Something I want to try for the change in seasons is romanticising my life a bit more. Autumn and winter are very aesthetically pleasing and vibey times of year, and so I thought this was a perfect time to practice this idea.
I have watched some content about “romanticising your life” but I want to go by my own curated definition. Here is what romanticising my life is going to look and feel like…
Gratitude
Gratitude is an important practice for anyone who wants to feel more positive. When I think of a romantic life, it’s one that feels good to live. It’s personally beautiful and feels positive for me. So I don’t need to do or have something in particular. Instead, be so wonderfully grateful for the things I already have.
Unjaded Jade on YouTube talks about “casual magic” and I want to try this on myself. Consciously witnessing and appreciating the small, casual, everyday things that are actually quite enjoyable and awe-inspiring. The sunlight on your morning cup of tea, the squirrel racing across your path on the way to work, the smell of porridge, the smile on someone’s face when they see you.
It shifts your perspective which I believe makes you more appreciative of your life and thus it feels more romantic to live it.
Presence
This leads me nicely onto the second most important point: Presence. In order to be grateful, you need to pay attention to the world around you. You need to be fully aware and present in this moment.
Mindfulness is something I first heard about during my study of psychology and then it became very popular very quickly, and for good reason. It’s about being in your body, being in the space and place you are when you’re there. Wherever you go, there you are. Not thinking about what’s for dinner, or that mistake you made five years ago, or if you will ever afford to go to Japan.
It’s being right here, right now.
The reason I connect this to romanticising your life is because, as with the gratitude practice, it forces you to look at your life in a new way. You’re not giving in to worries and fears and future plans, but enjoying the moment. How many of us have ruined great moments by not truly living in them? It’s scary and sad, but normal in our modern world.
Romanticise your life by fully being present in it as it unfolds, witnessing the blessings you may not have noticed otherwise.
Aesthetics
Of course, we need to talk about the aesthetic of a romantic life. Nothing is romantic about a messy house! Nothing is romantic about an outfit that you don’t feel good in. Nothing is romantic about chaos and dull colours.
I’m not saying go out and buy a bunch of things that are pretty. No, no, no! I’m certainly not going to. Instead, tidy and clean your space. That’s it! Maybe declutter and get rid of things that are just in the way and don’t spark joy or have any use. When you do your next food shop, grab a bouquet of flowers or even false ones that don’t ever die!
If your space really does need some new things and TLC, check charity shops and thrift stores for secondhand gems. Ask around your family and friends for old things they don’t want that might look beautiful in your home (I have an old bookcase, armchair and ottoman from my sister that she didn’t want and I love them!).
And don’t be afraid to wear that nicer outfit. Just going to work? Who cares? Everyday is a good day to look and feel good. Don’t reach for that easy, go-to outfit that you know you only wear so you can blend in and you don’t actually like it. Wear something that feels good for you. It makes the work day feel a lot better, trust me!
Less tech
There’s nothing romantic about watching tv all day or scrolling on your phone. Think about every youtuber’s morning or night routine that you’ve watched: they don’t involve hours of tv and social media (even if that’s what the youtuber does in real life, let’s be honest).
Instead, read a book, play a board game, sit outside with your partner or sibling or mother or dog. Go for a walk. Do yoga or meditate. Do something artsy.
You will never regret spending less time on screens. On your deathbed (sorry, morbid), you won’t lament not watching more Netflix! Instead, there is a whole world around you that you’re missing because your head is always down or your eyes glued to a screen. Ironically, we watch people doing cool or pretty things when we could be doing them ourselves! Yes, we can’t do everything and some people have the privilege to live very different lives to our own. But there is beauty and casual magic all around us, even for those of us who, like me, live in low socioeconomic environments. Nature is beautiful; go find some of it and stand in awe. It will never be unhealthy to spend time in nature instead of on technology and it’s romantic as heck!
Little gems of romance
Other little gems for romantic vibes that will have you feeling good about your life, but aren’t difficult or expensive:
- Picking flowers
- Sitting or walking in nature
- Annotating books
- Reading books
- Arts and crafts projects
- Time outside
- Wearing a brighter colour
- Painting your nails
- Dancing
- Singing along to your favourite songs
- Waking up and meditating or doing yoga
- Breathwork
- Reorganising your space
- Colour code your books
- Open your windows
- Drink your morning tea or coffee outside
- Sit or play with your dog or cat
- Watch your child playing or join in and let your inner child out
- Light a candle
- Listen to flaming music as your cook
- Cook something new and interesting – try foods from around the world
- Journal in pretty notebooks with pretty colours
- Hold hands with someone you love
- Taking more photos and videos (of everything, don’t have to share)
- Do a puzzle
- Write letters or notes to people you care about
- Smile at strangers
Romanticising your life is about appreciating it more, seeing the beauty, and living like you’re in a movie (preferably a Studio Ghibli one!). So take some time to live more fully in your beautiful life and shape it into something that feels good.
Sincerely,
S. xx
S. R. Crawford 