Finding beauty in everyday moments
Life is a collection of small, seemingly ordinary moments that, when appreciated, can become extraordinary. By shifting our perspective and embracing the beauty in the everyday, we can cultivate a sense of romance and wonder in our lives. But the real question is, how do you start romanticizing life and finding joy in the simple pleasures?
The best place to start is by focusing on your five senses. Focus on touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. Engaging in your sensory experiences puts you right into the present moment. And when you are in the moment you start to notice all the simple things in life. When you spend too much time only in your mind and not in your body and senses, you miss out on the little experiences. It’s about how you feel when you hear the music or the gentle sound of nature on your walk, when you see the fall trees blowing in the wind, or when you taste the herbs in your food. This is where you start to see magic in the mundane!
Romanticizing life. Sounds beautiful, doesn’t it?
The Importance of Romanticizing Your Life
Looking back to my early twenties, I thought life was all about the big moments – your education, your career, the material items you own. While those things can still mean something to you, life goes beyond those societal norms. Something I’ve learned now as a women in her 30’s, is that each day gives you countless opportunities to romanticize your life. The older you get, the more life becomes about falling in love with the person you are becoming and less about what you own or ladders you’ve climbed. I’ve spent time shifting my mindset and actively creating a life that is open and accepting to the small, inspiring and beautiful moments in everyday life.
Romanticizing your life is a powerful practice that can transform the mundane into the magical, fostering a deeper appreciation for everyday moments. By viewing life through a lens of wonder and beauty, we cultivate a sense of gratitude and mindfulness that enhances our overall well-being. This shift in perspective allows us to find joy in simple pleasures, like the warmth of a morning coffee or the serenity of a sunset. Romanticizing our lives encourages us to slow down, savour experiences, and nurture our mental and emotional health. Ultimately, it helps us lead more intentional, fulfilling lives, where even the smallest moments are cherished and celebrated.
“The best thing you can do to romanticize your life is to notice and appreciate the things that make you feel alive.”
30 Ways to Romanticize your Life:
1. Start with what you already do in your daily life
What do you already do throughout your day where you can add in something to make it more special? Maybe sit down with a notebook and pen and write out daily activities that you have to do. Some examples are doing the dishes, making your bed, cooking dinner, mopping the floor, going grocery shopping, or driving to work. Take inventory and think of ways you can make those moments more intentional. For example you can romanticize cleaning the house by putting on an upbeat playlist and dancing around while doing it!
2. Create your routines around mindfulness
Integrating mindfulness into your daily routines can significantly enhance your overall well-being and help you find beauty in the present moment. Take a few slow moments with your own thoughts, go on a morning walk, do a yoga session before bed. Make sure your routines bring you peace. Whether it’s sipping your favourite tea, journaling, or doing yoga, make it a moment of tranquility.
3. Make yourself a REAL breakfast
Don’t rely on coffee or only grab a granola bar as you rush out the door. Get into the habit of nourishing your body in the morning. Take a little extra time to savour it and remind yourself that eating a healthy, nourishing meal first thing is good for you.
4. Create a cozy corner
Designate a space in your home for relaxation and inspiration. Fill it with cushions, candles, and all your favourite books. This is your sacred place where you go to write, journal, do yoga, mediate, or any other practice in your routine.
5. Take leisurely walks
Explore your neighbourhood or a nearby park. Notice the details you usually overlook: the flowers, the architecture, the sounds of nature.
6. Change up your space
Rearrange your furniture, hang that new piece you picked up while antiquing, or paint an accent wall in your favourite room. Changing up your environment is good to feel refreshed and can increase productivity and inspiration!
7. Create a playlist to match your mood
Curate playlists that match your mood or the time of day. (If you are a Spotify user, they actually do this for you, its called “daylist” and it’s an amazing feature!) Having playlists for different things you do throughout the week, like a workout playlist, a walking playlist, a cleaning playlist, and a nighttime routine playlist is so fun. You’ll love this, I promise!
8. Unplug
Instead of looking outward for the answers, disconnect and spend your time looking within. Romanticizing life won’t happen if you’re always plugged into your device. Take time away from the screen and give yourself time to daydream. Trust us, it’s good for you.
9. Try a new hobby
Have you been wanting to try out pickle ball, pottery or learn a new language? Hobbies keep us curious and allow us to grow. They let us continue to expand and know ourselves better at any age. You are more than your work, so make sure you take time to find a hobby you love!
10. Create a vision board
No matter the day, month or season you can create a vision board. Let’s manifest your dream life! Use Canva to create a vision board for the life you want to live, and display it somewhere you’ll see it often. (I keep mine as my computer and phone wallpaper!)
11. Enjoy a sunset
Take time to watch the sunset. The changing colours and peaceful atmosphere can be a perfect way to end the day.
