There is a lot of discontent in the world. We often find ourselves looking for something a little bigger, a little better, a little more attractive. But what if we took the time to change our mindset and start romanticizing our lives? Could we find contentment and perhaps even happiness?
Being a full-time working mom with kids in the thick of year-round sports it was some times hard coming home knowing the house would be in disarray, homework had to be done, we would either need to eat dinner early or late because of sports, then getting the kids to bed and school clothes ready for the next day. Thankfully, I had (and still have!) my husband to help me but there was still a lot of mental weight to the never ending ‘to-do’ list.
But when I stepped back I realized that I actually LOVE doing those things that revolve around the home and my family. The everyday tasks became more of an opportunity to pour out love, get my kids involved in helping out and doing chores and collectively working to make our home the place we want it to be. I find fulfillment in making a nourishing meal (even if it’s not satisfying to everyone’s palate) and sitting down as a family. Being able to say prayers with my children and tuck them in at night is a blessing. And deep cleaning our home with music playing is my therapy. Safe to say, as busy as we are and as much as we like to travel, I am a homebody through and through.
So what are some ways you can start romanticizing your life?
{This post contains affiliate links which help keep the blog running + may result in a small commission for me but at no extra cost to you.}
1. Change Your Mindset
This is the very first step in defeating overwhelm and/or stagnation. Switching from an “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” can make all the difference in how you approach the everyday, mundane tasks. Along with changing your perception of your “to do” list, being aware of the choices you are making is more than half the battle at beating overwhelm and overstimulation.
A couple books I highly recommend reading Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck and Atomic Habits by James Clear. These two books will help you starting functioning with more awareness and positivity…making choices that will help you reach your best, happy self.
2. Make Room for What You Love
A big part of this is decluttering. When you are surrounded by items that don’t have a place or no longer bring joy, it may be time to get rid of some things. It’s easy to have random knickknacks accumulate over time (especially with kids!) but doing a weekly audit of “what do I love” can help keep on top of the clutter (tip: if they’re older, have them go through their own rooms/toys and find 10 things they no longer want or need).
Once you have cleared the distractions and only keep what you truly love or need, a sense of peace begins to settle and you become more productive and make time for being able to do things you love because you’re not spending extra time constantly cleaning up unnecessary messes.
3. Get Cozy
Go ahead and light that (clean!) candle, splurge on gourmet coffee beans (these are my favorite low-acid, tested for mold, heavy metals, mycotoxins and contaminates coffee beans…I usually get decaf), grind them and use your pour over coffee pot or just make a cup of delicious tea), then put on some music. (Don’t forget the stylish coffee mug!) Whether it’s morning or evening, summer or winter, nothing feels more welcoming and homier than a cozy ambiance.
At night, turn off the aggressive overhead lighting, turn on the table lamps, turn on some outdoor market lighting (or Christmas lights!). Even adding some landscaping lighting like along a walkway or uplighting on trees makes a world of difference on how inviting your home feels.
4. Find the Good (and Be the Good)
When we are constantly focusing on the negative (my house is too small, I don’t have anything good to wear, my car is old…you get the idea) we lose sight of all the good there is in our life (I am healthy, I have family that loves me, I can put food on the table, I have a job to go to). Go from complaining to praising. If you can’t find anything good in your life, BE THE GOOD!
Also, stop watching the news and your neighbors. Keeping up with the Joneses and mainstream media will only leaving you feeling stressed and inferior. Try it for a month and notice how much lighter and freer you feel.
5. Dress for Success
Want to immediately feel more put together and happy? Dress for it! Ditch the leggings and beat up running shoes every day and put on a nice dress, or flattering jeans (NO MOM JEANS!) and a top that balances out the bottoms (if wearing slim fitting pants, wear a flowy or looser fitting top. If wearing relaxed pants, a more fitted top is appropriate). Sneakers are still acceptable but highly recommend purchasing a semi-luxury pair like Vejas (personal favorite) and if going for flip flops Tkees are another personal fave.
Also putting on some clean, natural looking makeup can give you that easy, no fuss glow. Gone are the days of overdone make up. Simple yet impactful is in. Think dewy skin, hint of color on cheeks and lips, long, full lashes and good looking eyebrows. Personal favorite product lines are Beautycounter, Merit and Westman Atelier.
