I remember hearing someone tell another, “Have the day you deserve.” At first, I thought it was a sly way to be a little mean, but after thinking about it, it made a lot of sense. The energy you put out should be the energy you receive. (read that again)
Earlier this year, I decided I wanted my days to feel a little more magical. You’ve probably seen the phrase “romanticize your life” all over social media, but it’s more than a trend — it’s a mindset shift. According to Verily Mag, it means discovering beauty, joy, and intention in even the most ordinary moments. Visualize this: a solo candlelit dinner at home, and suddenly you’re the star of a ‘90s rom-com, savoring your own company and loving it.
Focus on what you can control
I know you’re probably thinking, “How does this actually help me romanticize my life?” Here’s my secret: it’s all about where you put your focus. When you obsess over things you can’t change, life can start to feel heavy and dull. Magical days don’t happen with that mindset. It took me a while, but once I started focusing on what I could control and letting go of what I couldn’t, I felt lighter, more creative, and more open to joy. One practical trick that helped: making lists like the one below to calm my mind and refocus.
What I can control/ What I can’t control
- How I react to situations – how others react
- How I think of myself – how others think of me
Something in me was altered. I started living like I truly was the main character in my own story, which includes exploring new books, going to the theater more often, allowing myself to get lost in a TV show, going for runs six days out of the week, and even craving healthier food (though let’s be real, Chicago’s food tempts me every single day).
Inexpensive ways to romanticize your life
- Open your favorite novel while old-school R&B plays softly in the background. Think The Isley Brothers, New Edition, or Mary J. Blige. Grab a drink, turn on one of those fireplace videos on YouTube, and let yourself melt into the moment.
- Walks in the park with a cute matching activewear set
- Of course, solo dates at your favorite inexpensive restaurant. I’m a fan of Chili’s (a triple dipper lover, to be exact).
- Buy yourself flowers (no, it’s not pathetic)
- And those new clothes you’ve been saving for “the right moment”? Wear them. Go to a happy hour, snap some photos, and show the world because you look too good to be hidden!
Header image credit: Ambreen from Umbreen Ibrahim Photography’s Images via Canva Pro
