Romanticizing Your Life
By Daniella Palladino
Mystical, wistful fairy tales may not be as out of reach as they seem! Popularized during the pandemic, the idea of “romanticizing one’s life” can be just as relevant today as it was when there was nothing else to do besides staying home. Romanticizing your life is a process to celebrate the mundane moments of life to be happier, and more appreciative of life. There are no specific rules or steps to romanticizing one’s life; the focus of the task is drawing attention to and putting time towards small things that bring happiness. When one chooses to pay attention to the mundane, they begin to realize how everyday tasks completed can be very special.
The first step to romanticizing your life is simply acknowledging parts of your routine: being mindful and noticing feelings while going through your daily life. Romanticizing in its essence is an extension of general mindfulness techniques. Romanticization is an exercise in gratitude. Once becoming aware of the things or moments in your day that spark joy, romanticizing allows for these moments of joy to be a consistent process of thankfulness. After becoming aware of the small things that bring bursts of joy or moments of peace, you can then work on maintaining or revisiting those experiences in the future.
Although the name suggests something silly, frivolous, or unrealistic, the process of romanticizing your life is worthwhile to implement into your life. With intentionality, romanticizing and savoring can extend moments of good and increase subjective well-being.
Part of the fun of romanticizing your life is that you can do anything that brings you happiness, but here are some ideas!
Setting out an outfit the night before to plan a specific vibe for the next day
Craft a playlist for specific events - chilling with friends, crisp fall days, summer nights
Spend time to make a healthy breakfast, seasonal meal, or bake a treat
Enjoying the experience of a nice smelling soap or candle
Honoring the feelings of your body through stretching or exercising
Taking a nap in the sunshine
Connect with nature by buying a plant or interacting with animals
Organizing a journal or list
Reading or watching a nostalgic movie
Taking a stroll, noticing something new, or initiating a conversation with someone
Taking and editing photos of beautiful scenes or memories
