What Is Your Milieu?

Fist of all, what is this word, milieu?  “Meel-yu”.  Here’s how I define It:

The physical or social setting in which something occurs or develops : environment

So it’s basically your surroundings; the things you “wrap around” yourself.

Your milieu is that thing around which your life revolves – your lifestyle.

But what if your current milieu isn’t where you had hoped it would be? Does your home and life reflect the milieu that represents the true you? If not, here are some things to think about to get you on track.

But first, a quote by William Morris:

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

1. Start with your home. Make sure you declutter your space which will leave room for the new things that better represent your milieu. Example: If you’re trying to lose weight without seeing a lot of results and all you have in your home are diet and self-help books which have so far only brought misery, replace them with books that feature healthy cooking, exercise and lifestyle. Focus on the the things you are for, not the things you’re against.

2. Re-evaluate Relationships. Reflect on who you spend time with. Reduce contact with those who drain your energy or pull you off your path to changing your milieu. We want rich relationships with people who feed our souls.

3. Curate Your Media. Take a break from news, social media, or TV that promotes negativity or distraction. Replace it with uplifting, lovely or educational content. Subscribe to a channel on YouTube that supports your milieu and follow it.

4. Reorganize Your Schedule. Assess how you spend your time. Prioritize activities that align with your milieu and well-being.

5. Introduce Positive Rituals. Add grounding routines like morning journaling, gratitude lists, meditation, or a mindful walk.

6. Refresh Your Surroundings. Rearrange furniture, add plants, display meaningful art, or bring in soothing scents and music. A small change can signal a new beginning.

7. Set Clear Intentions. Write down what you want your life and environment to feel like. Intentions act as a compass to guide decisions.

8. Get Out into Nature. Spend time in natural spaces or go forest bathing. This can reset your nervous system and inspire clarity about what you want to create around you. Listening to birdsong alone will always lift your mood. 

Real Life

Here’s a real-life example of milieu: My husband and I have roots in restaurants, French baking and Italian cuisine. I studied French pastry at Le Cordon Bleu in London, and my husband is an executive chef and specializes in Italian food. Our existence has revolved around food for much of our lives.

I grew up in an Italian family surrounded by food, lively people and a milieu of Italian culture and cuisine. My husband has experienced much of the same as I have, but as a chef – the only difference is his tribe isn’t family by blood but by association.

In any case, our milieu hasn’t changed in the years we’ve been together. But we keep refining it, switching out old things that aren’t working any longer, and perfecting the life we’ve built.

What will your milieu look like? A new renovation at home? Learning how to bake with puff pastry? Committing to designing and planting a flower garden? Whatever it is, make sure it’s what YOU’VE designed for YOUR life and it fits perfectly with the vision for your future. Bathe yourself in the perfect milieu that only you can create.

Photos are courtesy of @chicandcountrymagazine