I never chose this name because it was funny. I chose it because it speaks to something we all need to give ourselves permission to do: take time for what brings us to life.
When I say that I created a brand called Je Peux Pas J'ai Golf, the reactions are often the same.
A smile.
Sometimes a laugh.
Then this question:
"Why that name?"
I understand that reaction.
Because, at first glance, it resembles all those expressions we know:
"I can't, I have swimming."
"I can't, I have drinks."
"I can't, I have… something."
You might think it's nothing more than a joke.
But that's not what I see in it.
In reality, this sentence says something much deeper.
She says:
Today, I choose to take time for what makes me feel good.
In our lives, we are often defined by our obligations.
Work.
The appointments.
The responsibilities.
The constraints.
Sometimes it's difficult to simply say:
Today, I'm taking some time for myself.
So we almost look for an excuse.
"I can't… I have golf."
And ultimately, this excuse gives us permission to do something essential.
Breathing.
Walking.
Rediscovering silence.
Sharing a moment with others.
Being fully present.
I believe we all need these pauses.
It doesn't matter whether they take the form of a round of golf, a hike, a workshop, a book, or time spent with those we love.
Golf is a symbol here.
That of a time we finally decide to give ourselves.
Some people asked me whether I wasn't afraid that such a lighthearted name would prevent the brand from being taken seriously.
The answer is no.
Because I deeply believe that you can smile without being superficial.
A smile opens a door.
The values make people want to come in.
JPJG has never sought to make fun of golf.
Quite the opposite.
This brand was born from the admiration I felt for the women and men who bring this world to life.
The name brings lightness.
The story brings depth.
The two are not opposed.
They complement each other.
There is another reason why I have never been ashamed of this name.
It is approachable.
It does not speak only to golfers.
It makes someone who has never held a club smile.
Then, sometimes, it invites them to discover what lies behind it.
And if this person closes an article from the JPJG Journal simply wanting to slow down a little, then the name will already have fulfilled its purpose.
Ultimately, Je Peux Pas J'ai Golf does not mean:
"I don't have time for you."
It means exactly the opposite.
It reminds us that, to be fully available to others, we sometimes need to start by giving ourselves some time.
I believe that is an essential distinction.
And perhaps even one of the most beautiful lessons golf can teach us.
Continue reading: Why taking time for yourself isn't selfish