Living Inspired: Notes from Paris and Beyond

Kim Chilton Griffith
May 17
3 min read

Updated: May 18

Paris is one of those places that makes you pay attention — to the architecture, to the effortless chic of its people, and to the rhythm of life that feels both intentional and refined.

Any trip to Europe brings its share of inspiration, but this visit to Paris felt different. There was a clarity to it — a sense of being reawakened. It was the feeling of being inspired again.

Present. Engaged. At ease.

And the truth is, that feeling doesn’t have to be reserved for Paris — or any specific destination. You can romanticize your own city. You can find beauty and rhythm wherever you are. Sometimes, it simply takes slowing down and seeing the everyday with fresh eyes.

If you’ve been craving more presence and inspiration, these practices are a beautiful place to start:

**A moment with Picasso at Musée Picasso Paris — proof that one piece can say everything. (Photo by Fashionably Kimberly)**

1. Visit a museum on a random weekday

You don’t have to wait for a friend or a special exhibit. Go alone. Walk slowly. Let one piece of art move you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s modern, classic, abstract or photography — inspiration comes from feeling, not understanding. Some of my best ideas have come from wandering galleries with no real plan.

**Quiet tables. A slow lunch. No rush, no scrolling. (Photo by Fashionably Kimberly)**

2. Take yourself to lunch

Solo lunches are a lost art. Find a cozy corner somewhere with natural light, order something you’ve been craving, and don’t scroll. People-watch. Journal. Sip slowly. Let the world move around you while you stay still. It’s one of the simplest ways to feel luxurious — without spending a lot.

**Wander without a map. Let beauty find you around the corner. (Photo by Fashionably Kimberly)**

3. Explore a neighborhood like you’re a tourist

Choose a part of town you haven’t visited in a while — or ever. Walk it. No errands, no agenda. Step into local shops, grab a coffee, and take in the details. It doesn’t matter if it’s five miles away or fifty — novelty reawakens creativity.

**It’s not always the landmarks — sometimes it’s the slow strolls and flower stands that stay with you the longest. (Photo by Fashionably Kimberly)**

4. Let bookstores, galleries, and flower stands become rituals

These aren’t just stops on the way somewhere — they can be the destination. Create a habit of stopping by a boutique gallery on your walk home. Pick up a book or a bloom that speaks to your mood that day. There’s something powerful about surrounding yourself with small, beautiful things that hold meaning.

**Room with a view. When the vibe is this good, the only thing left to do is press play. (Photo by Fashionably Kimberly)**

5. Switch your soundtrack

Sometimes, all it takes is a change in music to see the familiar in a new light. Put on a French jazz playlist while walking through your neighborhood. Maybe try bossa nova next, or anything that sets a mood. Your environment doesn’t have to change — your perception of it can.

Final Thought

Paris reminded me to romanticize life — not just when I’m traveling, but every day. That energy, that awareness, that softness…it’s not tied to geography. It’s a mindset. One, I’m committed to keeping with me, no matter where I am.

This week, take yourself on a creative date. One hour, just for you. It doesn’t have to be grand — just intentional. You deserve beauty, even in the everyday.