Do you feel trapped in a never-ending to-do list and routine? Perhaps the change you need is learning how to romanticize your life.
I never truly understood the phrase until I decided to create a home I genuinely wanted to live in—a space that reflected my dreams and values. That decision helped me become the heroine of my own story. Turn your ordinary day into magical and meaningful moments by incorporating intention into your daily routines and taking pleasure in the small things. When you can fall madly in love with life, why settle for just getting by?
I’ll share how I transformed my perspective and my home with simple decorations, mindful habits, and heartfelt activities. Create a life that feels magical because you deserve to love every corner of your world.
Key Highlights
- To romanticize your life is to live intentionally, focusing on finding joy and beauty in every moments and transforming routines into meaningful rituals.
- Intentional living can enhance happiness, strengthen relationships, promote mindfulness, and reduce stress.
- Small changes, such as adding fairy lights or fresh flowers, can create a significant impact on the mood of the room and how your feel.
- Developing small habits or simple routines is a great way to romanticize your life.
Table of contents
What Does It Mean to Romanticize Your Life?
In simple terms, romanticizing your life is finding beauty and joy in the little things. It’s living with intention, noticing the magic in your daily routines, and adding a touch of charm to even the most mundane moments. It’s not about creating a Pinterest-perfect life but making your current life one you genuinely love.
Have you ever caught yourself scrolling through social media, dreaming of a life that feels more whimsical, intentional, and inspiring? You’re not alone. As a mom of four and a wife of ten years, I’ve felt that longing, too, and was stuck on scrolling.
Life can often feel like an endless loop of routines and responsibilities. But one day, in the midst of the chaos of dirty dishes and reminders for homework, I decided to live intentionally. That decision transformed my everyday life, and I want to share how you can do the same by romanticizing your life.
Why Should You Romanticize Your Life?
For me, this was a transformative journey of realizing that happiness isn’t something to be found. Living intentionally every day will help you embrace the small, meaningful moments in life.
Here are some simple reasons to start romanticizing your life today!
- A dose of happiness: Lighting a candle or arranging fresh flowers is a great way to uplift your spirits. I can’t tell you how much better I feel walking into my kitchen and seeing a vase of sunflowers brightening the counter.
- Strengthen relationships: Living intentionally helps you nurture meaningful connections with your loved ones. I started dedicating my reading time to reading in my husband’s office. It’s become a nice way for the both of us to do our own thing while enjoying each other’s company.
- Enhance mindfulness: Paying attention to the beauty around you helps you stay present. Whether it’s the sound of rain on the window or the smell of fresh coffee brewing, romanticizing helps you savor those fleeting moments. I believe many people on social media termed this “slow living.”
- Reduce stress: Activities like journaling or taking a relaxing bath can create moments of calm amidst the chaos. As a mom, I’ve learned that carving out 10 to 15 minutes to journal can make a world of difference.
I learned that romanticizing my life wasn’t just about finding joy; it was about reclaiming it. I came to understand that joy was something I had to deliberately nurture rather than something waiting to happen.
Simple Home Decorations to Set the Mood
Your home is a canvas, and you have the power to create the kind of life that you want to live. Creating a romantic ambiance doesn’t mean you have to redecorate your entire home. I still don’t have the budget for that. Small changes can make a significant difference.
I encourage you to make slow changes, focusing on adding things that make you happy. Here are small and simple home decorations to help you get started:
- Twinkling fairy lights: These lights are so versatile and can be used in many ways. Drape them around your bedroom or living room for a cozy, magical glow. I love adding some to the mantle to transform our living room into a magical space.
- Vintage finds: Add a vintage French mirror or an antique vase to your decor for a touch of timeless charm. I scored some free dressers for our master bedroom.
- Fresh flowers: Place flowers in your favorite spots around the house—the kitchen table, your workspace, or your nightstand. Even a small bunch from the grocery store can make a room feel special. I have a lovely rose bush where I can clip some roses to freshen my office.
- Candles: Choose scents that make you happy—lavender for relaxation or vanilla for comfort. Currently, I am in love with white cedar candles for focusing in my office.
- Soft textiles: Think fluffy throws, plush rugs, or linen curtains that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. My favorite throw is a velvety-soft blanket that makes family movie nights extra cozy.
Romanticizing Your Workspace
With these small home touches setting the stage, you can also extend this thoughtful approach to your workspace. Romanticizing your work environment can cultivate a space that fuels your productivity, sparks creativity, and nurtures your well-being.
A thoughtfully designed workspace can minimize distractions, helping you focus on the task at hand. Simple additions like soft lighting, fresh flowers, or personal mementos reduce stress, making even the busiest days feel more manageable. A calming atmosphere has encouraged more mindfulness and intentional work habits for me, and I hope it will for you, too.
Habits to Romanticize Your Life
Living intentionally by forming small habits is the heart of romanticizing your life. When you focus on making small but meaningful changes, your life feels more aligned with your goals and desires. Here are a few to get you started:
- Start your day with gratitude: Take a moment to pause and think of three things you’re grateful for. On tough mornings, this practice helps me focus on the good rather than the chaos.
- Create morning and evening rituals: Brew a cup of tea in your favorite mug, or read a few pages of a book before bed. My morning routine involves working out and doing my skincare, and that has helped me up for the day.
- Dress for yourself: Even if you’re staying home, wear something that makes you feel good. Sometimes something as simple as wearing a nice blouse with fun earrings makes me feel amazing and increases my mood.
- Savor your meals: Instead of eating on the go, set the table, sit down, and truly enjoy your food. My family and I have started having picnic-style dinners in the living room—a simple change that feels so special.
- Celebrate the seasons: Decorate your home with seasonal touches—pumpkins in the fall, fairy lights in the winter, or fresh greens in the spring. We’ve made it a tradition to make small seasonal decorations together as a family.
Making deliberate practices to romanticize your life encourages you to take it easy, enjoy the moment, and create a life that feels as lovely as it looks.
Create Joy in Everyday Moments
Romanticizing your life is also about how you spend your time. Engaging in activities that align with your passions and values creates opportunities to connect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you in meaningful ways. Adding intentional activities to your routine can make ordinary days feel extraordinary:
- Journaling: Reflect on your day, jot down affirmations, or dream about the future. I use a gratitude journal, and it’s become my go-to way to unwind after a long day.
- Nature walks: Explore a nearby park or trail and take in the beauty of your surroundings. My kids and I call these “adventure walks,” and they’ve become a favorite weekend activity.
- Hot showers: Play some tunes, add some shower salts, and let the hot shower wash away all your stress. It’s my sanctuary after putting the kids to bed, and my body immediately relaxes.
- Creative pursuits: Paint, bake, or craft something just for the joy of it. I’ve started experimenting with baking bread (I’m not that great), and the whole family loves the delicious results.
- Date nights at home: Plan a calm evening with your spouse, complete with candles and your favorite movies. My husband and I love watching new movies and TV series together after a long day.
Design a Beautiful Life
Romanticizing your life is a mindset—a decision to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to create moments of beauty and joy, no matter your circumstances. It’s not about perfection or big gestures. Instead, focus on seeing the beauty in what you have and making small changes that match your values and dreams.
Keep in mind that romanticizing your life is about honoring who you are and the life you’re building. It’s a form of self-love and an opportunity to connect more deeply with yourself, your loved ones, and your surroundings. Slow down and be present to create the joy in your life.
Your life should be beautiful, meaningful, and connected; it should feel as good as it looks. It is up to you to design the journey, which begins now.