French ain't so fancy

I don't know who my audience is, should be, or might become.  For now, it is me, seeking, cultivating, and embracing happiness.  On the off chance that it could also be you, and you don't happen to speak French, don't be thrown by the title.  It is at least accessible as happiness is itself.

Joie de vivre literally means joy of life, but it encompasses so much more.
A linguaphile like me finds the English breakdown a bit lackluster: Merriam-Webster.com will tell you joy is

"the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires."  

Merriam's French counterpart, Robert's Dictionnaire, is technicolor in comparison:

"un sentiment exaltant ressenti par toute la conscience" or "an exalting emotion felt by one's entire being."

Yeah, that's more like it.  Joie de vivre is only amplified joy, since every definition includes words like fervent, buoyant, keen, hearty, carefree... it is joy to the tenth power.

Keep in mind, the aim of this blog is not necessarily hedonistic or self-destructive pleasure.  Instead, I hope to explore a contentment that permeates my consciousness, that allows me to enjoy life and love others without restraint.

Not terribly unrealistic.  Or fancy, for the record.