Fostering Artistry In Our Everyday Lives

The great secret to creativity is that it’s not as mysterious as we think. In fact, it’s inherent to being human. Everytime we make a decision or interpret a situation, we’re performing a creative act.

Although these choices may feel automatic, they’re an active reflection of ourselves that we’ve accumulated over many years. Fostering creativity is about bringing awareness to each act. In this way, we become the artists of ourselves and the curators of our lifestyle. This is something the French do very well.

Phrases like “joie de vivre” and “n'oublie pas de vivre” (don’t forget to live) remind us that just existing is a joyful and intentional action. In this article, we explore some of the ways that French culture masterfully weaves creativity into daily life and how we can easily utilise these habits to enrich our day-to-day.

"J’accepte la grande aventure d’être moi.” (I accept the great adventure of being me.) - Simone du Beauvoir

Explore Your Interests

It may sound overly simple, but this is perhaps the most critical step to developing your inner artist. While a closet full of classics certainly helps, one thing that makes French women so attractive is the confidence that comes from knowing what works for them.

This can be about anything. Cooking, gardening, reading, styling, accessorising, making playlists, or cocktails. Whatever stands out to you or interests you. If you’ve ever wished, “Wow, I’d love to be good at that,” start by asking what the things you like are and why. Appreciation is the bud of personal expression.

Take Walks

Walking is more than just one means of getting where you’re going in France. It’s a way of life that’s fundamental to the culture. Whether first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or after an evening meal, walking allows you to enjoy the fresh air while taking in the world around you.

Taking a walk helps to calm our minds and increases the time spent simply observing and/or socialising. While both of these things are essential to fostering creativity, a Stanford study found that walking itself boosts creative inspiration.

“Créer, c’est vivre deux fois.” (To create is to live twice.) - Albert Camus.

Savour Your Meals

Meals are another sacred ritual in French culture that can nourish creativity in so many ways. Like walking, eating three times a day is more than a necessity; it’s a way of slowing down and enjoying small pleasures.

Carefully choosing quality ingredients, giving yourself the freedom to experiment with new recipes, and arranging beautiful table settings are a few of the ways that mealtime is le moment idéal to let your creative juices flow.