The phrase ‘Joie de Vivre’ is a French phrase that translates in to English as ‘The Joy of Living’. Someone who is said to have the Joie de Vivre is a person who loves the fact that they are alive and does not let the troubles of the world get them down.

This is a very gentlemanly characteristic, for a gentleman should go out of his way to make sure he is making the most of himself and enjoying life to the full.

Let’s face it, life on earth is short and we shouldn’t spend time worrying about things. That might sound like a hollow piece of advice if you find yourself in a stressful situation, but I would counter that by asking you to just look at the richness of the world around you. No matter how bad a time of it you are having, there will always be something to cheer you up if you take the time to look.

There are many fictional characters who were known for their ‘Joie de Vivre’, Shakespeare’s Falstaff from the Henry IV plays being a noted example. Falstaff went through life knowing that the world around him would make demands of him, but he always made sure he had a laugh and went to great lengths to make those around him laugh as well. Is that not a wonderful way to live your life?

To be honest, Falstaff is probably a bad example of someone who espouses ‘Joie de Vivre’, because for all his happiness, he was also a drunkard, thief and generally a bit if a nuisance. I mention Falstaff as he is probably one of the best known fictional characters who lived life to the full.

Living life to the full isn’t that difficult, it’s not about shirking responsibilities, it’s about doing something enjoyable or production when you might otherwise be stressing out over something or being lazy.

For example instead of sitting in front of the television all night long, why not go for a walk or perhaps go bowling? At the weekend why not go for a long drive into the countryside and explore and old castle or ruin. You’ll learn something and the exercise and fresh air will make you feel great.

Take an interest in something artistic such as visiting art galleries or enrolling on a pottery course. Not only will you learn something new, you will also meet new people and develop a hobby that will take your mind off the struggles and stresses of work.

Another aspect of ‘Joie de Vivre’ is ‘Carpe Diem’, translated as ‘Seize the Day’. How many times have you had a good opportunity placed presented to you, but you had to turn it down due to other commitments? I bet you’ve had a few, we all have. Good opportunities are few and far between so grab them when you can. What’s better, to have a had a fantastic experience that you will never forget, or to forever regret saying no when the opportunity arose?

Set goals, short term and long term and keep working to achieve them. Go to bed each night knowing exactly what you will do the next day (visit Jim, wash clothes, phone mum etc), making plans means you will be more likely to get things done and make the most of your limited time.

Help other people. By that I don’t just mean by giving to charity (which is a good thing in itself), but by actually getting you hands dirty yourself, metaphorically. Perhaps you could volunteer to help at a retirement home, you’ll meet great people with lots of stories to tell. Or maybe you could volunteer with an environmental charity to clean up the countryside. Helping others really does give you a good feeling inside.

Accept other people for who they are. Yes, some people can annoy or irritate you, but why should you care? We’re all different! If someone really does get to you, walk away. Being around negative people will only drag you down and prevent you from achieving your goals and enjoying life. Likewise, try not to care what people think of you. So long as you aren’t hurting anyone, does it matter what people think of you? You are you, a totally unique specimen and you should life your life the way you want to.

Life is too short to be waste your time doing nothing. The active man has an happy mind!