whimsy, fun, & living a life you love
Hello again friends! Hope everyone is well :) Today is May 22nd and it’s absolutely perfect outside. I adore Chattanooga when it’s all green and alive and warm. I have just returned from a lovely beach trip with my boyfriend Miles and my family, and spent a good portion of the 7 hour drive thinking about whimsy. I know that a lot of people who are out of school now and life as a 20-something is harder than expected. When we are in elementary school and all the way up to college years there is this built in whimsy in our schedules: spring/summer break, school dances, pep rallies, sports, campus ministries, and the list goes on! I am of the belief that seemingly little things like I mentioned that break up our schedules and make our lives more exciting are actually incredibly beneficial (if not necessary!!) to our happiness. Especially in our post-grad/out of school/adulting years.
It can be so so tempting as an adult to get stuck in a routine. Wake up, go to work, come home and then go to bed. Maybe hang with a friend or go on a date. And then we wonder why we feel sad/isolated/depressed. And while I know those feelings are serious and could be caused by a number of reasons, I still think adding a little fun and novelty and play to our lives can make a world of difference! So today I have a few whimsical suggestions and little ways to romanticize your wonderful and ordinary life.
Candles! Okay this one feels obvious, but the simple act of lighting a few candles can change the entire mood of a room. I love making dinner with candles lit, or shower in candlelight. It feels romantic and soft and kinda like I’ve time-traveled back to Pride and Prejudice era (the goal, obvi!!!).
Play a curated playlist on a speaker! I am someone who loves (!!!!) when a playlist perfectly fits the vibe. I think it adds immensely to the experience, whether you’re in the car or hosting a dinner or walking through a museum. It makes life feel like a movie with a stunning soundtrack to match.
Take a class! It could be any class. I think pottery could be cool, or a cooking class. A few years ago I signed myself up for adult beginner ballet classes and it was a blast! Expensive? Yes. Hard? Yes. But so fun! It gets you out of your everyday routine and comfort zone and teaches you something new
Journaling or any type of writing that you are purposely putting something on paper up daily. I heard a favorite influencer of mine say that she keeps her notebook on her and that every two hours when she has an alarm go off on her phone she writes a line to a poem. By the end of the day she has a little poem and titles it by that days date. Poetry doesn’t come as natural to me personally, so I love to journal about my feelings/thoughts/prayers/ideas in my journal. Even if I’m not filling up the whole page, just the rhythm of writing feels grounding, and I love that I can look back on it later and reflect on the day and my thoughts.
Buying a cookbook and learning new recipes. We live in a world where knowledge is perhaps too accessible. With a couple clicks on your phone, you suddenly have hundreds of new recipes at your fingertips. I don’t know about you, but to me the sheer amount of information feels so overwhelming sometimes. I love to pick up a cookbook, put my phone down, maybe make a cute drink and really let my meal preparing feel whimsical.
Attend any type of local event: such as the farmers market, a concert, or a play! This is one that is beneficial not just for you but for your local community as well! As a bit of a sidebar, I think becoming a local at a nearby cafe or restaurant also would be so precious and fun. Having been a barista myself for many years now, I can confidently tell you that we treasure our regulars and that the little conversations or banters make the days so fun. So, if you have cash to spare and like getting the same thing everyday, maybe this one is for you!
Having fun with your outfits! Whether this is creating a theme for your week in your head and sticking to it (monochrome week, primary color week, etc), or just catering a little more to your inner child, this one is so simple but fun!
Carrying a book/journal around at all times. Okay, the could be really nerdy BUT I think it’s really cool. There’s so many times where we instantly pick up our phones and start scrolling when instead we could be reading. Or writing! Or making conversation. This one feels very cool-girl to me and I promise you’ll pick up that book more than you think! And you never know when you’ll need to write down a new idea. No, you don’t have to just put it in your notes app!
Walks at night or in the morning! One thing I love to do with Miles is go on what we call a “cat walk”. We walk around our neighborhood, talk and look at cute houses. But most importantly, we see how many cats we can find. I adore cats and Miles adores cats (and me), so this is always a lot of fun. But maybe you could do a flower walk, or a walk to see your favorite color car. Totally your call.
Snail mail! I have been doing this one since I was only 10 years old. Before my family moved up to Anchorage, Alaska, I was introduced (over the phone), to a girl about my age and we started writing letters back and forth before we lived in the same city. We kept it up after I moved away again, and I started asking other girls to be pen pals as well. It is so exciting to write, decorate and send letters, and just as fun to receive. Like getting a package you order, but much more doable financially than online shopping. Calling myself out on that one.
Okay! Those are just a few of my ideas to add a little whimsy and novelty and fun to your everyday routine! I would love to hear any ideas you have or what seemed like something you maybe want to try or tweak! Enjoy your evening and bye for now <3
