Romanticizing the Ordinary

Hi friends,

 

I hope springing forward didn’t affect you too much yesterday. While I’m looking forward to the longer, warmer days ahead, I do miss that extra hour of sleep. Even though it’s only a one-hour difference, I really feel it. So yesterday, I gave myself permission to be a little lazy and relax.

 

I don’t know about you, but I tend to be hard on myself when I’m not super productive on the weekends. After a long week of work, the weekend is often the only time I have to tackle chores and all the things on my to-do list before another busy week begins.

 

I’ll build this giant list in my head of everything I want to accomplish. But when the weekend actually arrives, the list suddenly feels overwhelming. Instead of starting, I end up doing nothing and then I feel guilty for not doing what I planned. It becomes a bit of a vicious cycle.

 

So lately, I’ve decided to break that cycle of shame and guilt. Instead of a never-ending list, I choose just a couple of things I want to get done. Then I try to be more intentional about how I spend the rest of my time.

 

I’ve also been working on romanticizing my weekends, even the chores.

 

Instead of doom scrolling, I’ve been going on walks with Olive and noticing the little signs of spring: buds on the trees and fresh grass peeking through the ground. When I’m cleaning or organizing, I’ll put on music or a podcast. Sometimes I light a candle in the room and enjoy the fragrance while I work. Small things like that help me stay present and actually enjoy what I’m doing.

 

What I’ve realized is that when I make a smaller, more doable list, I feel accomplished and calm instead of stressed and anxious.

 

If you find yourself stuck in the same cycle, maybe this week is an invitation to give yourself permission to do a little less. Look for small ways to tuck pockets of joy into the chores and chaos of everyday life.

 

And if you’re looking for a little extra romance in your routine, my new Dark Romance collection was made with exactly that feeling in mind. Inspired by red velvet curtains, mysterious hallways, and giant rose bouquets, these scents are designed to turn everyday moments of self-care into something special.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.