S.R. Crawford's Blog, page 11

Black and Bloodied (a poem)

It should never have become the norm

For children to see other children

Black and bloodied

From bombs brutally bombarding

Their innocent childhood.

Frolicking freely

Is a luxury these children can’t afford.

Does brown skin equal sin

Still?

We mourn the white dead

But place tape on our mouths

If the child is brown.

Don’t look at me like that.

History is repeating itself.

Over and over and over again…

This story has been written before

Yet it’s words still bring us to tears

When will we write a new one?

When will their blood be enough

For you?

Writing Updates: Am I doing NaNoWriMo this year? What’s next?

At first, I thought My NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month in November) this year was going to be more of a National Short Story Writing Month (NaSSWriMo). This is because I want to write lots of short stories, even if they’re flash fiction. I want to use my voice and play with style and genre in a quick manner and not feel committed to one thing. I’ve felt called to scale back my work, embrace a “practice” and have less pressure. However, I might go back even further than that…

Maybe my NaNo is to read through all my old stories this November instead. A “Nostalgic November” for NaNo. To reconnect with my old stories. Spot patterns. What I like. What’s good. Take notes and have fun doing it. I read through the story I wrote this time last year and I actually loved it. It reminded me that I’m better than I thought, and I can play with genre more than I realised, too. Maybe, then, there are more important revelations to be had when reading through old work and reminding myself of a few things:

What I’m capable ofWhat I enjoyWhat I tend to be drawn towards writingWhy I write in the first placeMy inner child Writing without pressure

I self-published my first book in 2013. I then took it more seriously in the years 2015-2017. After I stopped self-publishing, writing the “right story”, “the one” has been crippling. Pursuing traditional publishing and quality work has been difficult and has taken my enjoyment away.

I need and want that freedom of creation and passion back.

Now, I have some other thoughts about my writing in general:

I might upload my old stories to Wattpad for feedback and to feel like they all meant something I might forget novels for a while and just write short stories (or whatever size they end up being)I might try pantsing (not plotting stories) and let the story unfold for itself as I go I might tell myself to forget ever being published in a traditional sense and just write to write; just for my old satisfaction like the old old days I might try prioritising writing in notebooks so it feels more casual and freeI might write fan fictionI might play with genres I haven’t written beforeI might prioritise creative non-fiction

Essentially, I feel like I’m in a weird space with my writing. A transformational, transitional period with my writing. When I have tried these things and feel differently (or find my way back to myself), I will update you again. But if you, like me, feel like you’re unsure about where you stand with your writing right now, try some experiments. See if you can reconnect with the freedom of creation you felt when you first started. I hope you find it.

Sincerely,

S. xx

How to ask for feedback as a writer

Writers need feedback to get better. Whether this is from friends, critique partners, beta readers, an agent, or editors. There’s no avoiding it. But how do we get the right feedback from people who perhaps aren’t in the professional field? What kind of questions do we actually need answered?

Here’s some of my thoughts on the feedback that writers, aspiring novels and storytellers need:

CharactersDo you feel like the characters developed enough throughout the narrative?Were they consistent in how they were portrayed?Did they make decisions that made sense for who they are?Did the characters feel real enough or just archetypal cutouts? Were the relationships between characters needed, clear, developed, and interesting?

StorylineDid the story make sense?Did it build in an appropriate way to a logical conclusion? Were there any inconsistencies or inaccuracies?Did the characters move the plot or did the plot move the characters? Were you engaged and interested throughout? When did the story dip/slow for you?

Magic or world elements Did the magic system (rules of the magic) make sense?Were the rules followed throughout?Was there anything that felt redundant or unnecessary? Did the magic system and the world and the story link effectively? Were there any moments of info dump or exposition that felt overwhelming? Was the magic basic, obvious, or boring?

Overall/ General ideas What themes or messages did you take from the story? What were your favourite parts and why?What were your least favourite parts and why?Did the story work for you? Why? Why not? Would you read a sequel or a story set in the same world? Were there any elements that just didn’t work for you? Why?

