By: Louis Catania, Division of Infectious Disease and medically reviewed by Ann K. Avery, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at MetroHealth Medical Center
Staying positive isn’t the easiest right now. But even when things aren’t perfect, you can still find ways to make your everyday moments feel special. Romanticizing your life isn’t about ignoring reality, it’s about choosing to see the beauty in small, simple things. And the best part? You don’t need to spend much (if anything at all) to do it. 🌸
Start with gratitude
One of the easiest ways to shift your mindset is to write down a few things you’re grateful for every day. It doesn’t have to be huge; maybe it’s how good your morning coffee was, a recent memory from going out with a friend, or how cozy bed is (compared to that one time you went camping, when you promised you’d never take a bed for granted again).
You can even look at your city or town with “tourist eyes.” There are people who travel just to see what’s in your neighborhood. Take after them for a minute; try to look around at your everyday surroundings like they’re brand new. When you begin to realize all the little parts of life that get skipped over, every day-- even your commute to work or morning routine-- becomes more interesting and memorable.
And, maybe most importantly, consider all the things you used to want so much that you now have. Be proud of those things.
Embrace your passions and hobbies
Doing what you love is one of the best ways to feel alive. Whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, playing an instrument, or gardening, make time for the things that light you up. You don’t need to be “good” at them either, joy is reason enough. And don’t do them for the sake of creating something: good old Kurt Vonnegut, the author, once wrote to a bunch of university graduates, and at the end, he encouraged them to write a rhymed six-line poem, make it as good as possible, and then tear it up and discard the pieces without showing it to anyone. He believed this act of creation, even if unseen, provided its own reward, offering insight into oneself and contributing to personal growth.
Psst… passions can be extravagant sometimes
Little acts of hedonism, like spending $8 on expensive chocolate, or treating yourself to a bubble bath with a bath bomb, are important, too. Mwah.
Create a personal aesthetic
Mood-boarding is always fun, as is going through your closet and cupboards and figuring out exactly what you like. Maybe that’s cozy blankets and candles, colorful thrifted clothes, or playlists that set the perfect vibe. When you put intention into how you dress, decorate, or spend time, life feels more like yours.
Wear your favorite clothes and use your nice things now, not just on “special” days. What’s the point of owning pretty things if they just sit in the closet forever? 💫
Live seasonally
The world changes every few months, and you can lean into it. In summer, enjoy fresh fruit, long walks, and late sunsets. In fall, soak in the cozy colors, light a cinnamon candle, or go for a crisp morning walk. Winter can be about comfort: hot cocoa, blankets, holiday lights. Spring brings flowers, open windows, and fresh starts.
Living with the seasons makes life feel like chapters in a book, or seasons of a TV show, each with its own beauty.
Speaking of which: try seeing your life as literal “seasons”
This is a bit out there, but look at the stages of your life as seasons of a TV show.
If things in your life change drastically, maybe see it as a new season. When things are slow, and not much is going on, see it as the writers running out of ideas before the show takes an exciting new turn. If things aren’t going so well, think about what the audience would be rooting for, and what they’d want you, the main character, to do. Consider new people in your life new characters. If you’re someone who dates or is attracted to others, look at your love life and think about who the fan favorite would be, or who everyone felt outstayed their welcome on the show…
It’s cute, it’s easy, and takes the edge off it all a bit. 💞
Slow down and notice
It’s easy to rush through the day without pausing. Try taking little breaks to breathe deeply and notice your surroundings. The way light filters through the trees, the smell of food cooking nearby, or the sound of laughter in the distance; these are the things that turn regular days into memorable ones.
Take photos of things that make you happy or record a voice memo when you hear a sound you love. These little snapshots help you hold onto moments you might otherwise forget.
Put the phone down
At the risk of sounding like an irritating adult, you know it’s true: sometimes, it’s good to just put that phone down. There’s so much negativity on there. At the same time, it’s also incredibly easy to get stuck trying to get a dopamine hit from scrolling aimlessly through your feed. But here’s a question: what could you be doing right now if you weren’t on your phone?
Sometimes the most romantic thing you can do for yourself is to log off and actually live an adventure. It’ll still be there later.
Make everyday chores fun, because they’re not going anywhere
Even your daily routine can become more interesting! Play music or try out a new podcast while you clean, attempt a completely new recipe for dinner, or try watching a TV show while you do the dishes. These little shifts can make your routine feel less like work.
Celebrate yourself
Romanticizing life also means romanticizing you. Treat yourself kindly. Wear what makes you feel confident, do things that bring you joy, or write a little love note to yourself.
And if you ever need a community to support, or just chat with, download the Positive Peers app.
I’ll leave you with a little sweet thought, that should help you start to romanticize life: think about your ten-year-old self. Chances are, they’d be thrilled to see where you’re at right now. That kid would be proud of how far you’ve come. 💖