BY: ALVA POLETTI
In the societal narrative, I acknowledge that there persists an idea that sadness equates to unhappiness, yet I strongly disagree. I've never been able to relate to those happy-go-lucky individuals who doesn’t seem to have a care in the world but that hasn’t kept me from seeing the beauty in life. In fact, I’ve been happily sad for most of my life and while that might sound depressing to some I can assure you that I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Constantly questioning the meaning of life and pondering over its absurdity has not only tought me to accept my highly significant insignificance but also to romanticize every second of it. In my interpretation of "Romanticizing life," it's not a matter of overlooking the hurt or stifling tears; rather, it's about granting each emotion not just existence but allowing them to flourish and blossom in their most natural and unpredictable states. In this article I’ll share the small things I do every day to romanticize a beautifully sad-happy-angry-lovely life.
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MAKING EACH MEAL BEAUTIFUL
Absolutely every meal gets the special treatment. Whether it's a simple fruit snack, I ensure to delicately slice or cut it, presenting it on one of my cherished vintage plates. Even my apple cider vinegar shots are taken from an elegant crystal shot glass.
SMILING TO STRANGERS
This has been a lifelong habit for me without even knowing it. While chatting with friends, I discovered that smiling at strangers wasn't as common for everyone. Yet, I consistently felt warmth from people, and I realized it was because I offered a smile in return. Scientifically, smiling and receiving smiles contribute to happiness. By sharing smiles with people on the street, you invite more joy into your day and realize the impact of a simple upward curve of your mouth.
LISTENING TO MUSIC WHILE YOU COOK
Credit goes to my mum for this one; she always played music in the kitchen when I was young. We'd dance and sing along while preparing meals. I've continued the tradition, and I know she has too. It elevates the mundane task of dinner preparation to a whole new level.
CORRECTING MY POSTURE
This may be a small change, but it's incredibly powerful. Simply pulling your shoulders back and your chest forward makes you feel more empowered. You are the protagonist of your life, so act accordingly and take pride in your past achievements and lessons!
SETTING THE SCENE WITH SCENT
Scent possesses a profound impact on our memories. I love using fragrance to capture moments or periods of my life, adding a touch of romance. It's also a potent tool for altering your mood by tricking your brain. For instance, my nighttime scent instantly relaxes me before bed. Applying perfume or scented oil when alone becomes a special way to show appreciation to oneself, akin to wearing lovely underwear, even though only you will notice.