Hello lovely,
Romanticising your life doesn’t have to be perfectly curated like those you see on your social media feeds. This may be controversial, but it is something I believe should be an intimacy between you and you alone.
That’s not to say that I don’t find the perfectly curated posts inspiring, because I do. But it’s important to not compare them to your own reality.
It doesn’t have to be glamorous, it only has to bring you a little more joy. Finding the magic in the everyday mundane moments.
So what happens when you’re having a shit day, or when you feel exhausted or low?
As hard as it may feel at the time, this is generally when romanticising your life is most important. It can be the difference between letting said shit day turn into a shit week, compared to taking a few slow moments to do something that will allow you to feel grateful.
Romanticising life is about a change in mindset. Why shouldn’t we enjoy all the mundane moments of our days?
The Good Trade writer Brianna Schubert says “to me, romanticizing my life is the act of paying attention, being present, and acknowledging and appreciating the small, simple — but when put all together, important — parts of my life.”
On those shit days give yourself more grace, and don’t overwhelm yourself. Even if all you can manage is a few moments to drink your favourite beverage from your favourite cup, or you only have 5 minutes to blast out some music that will lift your mood. It all matters.
It matters because it signals to your brain that you are worth spending time on. At its core, romanticising life is a mindfulness practice that keeps you centred on the present moment, rather than focusing on the past or future.
Since we’re still in the depths of winter in the Northern hemisphere, here are some ways I like to romanticise my days when it’s cold and bleak.
To me, it’s all about noticing. Noticing how you feel in a given moment, noticing the colours and textures of a flower petal, noticing the warmth of the coffee cup in your hands.
It’s also about living in the moment. Using your favourite mug whilst wearing an outfit that makes your soul shine, just because - rather than saving it for a special occasion. Every day should be a special occasion - even on those darker days.
One of my favourite ways to romanticise my day is to put on some feel good music, and pour myself some wine in my favourite glass to sip whilst I cook something simple and delicious for dinner (usually a pasta dish).
What are you favourite ways to romanticise your days? The simpler the better.
Yes!! I love all of these, thank you so much for sharing. You’re right, rainy days are so calming and blasting music in the car is the best! 🤍
It’s easiest to romanticize on a rainy day. Just clean your room, grab a cup of coffee/tea, lights candle, get your favorite blanket and sit in your favorite chair, with a book, and some classical music playing in the background.
Also riding with the windows down(weather permitting) blaring your favorite song and letting the wind run its fingers through your hair.
And of course, dressing in my favorite clothes and running errands just because.
I think the essence of romanticizing exists in the phrase “just because”.