Joie Challenge Day 4: The Joy of Gathering

Because we are better together.

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from being with others—the joy of gathering, fellowship, and shared moments. It doesn’t matter if it's gathering around a dinner table or chatting with friends over coffee. These moments create connections and nurture communities. Human beings are wired for connection, and it's often in these shared spaces that we experience some of our most profound joy.

One of my favorite quotes, and an inspiration behind Madame de la Maison, is William Morris’s “Fellowship is life.” It reminds me how essential sharing life with other is. Similarly, author Laurie Colwin wrote, “A table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety, and satisfaction…Even the simplest food is a gift.’ Both quotes speak to the importance and necessity of gatherings and connecting with people. However, these gatherings aren’t only about connection; they are moments where joy can unfold and be intentionally created.

Think about the last time you laughed with friends, shared a meaningful conversation, or felt the warmth of being surrounded by people who care about you. These moments, whether big or small, enrich our lives.

My life in Paris was bleak until I started inviting people over for dinner or afternoon tea. We didn’t have a lot of furniture, but I knew that I would never survive living in a foreign country so far from family and friends if I couldn’t chat or laugh with people. This was truly how I made friends and found my tribe. I once overheard a couple speaking English in the grocery store and struck up a conversation which then moved to a cafe terrace and eventually a dinner at my apartment another day. 

Today's Challenge: Meet someone for an impromptu gathering or get something scheduled and on the calendar. 

It doesn’t have to be a big organized event or party. Here are some simple ideas:

• Call up a few friends and ask each person to bring a different course or 1-2 items to assemble a graze board together.

• Meet a friend at a cafe for coffee or tea before you head off to work. 

• Schedule a virtual catch-up with a group of friends and tell everyone to come with a drink (can be tea) and a snack.

• Plan a seasonal catch-up to swap stories while playing a favorite card game, like Gin Rummy.

• Pick a new restaurant you have been dying to try and send a message to a group of friends and see who wants to join.   

The point is to experience a moment of togetherness and to enjoy the energy that comes from being in fellowship with others. If physical gathering isn’t possible, remember that technology allows us to connect in so many ways now. A heartfelt call or video chat can be just as powerful. I haven’t lived in the same country as most of my best friends but “see” them regularly on FaceTime.

What did you do to embrace the joy of gathering? I’d love to hear about what you did or your plans! Send me a message or a picture of your gathering, or tag me on Instagram (@madamedelamaison and/or @ajiriaki) with the hashtag #joiechallenge. You can also share your story in the Substack chat or in the comments below.

If you missed the first few days, you can find the past challenges linked below:

Joie Challenge Day 1, Joie Challenge Day 2, and Joie Challenge Day 3.