Romanticizing daily life

Romanticizing daily life is one way that I try to find joy. For me, that means I have a ridiculous collection of mugs and cups for my daily coffee, more jewelry than anyone really needs, and a collection of beautiful journals, notebooks, and sketch pads that I actually use. There are other, far less materialistic ways that I romanticize my daily life, trying to add magic and gratitude into ordinary activities. Here are some ideas and suggestions that anyone can enjoy.

1. Start each day with a deep breath and a stretch. When you wake up every day, take a deep breath and thank your heart and lungs for bringing you through another night’s sleep. Waking up is the first gift your body gives you every day. Stretch every muscle you can, from your toes all the way up and appreciate the joy of having a body that supports you and allows you to experience the world. No matter what ails you, your body is a gift.

2. Stir some intentions into your morning coffee. I like to stir runes, letters, and ultimately, intentions into my morning coffee. As I stir in cream or sugar, or caramel if I am making a fancy weekend latte, I stir shapes and think on what I want in my day- play, productivity, time with loved ones. Whatever I am focusing on, I imagine my coffee being infused with that energy and then I drink it and let that intention fill my spirit.

3. Greet the day. Every day, I thank the sun for shining (even on cloudy days). Once upon a time I read that we don’t notice miracles that happen every day. The sun is a good example of that. Every day, in this vast and often chaotic universe, the earth rotates and brings sunlight and heat to us. It truly is a miracle, and without it we would not exist.

4. Get outside. Most mornings, I am up and heading out the door for work or errands in the first hour of my day. There are two things I like to do when I get outside. The first is keeping a bag of unsalted peanuts in the shell by my front door to bring out to the small creatures that live in my yard. I love to give squirrels, chipmunks and birds a little snack, and I have a pretty feeder in my front garden for this purpose. Bird seed works for this of course, as do some dry cat and dog foods, particularly for some of the omnivorous birds.

5. Do something for someone else. Every day I make an effort to do something deliberate that improves someone else’s day. I keep extra coffee pods in my office for anyone who might need one, I hold the door at every opportunity, I offer compliments and words of encouragement to my colleagues. It is so easy to stay in one’s bubble and just focus on what needs to get done, but I have found that when I take the time to try and improve someone else’s day, it improves my own.

6. Listen to music. I am lucky. I have my own office at work and I can listen to music whenever I want. I know not everyone has this, but with a set of earbuds and a smart phone, there are almost certainly moments in the day that could be filled with music. Music really is good for the soul. It can be soothing or exciting or silly, but it will improve your mood and your day!

7. Keep a gratitude journal. Everyday, write down what you are grateful for. It is ok if you are writing down the same thing over and over again. I always include my husband and my children and my job. But even without those wonderful blessings, I am grateful that I have a roof over my head, enough food to eat, and a public library that has all the books I could ever want to read (have I mentioned that I am a librarian?). Gratitude does not have to be just for the big things in life. Look for the small magic that fills every day.

8. Do something you love, just for you. Craft, read a book, call a friend, make your favorite dessert. You are doing great every day that you get out of bed, and you deserve to be rewarded. My brother-in-law once told me he thought every day should include a little piece of chocolate. I generally prefer other treats, but I agree with the sentiment! Make time for yourself, even if it is only 15 minutes each day to luxuriate and celebrate you!

9. Light a candle. In my experience, a single candle can turn a dreary room warm and can calm nearly any sense of chaos. So light a candle or several candles. As you light a candle, imagine the flame is drawing in any negativity from your day or in your environment and burning it, transforming into warmth and light and energy for you to absorb.

10. Prepare your meals with care and intention. We all live busy lives, but the food you feed yourself and your loved ones matters! Plan meals that you love, and as you cook, thank the foods you eat for nourishing your body and stir in love and joy for every person you will share with.

There are so many ways to make each moment of your day magical, romantic, meaningful- whatever term you want to use for it. The ones I have shared here are ten of my favorites, but I am always looking for new ideas. If you have any suggestions, please share them!