little moments, big joy

Have you ever felt like you’re just… on autopilot?

Like you blink and suddenly the whole day’s gone, and you’re left wondering, “Wait, what did I even do today?” or “How did I get here again?”

And then there are those days that just feel kinda… meh. You wake up, go to work or school, eat whatever’s around, scroll your phone a bit, come home, collapse, and do it all over again tomorrow.

Let’s be real - it’s not exactly the fairytale life we imagined. And sometimes, caught in that loop, you might even start questioning your entire existence. (or is it just me? alright… alright…)

But what if I told you… there’s actually joy in that and that the secret to a happier, more fulfilling, main character energy kind of life is hiding in those boring, repetitive, totally meh moments?

That’s something I’ve been learning to do lately: romanticizing my life.

Yes, the exciting stuff is still… exciting - dates, spontaneous hangouts, trips with friends—but what about the painfully ordinary stuff? The weekday morning routine? The lunch break that feels like déjà vu? The daily commute you could probably do in your sleep?

Why not make those moments feel a little more special?

I know it sounds a little cheesy and cliché, but trust me: changing the way you see your daily life can make a huge difference.

Here’s a small example:

Lately, I’ve been going on short walks during lunch or breaks. Maybe it’s the LA sunshine (we’re definitely spoiled), but stepping outside, feeling the warmth on my skin, playing my favorite playlist, and just being in that moment **has been game-changing. I literally swapped 10 minutes of doom-scrolling for a mini mental break, and it’s been amazing.

Not convinced? Here is another one: Cooking.

Now, imma be honest. I am not a chef. But following a new recipe, even something simple, gives me a sense of accomplishment I didn’t expect. Plus, eating something homemade (and not fast food) feels like a tiny act of self-care. Some nights I actually look forward to cooking. A few months ago I would look forward to choosing which fast-food gets delivered to my front door while I waste my life being lazy.

So here’s my little reminder to you (and also to myself):

You’re not here just to exist. You’re here to live. You are the main character of your story, so start acting like it.

And no, it’s not a new apartment, job, phone, or relationship that’s going to magically make you happy and bring joy to your life. It’s your perspective. A new way of seeing your life - exactly as it is, right now. Beautifully and perfectly made for you (and by you).

So, what’s one small part of your day you can start romanticizing today?

Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Romanticize the one you’re in.

- with love. JiHun -