How to Romanticize Your Life: Tips for Embracing Life & Living in the Now

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your social media accounts and wishing that your life looked like that of the influencers or celebrities who populate your feed?

I guess we’ve all been guilty of that – comparing our own lives to those of others – at some point or the other. No matter how much we logically realize that what we see on social media is really just a curated feed of someone else’s life, it still feels as if our own lives are somehow far removed from that touch of magic, that sense of put-togetherness that seems to be the norm on the latest trending TikTok video or Instagram.

But if you pause for a minute and really think about it, you’ll realize that you already have a lot of things to be thankful for. It’s just that we get often get stuck in the routine-ness of living and forget to, well, simply put, smell the roses. And of course, all that constant social media comparison does not help.

So, instead of constantly wanting more, how about we take a little bit of time to revel in what we already have and simply appreciate the beauty and magic that already surrounds us? Or as the trendy TikTokers and Youtubers would say, what if we learn to romanticize our life as it is?

Romanticize Your Life – What Does it Even Mean?

At the heart of it, to me, romanticizing your life means appreciating the little things. Reveling in the simple joys. Enjoying the little routines in your daily life. Finding pockets of magic in your daily routine. Loving your life. Owning your life, your story, unapologetically.

It means to be open and inviting. Living in the now, not always looking forward or backward (although we do love reminiscing). It also means that you have to believe it can happen for yourself first before others will catch on.

What is the Power of Romanticizing Your Life?

The power of romanticizing your life lies in its ability to shift your perspective and help you appreciate the beauty and magic that already exists in your life. It can also help you take control of your own happiness and live your life on your own terms. It encourages you to celebrate the small (and big) wins, love your life, and own your story unapologetically.

Additionally, by cultivating a sense of appreciation for the present moment, you can enhance your overall well-being and quality of life. You may find yourself feeling more fulfilled, energized, and optimistic.

Overall, the power of romanticizing your life is in its ability to transform your mindset and help you find joy and beauty in the everyday moments of your life.

How to Romanticize Your Life – A Simple Guide

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I use and trust and that will be valuable to you. Thank you for your support!

Romanticizing your life might sound like a lofty, aspirational goal but it’s really about being mindful of the simple things that bring you joy and noticing the little moments on a regular basis.

I’ve put together a few ideas that you can take inspiration from:

1| Ditch the negativity

In order to romanticize your life, you must first remove the negative from your thoughts. If you are constantly thinking about how hard your day was, what’s going on in other people’s lives, or the negative news media spiral, it will become that much harder to look at the positive things in your own life.

2| Let go of the comparison mindset

Constantly trying to keep up with Joneses can get exhausting (and expensive) real soon. I don’t mean to suggest that you can’t aspire for more in your life but do it for your real happiness rather than for matching up to someone else’s seemingly picture-perfect life.

3| Live your life by your own rules

This is YOUR life. Stop living it according to someone else’s expectations. Make your own rules and stop apologizing for wanting and doing what you want to do.

4| Take time to do what you love right now

This is your one and only life. No excuses. Don’t put off doing things that you love for the elusive tomorrow.

5| Find the beauty in small things

Notice when something is lovely, exquisite, or amazing, and take a moment to appreciate it. A sunset, your child’s laugh, an old friend coming for dinner – each one of these has fabulous power over us that can be enhanced by our noticing and savoring them. It is the small things that make life that much more beautiful.

6| Bring in the light

Open your blinds and curtains. Let the natural light into your home. Light those pretty candles every evening. Add those fairy lights to your windows.

7| Embrace slow living

Take a break from the constant go-go-go nature of our modern-day lives and invite a little bit of dreamy slow living into your life. If the concept of slow living is very new to you, check out these books – they provide plenty of slow-living ideas without necessarily advocating giving up the big life.

8| Wear clothes that make you feel good

No matter what your size or shape, you deserve to wear clothes that make you feel your very best. Choose fabrics that feel good on your skin. Go for cuts that make you feel more confident and put together. Don’t put off buying/wearing flattering clothes for *that time after you reached your goal weight*. Dress up for yourself. You don’t always have to wait for a special occasion to dress well, or put on your favorite outfit.

9| Honor your body

Take care of the body you have today. Move your body with intention, make exercise a part of your lifestyle, and eat good food. Even small changes that you make to your daily routine to improve your health and take care of your body will go a long way in ensuring a healthy life.

