It’s easy to get caught up in the business of college life, whether it be spending hours studying in the library for exams or drowning in what seems to be endless homework assignments. Sometimes I find myself tired and bored of going through the same routines each week.
As this month of love set in, I decided to find beauty even in the smallest elements of my day-to-day life and romanticize my month.
- Stopping To Smell The Flowers
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Even if it’s only walking to class, strolling around campus can be such a calming experience. Taking the time to breathe in the fresh air, hearing the sounds of a squirrel’s paws running through blades of sharp green grass, and feeling the wind brush against my cheeks is enough to change the course of my day. Being immersed in the natural beauty of our campus, even if only for a fifteen-minute walk to class, is a great way to add flair to an otherwise mundane task.
- Listening to the Melodies
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Everything I do, I do with music. Recently, I’ve started to take the time to appreciate the music I’m listening to versus just hearing it as it plays in the background. Listening to the guitar notes or the story told through the lyrics makes me value the songs buried deep in the depths of my playlists. It’s always a good feeling to find a piece that seems like it was written just for you, whether you decide to play it to the rooftops or keep it as your own little secret.
- Dressing to Impress Myself
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No matter the mood I find myself in, planning an outfit always makes me feel a thousand times better. Whether it’s a sweater I’ve become obsessed with wearing every other day or a dress that makes me feel like skipping through a field of flowers, wearing clothes that make me feel comfortable empowers me to start my day feeling cute, confident, and ready to take on whatever lies ahead.
- Jot it in the Journal
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As cliche as it may seem, the typical image of a teenage girl lying across her bed reciting her diary entry, adding time into my schedule to write down my thoughts and feelings around the day, or any ideas swirling through my mind has impacted my life in beautiful ways. Having a tangible book that shows me expressing my creativity through poems or stick figures running around a page is comforting — it’s nice having such a sweet thing all to myself. Also, having a private space to air grievances or express volatile feelings helps me clear my head and, no pun intended, turn over a new page.
- Appreciating Alone Time
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As much as I enjoy spending time with the people I love, it’s important for me to find solace in the times no one is around. No matter how small the task, like making a nice warm cup of coffee to sip on as I read a book or going on a run, having things that I enjoy on my own makes me appreciate the times I share them with others.
Even outside of the month of love, I will continue to find ways to appreciate the little tasks or adventures that come across my path. No matter what time of year, we could all use some romanticizing in our routines!