Romanticize Your Life: 10 Simple Ways to Find Joy in the Everyday

Hi friend,

I’m as guilty as the next person at falling into a monotonous pattern and letting each day fade into the next. Life can be so busy and sometimes it’s just easier to follow our typical schedule day after day to make it through that busy season. & that’s okay! Do what you have to do to make it through whatever is challenging you at that time. If you’re anything like me though, eventually the monotony catches up to you and you can start to lose sight of that little sparkle that life is meant to have. Sometimes you have to take things into your own hands and be the one to bring that sparkle back. Being a year and a half postpartum has made me an expert at finding ways to invest in myself and my everyday to keep myself out of “survival mode.”

Here are some of the things that I’ve found have worked for me to romanticize my life again and make each day a little more special. Some of the ideas are big and some are small, so you can pick and choose what works best for you.

1. Always have a fresh bouquet of flowers in your space

My chosen spot for this is on my kitchen counter. This way, it’s the first thing I see when I come downstairs in the morning or walk into the house after being gone for the day. It’s nice to be able to have something that’s beautiful and colorful in a space that I’m in so often. Bonus if you’re able to support local! I’m blessed to have a flower stand right next door and another not too far down the street, so it’s a quick and easy stop for me.

2. Invest in some cute stationary

Chronic overplanner, remember? If you’re like me and need a place where you can write everything down, this one’s for you. It should be really easy to find some cutesy paper products! The dollar store and Amazon usually have some good affordable options. Normally I grab my yearly planner from Amazon, but this year I finally treated myself to one from Rifle Paper Co. and it was worth every penny. All of their designs are gorgeous, and the feel of the cover is divine. I bought a market pad too, thinking I wouldn’t use it much, but I have been reaching for it frequently. Bonus that it’s a cute decoration on the side of my fridge!

3. Become a backyard bird watcher

Channeling my inner grandma with this one. I never used to be a bird watcher before, but I have to admit that it’s given me more joy than I ever expected it to. When we moved into our new house a few years ago, we had the perfect spot to set up bird feeders so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It gives me a little burst of serotonin whenever I see the birds flitting around in our backyard (& our fat squirrel too).

4. Build a morning routine

Yes, I realize the whole point is to get out of your normal routine, but hear me out. Turn on your favorite playlist, make your coffee or tea, cook yourself a nice breakfast, grab your current read, and give yourself some time to sit and soak it all up. Make your morning feel a little more sacred. Fill your cup to start your day instead of flying through your morning, maybe scarfing down some food, and running right to work. You might be surprised by the things you notice when you take the time to slow down.

5. Make your simple meal an elaborate-looking spread

Next time you make a meal – it could be a pb & j for all I care – plate it with your best serving dishes! How often do we actually get to use those nice platters, trays, and bowls that we have for hosting? It makes me feel a little more put together than I actually am each time I do this.

6. Light a candle

Find a new scent you can’t resist (bonus points for a cute vessel!) and let it envelope your space. My favorite thing to do is get a new candle with the change of the season. It instantly sets the mood, and there’s just something about the warm glow and cozy ambience of a burning candle that makes your space feel more inviting.

7. Make yourself a playlist

If you read my about me page, you know that I do this one all. the. time. It makes you feel like the star of your own show, and you deserve to feel that way. Match the vibe to what you’re doing – coffee shop music if you’re sipping your coffee, worship music if you’re reading a devotional, some throwback bops if you’re cleaning, get creative with it! If you don’t want to create your own playlist, I love to use Daylist or DJ on Spotify. I’ve had good luck asking Alexa to play a mix for me also.

8. Romanticize your drink ware

Use your favorite mug for your coffee, pour your afternoon Poppi into a cute glass, or find a handmade travel mug for your tea. It adds a little bit of whimsy to your day.

9. Plan a lil’ date for yourself

Here’s where you switch up your routine! It doesn’t matter if you only have an extra 15 minutes or a leisurely 3 hours – plan something new that you’ve been wanting to do. Go check out that new coffee shop you’ve been wanting to try, shop at that thrift store you’ve been eyeing every time you drive by, or treat yourself to a shopping trip at Hobby Lobby. Cherish every moment of this and remember that it’s okay to treat yourself.

10. Take it outside

Spend some time outside soaking up the fresh air. Leave your phone inside so you can take it all in without any distractions. Feel the breeze in your hair. Listen closely to the wildlife. Breathe in the crisp air. Be present. Maybe do some journaling, gardening, or walking. Essentially – go touch grass, lol. Doing this helps me slow down, feel more grounded, and reset before jumping back into the rest of my day.

I hope that at least one of these ideas resonates with you and helps you to find new ways to romanticize your life. You deserve to feel like you have that sparkle in your life everyday, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary it may be.