12. Create a go-to podcast playlist
Music is great, but some days you need an inspirational pick me up or to learn some new tips and tricks. Check out our favourite podcasts here!
13. Go on a solo dates
Spend time alone doing something you love. Visit a museum, have coffee at a café, or watch a movie. Alone time shouldn’t be feared, what’s stopping you from falling in love with yourself?
14. Create a journaling practice
Write about your thoughts, dreams, and experiences. Journaling can help you appreciate your journey and reflect on the beauty in your life.
Click here for 10 Journal Prompts to Start Your Day!
Or join us on a 14 Day Journal Challenge!
15. Make a glass of pretty water
Make infused water. Citrus slices, cucumbers, lemon, mint, strawberries—the possibilities are endless. If you’re making it a priority to drink more water this year, might as well make it fancy. To take it up a whole level, you can make some infused ice to add to your water throughout the week!
16. Write letters to your family and friends
Surprise a friend or family member with a special heartfelt letter. Or write a letter to your future self to open in a year or a few years time. The act of writing can be incredibly soothing and reflective.
17. Buy yourself flowers
Next time you’re at the farmer’s market, grab yourself a bouquet. Filling your house with the colours and smells of flowers creates such a lovely vibe. You may even catch yourself smiling from time to time, when you walk past them!
18. Read in bed
Get lost in a good book under the covers. Let yourself be transported to another world through literature.
19. Have a slow, mindful Sunday Reset
A Sunday reset routine clears your mind and home of the previous week. It allows you to find clarity and get into a mindset to have the best week possible. Have you ever noticed that when you have a clear home and a clear mind, you just feel better? Check out our Sunday Reset Rituals Blog Post Here.
20. Take care of your skin
Develop a skincare routine that feels luxurious. Enjoy the process of taking care of yourself and pampering your skin. You can find all of our Beauty & Skincare Blog Posts here!
21. Enjoy your dinner by candlelight
Take a few extra minutes to light some candles and set the mood before you enjoy your dinner.
22. Take your lunch break
No, don’t take your “break” while checking emails and shovelling down your food. Turn off your computer and leave your phone at your desk. Go for a walk if you work from home, or connect with a coworker if you work in an office setting. Whatever you do, take some time for yourself, spend it how you want!
23. Create an after work routine
Curate a routine that will help you transition from the workday into you time. Does that involve changing into a comfy lounge set? Lighting a candle? Turning on a playlist? Whatever resonates, make it your vibe. Are you reading or are you watching the newest episode of your favourite TV show? What you do is up to you, but make it something that feels joyful.
24. Start an herb garden
You can find so many resources online to help you get started. The best part? You can make it as small or as big as you have space for. Actually, I lied—the best part is garnishing your pizzas and pasta with fresh, home-grown herbs🤤
25. Meditate
Set aside time for meditation. Focus on your breath and let go of any stress or worries.
26. Take steps to heal your inner child
There are many ways you can work towards healing your inner child, whether you wish to heal old wounds or want to reconnect with the younger version of you. You may choose therapy to help you through this process or you can stat on your own by journalling or meditation. You can even look up more ways to start this healing journey. The main takeaway is to treat your inner child with kindness and self compassion.
Check out Navigate Mindfully’s amazing Inner Child Journal Prompts to help get you started!
27. Create meaningful connections
Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Have deep conversations, create memories all while cherishing the relationships that bring you the most joy.
28. Do your favourite workouts
Moving your body is obviously very important to living a long, healthy life. But make sure you are choosing movement that you truly enjoy. Try new forms of exercise to find out what you really enjoy, don’t force yourself into workouts you don’t really enjoy because they are currently trendy!
29. Try a new recipe
Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore! Romanticizing life can start in the kitchen, pickup a new cookbook, pour a glass of wine and get experimenting. You can even turn it into a date night with a partner or friend.
30. Take a long scenic drive
Have you ever found yourself on the road with the windows down and music up? There’s no better feeling. Take a day to go on a drive, explore somewhere new, curate your favourite playlist. Trust us, it’ll spark something fun in your soul!
Romanticizing your life is about finding joy and beauty in the everyday moments. By making small changes in your routine and mindset, you can create a life that feels rich, fulfilling, and full of wonder. Start with one or two of these suggestions and see how they transform your days into something magical. Maybe you even try all 30! It’s completely up to you. We’re all about romanticizing life, because we know how easy it is not to. Why not bring more joy to your days?
Romanticizing your life is all about mindset and attitude, and if that leaves you feeling extra inspired check out this blog post on How to Get your Life Together! We hope to see you back next week and definitely give our Instagram a follow if you like this sort of content. Much love!
xo
Meg & Cornelia
