A few years ago, I noticed that my life felt mundane and uninspired. I’d wake up in the early hours of the morning, anxious and desperate to “build my empire.” I placed immense pressure on myself to become someone, leaving time for nothing but work. My evenings consisted of zoning out in front of the TV, eating $5 hot dogs from a hole-in-the-wall up the street with my then-husband.
Our apartment, already furnished when we moved in, had belonged to the landlord’s late mother. It was cluttered with mismatched kitchenware, dusty ornaments, and pink floral décor that clashed with an old brown futon. The space, much like my life, felt disconnected, chaotic, and utterly unromantic. I certainly didn’t know anything about romanticizing life.
I had lost touch with myself and my body. My diet consisted of lifeless beige foods—white bread, pasta, potatoes. I rarely took time to appreciate simple joys: I didn’t stop to smell the roses, my relationship lacked romance, and even on date nights, my husband was glued to his phone while I scrambled for conversation starters. I had stopped listening to music, spent little time with girlfriends, and was missing out on the essence of life itself.
One day, I woke up to the realization that I didn’t want to live this way. If the ultimate goal was peace, happiness, love and joy, why was I postponing those feelings until some distant achievement? I decided I wanted my life to feel romantic, adventurous, and full of fun. I wanted to incorporate daily rituals for joy—finding ways to make life feel magical and cultivating beauty in everyday life.
At first, all I knew was how to slow down. But soon, I discovered that slowing down was just the beginning—romanticizing my life was the natural next step.
What Does It Mean to Romanticize Your Life?
Romanticizing your life means seeing the beauty, magic, and richness in the everyday. It’s about treating your ordinary moments with the same appreciation and reverence as you would a special occasion. Instead of waiting for something extraordinary, you create joy, presence, and meaning in the little things—like sipping your morning coffee as if it’s a cherished ritual, dancing in your living room, or noticing the way the sunlight filters through your window. It’s a mindset shift, a way of embracing life with intention and wonder.
Romanticizing your life means to play in the mystery of the present moment. It’s about amplifying and indulging in the excitement and tension that make life worth living. It’s an indescribable connection to something intangible—something that moves you. Romance isn’t just for love stories. Everyday romance is about finding beauty in the ordinary.
So, How Do You Romanticize Your Life?
1. Slowly Start the Day
I used to wake up and immediately check my phone, diving straight into the chaos of emails and social media. Now, I create a buffer between sleep and the demands of the world. It’s one of my favorite slow living practices.
I take my time waking up—stretching slowly to wake up my body, feeling my feet touch the floor, walking to open the curtain so that natural light can fill the room, strolling to the kitchen for my first sip of water, washing my face with cool water, and looking into my own eyes for a moment. Some mornings, I put on soft instrumental R&B music, letting the music set the tone for my day. I step onto my balcony to take deep gulps of fresh air, no matter the weather, letting these small moments anchor me in gratitude and awareness.
This intentional slowness makes even the most ordinary mornings feel luxurious, sacred and deeply romantic.
2. Journal with Intention
Journaling isn’t just about recording thoughts; it’s about deepening my connection to myself. My journal is filled with gratitude and reflections. I sit by the window, watching the wind move through the trees, listening to the hum of the city. The simple act of pressing pen to paper feels deeply romantic—like writing a love letter to life itself.
I write about the emotions that stir in me, the beauty I witness, and the small joy-filled moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Sometimes, I write as if I’m the main character in a novel, capturing my days with poetic descriptions. Other times, I simply list things I’m grateful for—the morning sunlight, watching my neighbor walk his dog Miss Daisy, the way the rain sounds against my window. This intentional writing practice helps me to see life through a more romantic, appreciative lens—finding beauty in everyday life.
3. Eat Vibrant, Fresh Foods
A few years ago, my meals were lifeless, just shades of white, yellow, and brown. Now, I delight in colorful, nourishing foods: dragon fruit’s magenta skin, the deep blues of fresh berries, the crunch of cucumbers and avocado drizzled with olive oil. Food isn’t just fuel; it’s an experience of beauty.
I take time to plate my meals intentionally, even if I’m just eating alone (which I do a lot of these days as a single woman!). A sprig of fresh basil, a drizzle of maple syrup over yogurt, or a perfectly arranged fruit bowl can turn an ordinary meal into something special. I slow down when I eat, savoring each bite instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone. Cooking has also become an act of love—I play music, occasionally sip wine, and enjoy the process of preparing something nourishing for myself. The way I eat has become a self-care ritual, a daily opportunity to indulge in pleasure and presence.
4. Take Slow, Intentional Showers
I used to rush through showers, treating them as a task to check off my list. It’s not about taking longer showers, but about being fully present in them. Showers, for me, are an experience!
I use luxurious soaps and scrubs. Sometimes, I’ll bring a stick of incense or a candle into the bathroom, and shower in the dark under the warm glow of light. I listen to the rhythm of the water, feel its warmth gliding over my skin, inhale the scent of my soap. I let the steam relax my muscles, allowing the water to feel like a cleansing ritual, washing away stress and tension. Afterward, I take my time moisturizing, giving myself a mini facial—an act of self-love. These moments remind me that self-care isn’t about extravagance—it’s about intention and presence.
5. Go for a Daily Walk
When I moved to Miami Beach, I committed to daily walks, soaking in the warmth and vibrancy of my surroundings. Whether it’s a sunrise stroll or a sunset wander, these walks connect me to nature and invite unexpected encounters with strangers—reminders that life is always unfolding in beautiful ways.
Walking isn’t just about movement; it’s about connection to myself and the natural environment. I notice the way the sunlight dances on the water, the sound of birds, the vibrancy of flowers, my favorite banana tree standing tall near Flamingo Park. I often leave my headphones behind, allowing myself to simply be with the sounds around me. These walks have become meditative, a space where I feel both grounded and free, in love with the rhythm of life itself.
6. Indulge in a Daily Piece of Chocolate
Not just any chocolate—real cacao. I make it myself, inspired by my friend Ky and her book Chocolate Everyday. It’s a small, simple pleasure that adds a touch of decadence to my day.
I let the chocolate melt slowly on my tongue, savoring its richness. I close my eyes, breathing in its aroma. This small act feels luxurious, reminding me that pleasure is in the details. It’s a way of treating myself with love, a daily nod to indulgence and joy.
7. Dance Barefoot in Your Living Room
When I move my body to a soul-stirring rhythm, I shift from overthinking to fully feeling. It’s a reminder that joy lives in the body, not just the mind (rarely the mind!).
Some nights, I turn off the lights, light candles, and let the music guide me. It’s not about looking graceful—it’s about feeling free. Dancing reconnects me with my sensuality, my playfulness, and my wild, unfiltered self. It’s a love affair with movement, an expression of my aliveness.
Romanticizing Life is About Presence
Ultimately, the magic and romance of life is in the mystery of the present. Slowing down, tuning in, and noticing the beauty that exists all around you. The colors of a sunset, the kaleidoscope of flavors and textures in a passionfruit, the ripples in the ocean—romance is everywhere!
When you choose to romanticize your life, you don’t have to wait for a lover to show up or for something extraordinary to happen. Romance is something we cultivate, not something we wait for. Bring intention to the ordinary, and watch as your world becomes richer, more vibrant, more alive. Life itself becomes the love story you’ve been waiting for!
So, which of these rituals speak to you the most? And what’s one small ritual you want to devote to in order to romanticize your life? Let me know in the comments below.
Ps. Want to kickstart your journey to a slower, more romantic way of living? Sign up for the FREE 5 Days of Slow audio course here.