10| Practice mindful eating

Mindful eating means paying attention to the taste, texture, and sensations of your food. Take the time to savor each bite, and notice how it makes you feel. It can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and appreciate the nourishment it provides.

11| Surround yourself with beauty

Surround yourself with things that bring you joy and beauty, whether it’s fresh flowers, artwork, or photos of loved ones. It can help create a positive and uplifting atmosphere in your home.

12| Compliment someone else

There is something to be said for seeing someone’s face light up on receiving a genuine compliment. Bonus points to you if you make it about something beyond their looks or appearance.

13| Play tourist in your own city

Try to see your city with the eyes of someone who does not live there every day. What places would they visit? What things would they do? What street food would they seek out? What shops would they go to? Where would they find a quiet moment from all the chaos?

14| Embrace your passions

Do you have a passion for painting, writing, or dancing? Embrace your passions and make time for them in your life. And contrary to what social media would have you believe, you do not need to monetize your passion to benefit from it.

15| Find joy in simple pleasures

Finding joy in simple pleasures means appreciating the beauty and goodness in the small things in life. Take time to savor a delicious meal, enjoy a warm cup of tea, or simply watch the sunset. It can help you cultivate a greater sense of joy and contentment in your daily life.

Read more: What are your simple pleasures?

16| Don’t do everything for the sake of the ‘gram

Social media rewards prettiness. While there is NOTHING wrong with seeking more prettiness in your life, don’t do it only for the sake of more likes. Also, it does not take a lot to blur the lines between prettiness and constantly striving for picture perfection. Every once in a while check in with your REAL motivation for doing what you’re doing.

17| Treat yourself every once in a while

Order that decadent chocolate cake. Book yourself on that holiday you’ve been dreaming of for months. Buy that gorgeous pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing. And no, it’s no longer a treat if you’re indulging yourself every damn day!

18| Create a personal sanctuary

Creating a personal sanctuary can be a great way to create a peaceful and relaxing space in your home. Choose a room or corner of your home that you can dedicate to relaxation and self-care, and decorate it with things that bring you joy and comfort. Set up your living space to be a reflection of the vibe you want to project.

19| Forgive yourself for your mistakes

You’re only human. Mistakes happen, and the best way to not make them again is by learning from what you’ve done wrong in the past. Forgiveness is an act of self-care that will lead to a more peaceful life! And while you’re at it, extend that kindness to those around you. Remember the lesson, but let go of the ill feeling and grudges.

20| Cook a special meal

Cooking can be a relaxing and creative activity that brings people together. Plan a special meal for yourself or your loved ones, and put in the effort to make it extra special. Light some candles, play some music, and savor the experience of cooking and sharing a meal.

21| Create soothing rituals

Rituals help us bring some sense of order in our often chaotic lives and can often make transitions easier. Make time in your schedule for a stimulating morning ritual and a relaxing nighttime routine. Buy yourself a French press for your morning cup of coffee. Wind down with a cup of chamomile tea every evening. Take a warm evening shower to signal the end of the work day. 

Schedule some relaxing weekend rituals as well. A solo date, checking out a new restaurant for Sunday brunch, a luxurious bubble bath – these are all simple ideas to make your days and weekends feel more indulgent.

22| Watch the sunrise or sunset

Take the time to watch the sunrise or sunset and appreciate the beauty of nature. Every sunrise is a blessing and a chance for a do-over, and every sunset is a signal for rest and ending the day with gratitude.

23| Celebrate special occasions and milestones

Make the most of special occasions and celebrate them with love. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day, take the time to plan something special for yourself or your loved ones. This can be as simple as cooking a special meal or as extravagant as booking a weekend getaway.

And don’t forget to celebrate the milestones and achievements in your life, both big and small. Take time to acknowledge your accomplishments and reflect on how far you’ve come. Celebrating milestones can help you feel more confident, empowered, and excited about the future.

24| Be adventurous

Try new things and embrace adventure in your life. This could be anything from trying a new cuisine to taking up a new hobby. By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you can create new experiences and add some excitement to your life.

25| Enjoy a meal outside

Be it a small picnic with friends, or dining al-fresco, or enjoying a sandwich in the park on your lunch break along with a good book to keep you company – there is something inherently magical about eating a meal outside.

