re reading Proust. Would you like to share a madeleine with me?”
“Oh, and you can start by reading my latest book, ‘Parisian Charm School’ and following me on Instagram @JamieCatCallan”
