Before writing became a part of my job description, it was something I did for fun. I would spend the day mulling over a title in my head and sit to write whatever came to mind. From poetry, to fiction, and personal essays, the words would come and I’d flow with them.
Over time, I noticed this process did not work for my actual job. With outlines from the office, I had to research and even understand what I was writing before I began. Because this was new and different for me, I would procrastinate and ask my boss to extend my deadlines.
After one disastrous all nighter, I decided that something needed to change. There had to be ways to trick my brain to want to do the hard work, “starting the piece.”
This led to my foray into the art of romanticizing processes and systems that made up my life. I observed that changing my views, and making writing attractive inspired me to write. In this post, I will be sharing four reasons why romanticizing your life is not silly.
Reasons Why Romanticizing Your Life is Not Silly
1. It Makes the Ordinary Feel Special
Romanticizing your life simply means appreciating the joy you find in everyday activities. Although this can mean different things to people, the common thread is a change in your focus. For you to lead a happier life, there are various things you can romanticize daily.
I have a playlist specifically for when it’s time to do the dishes. Attaching music has turned it from a bore to a chore I can get lost in. Another thing I do is to whistle and fold my covers every time I get out of bed. These simple acts have made ordinary things a little more special.
2. It Helps You Practice Gratitude Without Forcing It
You would marvel at how much stopping to observe nature can impact your mood. A friend once told me about how she wakes up early to watch the sun rise. At the time, I wondered if it was such a big deal until I saw for myself. The beauty of the sun’s streaks when it begins to light up the sky.
I began to appreciate nature and the Mastermind behind all these systems put in place. If you look around you close enough, you would find beauty hidden somewhere. The best part about this is that you become grateful for the beauty you notice. A pretty simple formula I follow is;
Romanticizing = Noticing = Gratitude
Whenever I’m having a bad day, I find my way outside to look at the clouds. My favourite part is when stars and the moon light up the sky at night. The excitement is genuine every time I get a glimpse and it becomes a highlight of my night.
3. It Shifts You From Survival Mode to Softness
More often than not, especially in our 20s, life feels overwhelming. We always seem to be stuck in states of fight or flight. Rest feels like laziness, so we work hard and overthink until we’re burnt out. Finding ways to slow down and be in the moment is necessary to keep us grounded.
Setting time out for myself has become a necessity. I try to write letters to myself every month and journal on Sundays. For you, it could be taking a long shower, putting on a nice dress and going on a solo date. These little things would bring joy and help you slow down.
4. It Reminds You That You’re Worth the Beauty
As I mentioned earlier, the rigours of adulting can make it seem dull and jarring. You wake up to go through the motions again and again, a cycle that never seems to end. Finding glimmers of happiness is important.
On this note, romanticizing your life is not all about cute candles, deep breaths and aesthetics. It’s choosing to be grateful for moments you would often overlook. Seeing beauty in yourself and your life when no one’s watching. It’s accepting that those polished versions of lives online doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.
Conclusion
Romanticizing your life does not have to include luxury and owning trending products. It differs for everyone because lifestyle habits aren’t the same. While it might be listening to music and doing the dishes for me, it could be singing in the shower for you.
It could be dancing in your living room with your partner after dinner, placing flowers in your hair. These are not silly but they are simple ways to make your life more fun. Find what makes you smile, and run with it.
What does romanticizing your life look like? Please leave a comment so that we can talk about it.