26| Learn to enjoy your own company

Learning to date yourself and enjoying your own company can be one of the simple ways to romanticize your everyday life. Take yo

27| Get your friends together for a woo-woo party

If you and your friends have a fascination for woo-woo and mystical things, why not invite them over for a night of tarot card reading or vision boarding, and have some fun times together!

28| Say no when you need to

Saying yes all the time, even if it’s an “emotional yes,” can be a terrible habit. Learn how to make your own boundaries and stick with them.

29| Do more of the things that inspire you

Is there something in your life that sparks joy? That lifts your spirits and makes you feel good? Start doing it more often.

30| Throw a dinner party just like that

If you’re craving some social interactions, why not try throwing a dinner party just to get together with friends and family? Make it as fancy or as simple (potluck, anyone?) as you want to, and just celebrate living. Play your favorite songs, pull out the board games, and just have a fun night with people that you adore and enjoy being with.

31| Curate your social media feeds with care

We are what we consume. Since we spend so much of our day online and on various social media platforms, be extra vigilant about the kind of content you’re consuming. Do occasional media audits to weed out accounts that only make you feel bad about your own life or put you in a negative, complaining state of mind.

32| Keep a sense of wonder

Children often have a sense of wonder about the world around them. They are curious, adventurous, and open-minded. Try to keep a sense of wonder in your own life by embracing curiosity, exploring new experiences, and staying open-minded to the world around you.

33| Embrace imperfection

Perfection is an illusion, and striving for it can be exhausting and unfulfilling. Embrace imperfection by accepting yourself and others for who they are, and embracing the messy, unpredictable nature of life.

34| Learn to let go

Letting go means releasing attachment to things that no longer serve you, whether it’s negative thoughts, toxic relationships, or clutter in your home. Learning to let go can be liberating and help you create space for new opportunities and experiences.

35| Be present in your daily life

Being present means living in the moment and fully experiencing each moment as it happens. Take the time to put away distractions, breathe deeply, and focus on the present moment. It can help you cultivate a deeper sense of joy and appreciation for even the seemingly ordinary moments in life.

36| Nurture your relationships

Nurturing our relationships with loved ones is essential to a life well lived. Make time to connect with family and friends, and show them love and appreciation through communication, shared experiences, and acts of kindness.

37| Make memories, not just content

Don’t view everything that you do – be it the cake you’re baking, the company of friends you’re enjoying, the book you’re reading, or the new hobby you’re trying out – as something to be shared online. Take time to enjoy things for what they are, not for the number of likes they can get you on social media. You do not have to share ALL of the details of your life online.

38| Create an analog life

Somewhat a continuation of the last point – strive for a balance between your digital life and your analog life. In fact, learning to create meaningful pockets of ‘analog time’ can be a game-changer for your physical and mental health. Turn off the computer, put down the phone, and leave your tablet at home for an hour or two every day. You’ll be surprised how refreshing it can feel!

What Romanticizing Your Life is Not

Romanticizing your life isn’t about living life with blinders on, or viewing everything through rose-colored glasses, and it certainly does not mean that everything in your life is perfect.

The way I see it, it simply means amplifying the good that already exists in your life and taking your time to appreciate the small joys along the way. It means taking control of your own life and happiness and learning to live on your terms.

Is Romanticizing Your Life Healthy?

Romanticizing your life can be a healthy practice when you do not overdo the concept. It can help you appreciate the beauty and magic that already exists in your life, and take control of your own happiness. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can reduce stress and increase feelings of contentment.

However, it’s important to note that romanticizing your life should not be a way to escape reality or avoid dealing with problems. It’s important to still acknowledge and address any challenges or difficulties in your life. Additionally, constantly seeking perfection or comparing yourself to others can have negative effects on your mental health.

Ask yourself – is “romanticizing my life” an ethos I want to incorporate into my daily life, or is it a vibe or an aesthetic that I want to project on social just for the sake of trending content? Your answer should tell you which side of healthy you are!

—

I hope these tips on romanticizing your life have resonated and helped you to see how just a little dose of positivity and dreaminess in your day-to-day life can dramatically impact the quality of your life. Don’t let your life simply pass you by. You are worth more than that.

If you have any ‘romanticizing your life’ tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments section below!