How to Romanticize Life
Life can feel like it’s flying by. One day blends into the next, routines take over, and before we know it, weeks, months, even years pass in a blur. But what if the secret to slowing down and savoring life isn’t about chasing big milestones, but instead learning to fall in love with the small, ordinary moments?
That’s where romanticizing life comes in.
What Does It Mean to Romanticize Life?
Romanticizing life means making the everyday feel special. It’s about finding joy in small moments, your morning coffee, a walk around the block, dinner at home, and treating them as little rituals instead of just tasks to get through.
When you add a spark of intention, fun, or beauty to your day-to-day routines, life suddenly feels more joyful, meaningful, and present.
Why It’s Important to Romanticize Life
Life goes by fast, especially as we get older and take on more responsibilities. Routines set in, and every day can start to feel the same, especially if your work doesn’t change much from day to day.
I know a couple in their sixties who have lived in nine different parts of the world, working different jobs, raising a family, and experiencing countless adventures. Their life seems extraordinary. All that change has made time feel slower and richer for them.
When we do the same thing every day and stay in the same place for years, our brains tend to “clump” those memories together. This makes life feel shorter because our subconscious takes over, and we move through our days without much awareness. But when things change, our minds create “chapters.” We’re more conscious, more present, and time feels fuller.
Think about a weeklong vacation, it often feels longer than a regular week at home. That’s because you’re seeing new places, meeting new people, and doing different activities, so your conscious mind stays engaged. At home, routine takes over and your subconscious does most of the work.
Of course, not everyone wants to, or can, constantly move and change directions in life. Many people love settling into their community, sticking with one career, and enjoying stability. And that’s a beautiful choice too. In fact, constant change can be exhausting, since our conscious mind needs downtime as well. Our subconscious is a gift, we can program it to think, be, and do amazing things.
So, where’s the balance? That’s where romanticizing life comes in.
Practical Ways to Romanticize Life
Live with intention. Be grateful for the small things. They take up more of our lives than the big milestones, and appreciating them makes life feel richer.
Make your morning coffee or tea a ritual. Add a new spice, use a favorite mug, or sip it outside while watching the sunrise. Personally, I love turning on a café scene with jazz music for my afternoon coffee, it instantly sets the mood.
Smile at people. A simple hello or warm smile not only lifts others but also boosts your own mood.
Spend time at the park. Soak in the nature, people-watch, and maybe even practice grounding.
Play music while you cook or work. Light background music makes ordinary tasks feel softer and more enjoyable.
Set the mood at dinner. Light candles, plate your food nicely, and pour your drink into a pretty glass.
Chase the sunset. Drive somewhere to watch it unfold, it’s always worth it.
Take phone-free walks. Be fully present with your thoughts, surroundings, and the world around you.
Changing these little moments up every so often engages our awareness and makes time feel slower each day. Romanticizing life doesn’t mean escaping your reality, it means making it more vibrant. It’s about choosing joy, presence, and gratitude in the everyday moments that make up most of our lives.