Things Worth Romanticizing

10 little ways to make your everyday life feel a little more magical.

I think it’s fair to say we all want to romanticize our lives, and romanticize them more than we currently do.

But with stressful, busy lives and a lot weighing on us each and every day, that can be rather difficult sometimes.

So, I thought it would be beneficial (for you and for me) to share a list of 10 things I like to romanticize. And some of these, I know I’d like to improve upon romanticizing as well.

(count how many times “romanticize” is written in this post)

I want to keep this one short and sweet, because we’ve all got shit to do, but maybe try to romanticize the next few minutes too: light a candle, put on some lo-fi, and set some mood lighting.

10 things worth romanticizing:

1. The stars & a clear night sky

This is one of my favorite things about life. I love the sky, I love the stars, I love the moon. I always say in another life, I’m most certainly an astronomer (and my fave book of the year so far is Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid).

Before you go to bed tonight (assuming it’s not raining), go stand outside and look at the stars for just a few minutes. Maybe get one of those apps that tells you where the stars, planets, and constellations are and learn a thing or two, too!

2. Eating alone at a restaurant

This is definitely easier said than done (and much better on patios), but I promise once you start doing this a few times, it’s not a big deal, and it’s not intimidating at all!

Take a book with you if you’re worried about being perceived.

3. Going to the grocery store

I kind of hate going to the grocery store these days and inevitably order everything on Instacart. However, think of your life like a Y2K romcom and pretend you’re going to meet your soulmate at the supermarket or your life is going to change.

Either one of those things could happen. Especially if you go out into the world with the expectation that it will. Send out the vibes.

4. The window seat on an airplane

Sorry to the aisle girlies out there (and I assume no one chooses the middle seat when they’re traveling alone…?). But looking out the window on your flight is elite. Especially if you’re sitting over the wing and flying somewhere super cool.

Take a picture or video to share on socials. Listen to a really epic song so you feel like you’re in a movie. Better yet, make a playlist specifically for this.

5. Any glass of wine

Or literally any drink, I just prefer wine. Pour a glass of your favorite bev into a really fun glass and just sit and enjoy it. You don’t need to watch a TV show. You don’t need to doomscroll. Just sit and enjoy. Sometimes silence speaks volumes.

6. A bath ritual/routine

I’ll be the first to admit I haven’t actually taken a bath in a while (RIP my old apartment bathtub, I think about you every day 😭), but I do miss my nightly ritual:

• Use some essential oils, bubble bath, and/or some bath salts

• Turn out the big light - candles and small, moody lights only

• Pour your favorite drink

• Relax with your book or a TV show

I’ve also eaten pasta in the bath, and don’t knock it till you try it, honestly.

7. Your morning and/or evening routine

We do these every. single. day. It’s time to start romanticizing them! Take it slow. Ritualize what you’re doing. Speak positive words to yourself. Practice gratitude. Create a playlist just for these rituals.

8. Silent walks

Preferably outside, but if you have a walking pad, at least add one of those fun walking ambience videos from YouTube to your routine (on mute). Walking in silence has helped me so much creatively and it’s also improved my mental health. As I’m typing this I realize I also have not done this in a while and it’s way past due being added back into the daily rotation.

9. Playlists

Ah, the art of curating a perfect playlist for any event, mood, or situation. I’m sure if you’re doing this in the same way I am, that you’re already romanticizing it.

10. Journaling

Another thing I know we all need to do more of. Similar to the walking, this is crazy good for creativity, mental health, and clearing your mind. Try to take up the Artist’s Way (and let me know how it goes because I’ve failed multiple times).

Told you we were gonna make it quick and painless. I hope this inspired you at least 5% or sparked something in you like it sparked something in my (I need to go on more walks).

Comment below what you’d add to your list of things to romanticize. Maybe we should all keep running lists in our Notes app for quick and easy access.

This post was originally published on my Substack, Proof of Magic.