In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I’m delighted to share returning guest Janice MacLeod sharing insights on:
- Embracing Evolving Paths: Janice shares her journey from Paris to small-town life, showing how she has embraced major life transitions, including motherhood, battling breast cancer, and adapting to slower, simpler living. She emphasizes the importance of finding peace and satisfaction in different stages of life.
- Integrating Parisian Charm: Despite leaving Paris, Janice continues to infuse Parisian elements into her daily life. From decorating with a Paris street sign and vintage finds to curating a cheese tray, she brings touches of French charm to her new home, keeping her connection to Paris alive.
- Permission to Self-Publish: Janice reflects on her evolution from traditionally published author to embracing self-publishing for creative projects. This shift reflects her growing confidence in her work and her belief in making beautiful, accessible items without waiting for external validation.
- Finding Tranquility in Rocking Chairs: Janice highlights the calming effect of spending time on her porch in a rocking chair. She describes it as a simple yet effective way to center herself, illustrating how small routines can create a sense of tranquility amidst life's changes.
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Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in.
Our Guest: Janice MacLeodJanice MacLeod is an author, artist, and blogger known for her memoirs of an artist’s life in Paris that blend travel, art, and personal discovery. MacLeod initially pursued a career in advertising. Despite achieving success in the industry, she felt unfulfilled and yearned for a life away from the corporate grind.
She devised an escape plan to save up, reduce her belongings to one suitcase, quit her job, and move to Paris. Details of this plan are in her book Paris Letters, where she created a new life for herself by writing and painting illustrated letters, which she continues to sell on her Etsy shop to support her travels. Paris Letters became a New York Times bestseller and was praised for its charm, honesty, and its practical plan that inspired readers to follow their dreams.
Following the success of Paris Letters, MacLeod continued to write, paint, and publish. Her next book, A Paris Year: My Day-to-Day Adventures in the Most Romantic City in the World, is a beautifully illustrated diary of her year spent in Paris, capturing the daily life in the city through her artistic eye. What followed was yet another book, Dear Paris, which is a collection of over a decade of letters about life in Paris.
Janice MacLeod's story is one of transformation and courage. Her decision to leave behind the security of a traditional career to pursue her passion for art and travel has inspired many. Her work often explores themes of simplicity, mindfulness, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Today, she continues to write, create art, and share her journey with a global audience, encouraging others to find beauty and purpose in their own lives.
Find Our Guest- Instagram: @JaniceMacleodwriter
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Kimberly Wilson is a psychotherapist, author of seven lifestyle books, and host of the Tranquility du Jour podcast. She also designs an eco-fashion capsule collection and serves as president of the Pigs & Pugs Project.
With over 25 years of experience, Kimberly is dedicated to helping midlife women find balance and beauty in their lives. She holds master’s degrees in Women’s Studies and Social Work and has been featured in publications such as Huffington Post, The Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan.
Living in Washington, DC with her rescue pugs and longtime partner, Kimberly shares her passion for tranquility, ballet, loving her 50s, and more at kimberlywilson.com.