Romanticizing Everyday Life: The Joy of Small Luxuries
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Are you familiar with that feeling of rushing from one place to another? There are deadlines at work and chores at home, and it sometimes feels like there’s never enough time. I know the feeling all too well. It’s like running a race where the finish line keeps moving.
When it started getting to me, I decided to stop saying, “I don’t have time,” and pressed pause instead. It might seem counterproductive, but hear me out—rushing more doesn’t magically add hours to your day. Instead, I found that pausing allows you to actually enjoy life. It’s about noticing the little things and turning your routine into something worth savoring.
So, here’s a list of activities and things I enjoy daily to romanticize my day and I hope they’ll work for you too.
1. A morning ritual
Mornings used to feel like a sprint to me—alarms blaring, coffee gulped, and a frantic rush to get out the door. Without even a mood check, I would be at the office, already working. No time for just being myself.
Now, despite having more work to do and my dear blog as well, I start the day slow. Mornings have become sacred for me because that’s when I am able to set the tone for the day. After a good night’s sleep, I hydrate, meditate, or journal for a few minutes. Even if it’s just writing one thing I’m grateful for, it helps shift my mindset into a more positive space.
Then, there’s coffee. It’s not just caffeine; it’s a moment of peace before the world gets loud. It’s sitting silently, enjoying a cup of freshly made coffee or tea while appreciating the fact that I prioritize myself. That’s why the first cup of the day feels always a little more special.
2. Fresh flowers from the market
There’s a reason flowers have been a universal symbol of joy for centuries. I try to add a bit of joy through nature as well. I don’t really overthink it—whatever’s in season at the farmer’s market, a bouquet from the grocery store or good old peonies (approved by Blair Waldorf) will do. Bringing those blooms home and arranging them on my kitchen counter is like inviting nature’s calm into my space.
The act of trimming the stems, arranging them in a vase, and finding the perfect spot for them feels unbelievably comforting. And life seems a little less chaotic with such beauty nearby.
3. A walk in the park, coffee in the mug
When was the last time you walked for no reason? Not to get somewhere as in you are almost running—just to walk.
Well, walking feels quite different when there’s no line to reach. Looking around and appreciating the trees in a park is a whole different vibe. So, I’ve started treating my walks like a reset button. I’ll grab my coffee in my favorite tumbler of all times, pop in a podcast, or just let my thoughts wander.
Walking clears the mind—and science backs this up too. A 20-minute walk can be a surprising medicine for daily stress.
4. Coziness in the candles
Evenings are my time to unwind. First step: dim the lights. Second step: light a candle.
The soft flicker of a flame and a subtle scent filling the air instantly shifts the energy. Whether I’m reading a book, soaking in a bath, or just scrolling, the moment becomes just cozier.
And, I adore Jo Malone’s candles for this—Peony & Blush Suede is my personal favorite. But honestly, any candle that makes you smile will do.
5. Capturing life
If you feel like you could journal for pages some days and only a few sentences some other days, I hope that you don’t beat yourself up for that. It’s just how life is. But, there’s a notebook we can all commit to every day.
Enter the One Line a Day journal. It’s low-pressure, yet absolutely satisfying. Just one sentence to capture the essence of your day—a small win, a breath-taking view, or even something completely random, like “Tried a new recipe, didn’t burn it!”
It’s a reminder that even the smallest moments carry joy and reasons to smile.
6. Sleeping - but make it luxe
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing better than sinking into comfort—both literally and metaphorically. For me, it’s the feeling of slipping into bed with a silk pillowcase. It feels ridiculously luxurious and makes my hair frizz-free.
Besides the softness and all that, I think it is actually the whole concept. It feels like I’m treating myself to something special. It is a form of self-love. I simply appreciate that I can do this for myself.
The joy of small luxuries
Well, I tried sharing some of the things I enjoy and appreciate on a daily basis—the candlelit evenings, the fresh blooms, the first sip of coffee on a cold day. You can take your pick from these or go for something completely different. These aren’t grand gestures after all; they’re small acts of love for yourself.
Life may not be a grand fairytale, but it can still feel magical in the most beautiful ways. So I hope you take some pauses every day and thanks for reading!
