A Guide to Romanticizing Life
La Dolce Vita:
Savor the sweet life by weaving magic into the mundane.
By slowing down and making small shifts, we can infuse daily life with intention, magic, and beauty. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, and truly only requires you to embrace self-love and let go of the pressure to constantly “do”.
Think: Less hustle, More presence. Below are some thoughtful ways to romanticize your life. You don’t need to do it all—even a couple of changes can be deeply meaningful.
1. Morning rituals to begin your day intentionally – Sets the vibe of your day. Wake up gently—no phone for the first 30 minutes. This was the toughest for me, but it makes the BIGGEST impact. I no longer wake up to the harsh sound of a jarring alarm clock, but with a clock that has a simulated sunrise. It is such a gentle way to start the day, and helps me stay calm and relaxed for my morning meditation.
2. Pull an oracle card each morning and reflect on its message.
3. Create a morning altar where you meditate with objects that are special to you, such as: framed pictures of loved ones, crystals, candles, fresh flowers, etc.
4. Use Music to elevate the energy in your home. Every morning after I meditate, I play music to set the tone for the day. By the time my family walks into the kitchen for breakfast, our home is already filled with good energy. Make it your own by creating a playlist of your favorite feel-good jams!
5. Cleanse your space energetically with sage, palo santo, sound bowls, or simply by opening windows and allowing fresh air in.
6. Practice presence — sip tea/coffee with full attention. Eat mindfully without multitasking and screens. Be present with your loved ones—When they speak, listen, and let their words land.
7. Celebrate the seasons with little rituals (e.g., winter tea ceremony, spring cleansing, summer solstice bonfire, fall journaling).
8. Go on a solo date – visit an art museum or bookstore or anyplace you would enjoy!
9. Dine al fresco in beautiful scenery (a simple picnic with homemade sandwiches or a charcuterie board is a lovely choice). You can even organize a potluck with friends and have everyone bring a shareable dish.
10. Deepen your Self-Care rituals with a candlelit bubble bath infused with Epsom salts or sea salt, a few drops of your favorite essential oil, rose petals, and soothing chamomile tea bags. Treat yourself to an at-home spa day inspired by Abhyanga—massage your body with warm oil for deep relaxation. Follow up with a nourishing facial and gentle facial massage to feel truly pampered.
Combine 5-6 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. Once the bath is filled and the water is off (for full aromatic effect), add the oil mixture to the water and stir.
11. More books, fewer screens — especially the kind that feel like a warm hug. Think Braiding Sweetgrass, Eat Pray Love, or The Midnight Library. While I usually reach for spiritual deep-dives, historical fiction, or the occasional thriller, it’s refreshing to mix in something softer and soul-soothing — a literary palette cleanser. Check out the book club for some interesting reads.
12. Let the rhythms of Nature guide you — watch a sunrise or sunset, notice moon phases, or stargaze on a clear night.
13. Dress up! Step out of your usual “uniform” (hello, yoga pants 🙋♀️) and throw on a cute outfit—just because it makes you feel good.
14. Take aesthetic photos of little moments—your matcha, your outfit, your books. You can even go on a “Photo Walk” and take pictures of the beautiful things you see along the way.
15. Take breaks. Schedule pauses—5 mins to breathe, reflect, or stretch.
16. Explore artistic hobbies (like pottery or painting) – don’t judge the outcome, rather enjoy the process.
17. Create a new dish with love and intention. Let the process be just as nourishing as the meal. I LOVE Pamela Anderson’s plant-based cookbook, I Love You: Recipes from the Heart. See Page 127 for her version of a Persian tahdig!
18. Be a tourist in your own town — discover hidden gems you’ve overlooked.
19. Stroll through a farmers market instead of the grocery store — enjoy shopping fresh and local.
20. Gather your favorite people for a cozy Movie Night — think soft blankets, popcorn, and sweet little treats.
21. Get crafty & dream big! Make a vision board, mood board, or scrapbook — I like to create a vision board every season to inspire new ideas and make goal-setting fun! You can make one digitally or go old school with magazines, scissors, and glue!
My Summer 2025 Vision Board
Made with love on Canva
22. Buy fresh Flowers or plant your own.
23. People watch at a busy café or at a popular park.
24. To save the best for last... PRACTICE GRATITUDE— it pulls you into the now, helping you savor your experiences fully rather than rushing through them. Focusing on what you’re thankful for invites more joy and magic into your day, creating a habit of noticing beauty and feeling uplifted. Romanticizing your life isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about appreciating the goodness in your life.
Check out our meditation programs, which always end with a gratitude visualization to bring you back into the present moment with a sense of appreciation.
Romanticizing your life isn’t about big, dramatic moments or making everything look picture-perfect. It’s really about being present, living with intention, and finding meaning in the little things. At the end of each day, ask yourself: Did I live in a way that felt authentic and true to my values? Did I take a moment to enjoy something small? If the answer’s yes, that’s more than enough.
The simple truth: Life is made of moments. Honor them. Romanticize them. Live them like they matter—because they do.
