Romanticizing the Everyday: Lessons from Paris and London
Paris, France
It’s been a few weeks since I returned from Europe, and I’ll admit, I’ve been struggling to find my footing. You know that feeling when you come back from a trip that felt like a dream, only to be greeted by the familiar humdrum of everyday life? That’s where I’ve been—stuck in a post-travel haze, unable to write, unwilling to go to Pilates, and generally sulking in my corner. But today, I’m finally crawling out of it, and I want to talk about why it’s so hard to come back to “normal” after experiencing something extraordinary.
There’s something about Paris and London that feels like stepping into a movie. The food, the people, the fashion, the way of life—it’s all so intentional. Even in 2-degree Celsius weather, there’s a certain magic in the air. I remember watching women and men on their way to the metro, dressed so well, as if they were on their way to a photoshoot rather than a 9-to-5. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about feeling good. It seemed as if they had this ability to romanticize their everyday lives, to find beauty in the mundane. And I couldn’t help but wonder: why don’t we do that here?
Back home, it’s so easy to slip into the routine of leggings, drive-thrus, and endless traffic. We hop in our cars, overpay for organic groceries, and call it a day. There’s little room for walking, for slowing down, for savoring the small moments. Because it seems as if we have a different kind of convenience set up here. But what if we tried to bring a little bit of that European sensibility into our lives? What if we ditched the leggings today and put on a nice pair of slacks, just because? What if we took the time to enjoy our coffee instead of gulping it down in the car? What if we walked a little more, even if it’s just around the block?
I’m not saying we can all suddenly live like Parisians or Londoners. The reality is, we live in a different culture with different rhythms. But maybe we can take a page from their book and start romanticizing our own lives. Maybe we can find beauty in the everyday, even if it’s just in the way we dress or the way we take our morning coffee.
For now, I’m living the way an American lives—driving, rushing, and occasionally overpaying for avocados. But one day, I hope to bring a little more of that European magic into my life. Until then, I’ll start small: with a nice pair of slacks or blouse and a commitment to finding joy in the little things.
What about you? How do you romanticize your everyday life? Let’s start a conversation—because if there’s one thing I learned from my trip, it’s that life is too short not to make it beautiful.
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What’s one small way you can add a little more intention or beauty to your day? Share your thoughts via instagram/tiktok —I’d love to hear how you’re finding magic in the mundane.