Thank you for supporting the writers you know. We appreciate all useful feedback. Remember, when things are said in a kind and purposeful way, we all benefit!

Sincerely,

S. xx

How to support writers in your life (when you’re not one yourself)

I wanted to write a list of ways you can support your writer friends, spouses, siblings, or colleagues when you aren’t a writer yourself. I have writer friends and non-writer friends and sometimes, especially if you’re not a big reader, either, it can be hard to talk to a writer and show you care about their work. So here are some tips!

Read their work

This one is obvious. Even if you’re not a big reader, it still shows you care by taking an interest in their work and offering to read it. You could tell them beforehand that it’s not really your thing but you love them and want to show support. Don’t get back to them and say it was boring or bad, though! Feedback I’ll get into in a moment, but that’s not helpful for them or your relationship. Instead, just the act of reading and telling them when you finished and thanking them for being vulnerable enough with you to share, can improve your bond and help them feel like you care about their work.

They may not want you to, but an offer goes a long way!

Ask questions

This is something I’ve recently asked my husband for. Asking questions shows curiosity and therefore an interest in someone’s life and work. If you ask about their day usually or their work, why not ask about their writing, too?

Some questions to help you:

What are you working on at the moment?Did you write that scene/chapter you told me about last week?Are you enjoying the story you’re working on right now?Where is your story set?What characters are your favourite in your stories and why?Why did you choose to write this story? Do you know how the story ends? Would you share? (Promise not to tell!)

Don’t ask why they haven’t finished yet. Don’t ask if they’re going to publish this one. Don’t ask if they think it’ll make them (or you both) some money. This is pressure and it takes away from the art itself as worthy of doing.

Give feedback

Of course, if you feel able, give feedback to your writer friend. Feedback should always be constructive and useful, not negative and too personal.

Some useful things you could say:

I really enjoyed the scene where X happened, could you explore more of that?I didn’t feel like the character’s development was consistent because at first they were X and now they’re Y which didn’t really work for meI didn’t quite understand the magic system, was it supposed to be X or did I get that wrong? What themes were you trying to explore here because I understood X and wondered if that’s what you intended

It’s about helping them get out what they originally intended, not what you wanted. It’s about highlighting things that were confusing or inconsistent so they can fix it.

Talk about them

If you’re proud of your writer friend or loved one, you should talk about them! Tell other people that they are a writer. Tell other people of any published works they have out (online or printed). Tell people about your writer friend’s blog (cough cough!!). You should want them to do well and reach more people so if you know people who like to read or enjoy what you know your writer friend writes, then tell people about it!

Eyes on opportunities

Similarly, you could keep an eye out on opportunities that might help your writer friend. Share with them any classes or mentorship programs. Share any writing competitions or agent draws on social media. If you know someone who has an agent looking for work similar to your friend’s, speak them up and tell them immediately. We need all the help we can get.

Share their work

Of course, you need to share their work. If they publish things online, share it around your social media. If they have published a physical book, tell others to go and buy it. Heck, buy the book as a gift for your other friends to enjoy. Why do we share other people’s work but not the work of the people we love? Why do we spend our money on the work of strangers and not those we love? Even if you don’t read it yourself, your support in this way makes a difference in a cutthroat industry like this.

Help them get back up

Writers suffer a lot of rejection. We have a lot of self-doubt and imposter syndrome and fear that we will never be recognised for our hard work. That we’re just not good enough. If you care about us, help us get back up after being knocked down. Be our loudest cheerleader.

Cheer them on with:

You are an amazing writer, I love your work and one day others will tooYou work so hard and I know it’s tough but you love this and therefore one day you’ll get where you need to beGo back to the basics; find your joy in this and you can’t go wrongLet’s work through some ideas together to help you find what went wrong I think you love stories about X so that’s where you need to put your energyYou are strongest when writing about X, let’s explore that together and help you get going again This is tough but so are you They didn’t want your work this time around, but you have what it takes to make it better or for the next person to want it instead Let’s take a break and I will help you get back on track when you’re ready

Just check in

Writing is hard. Sometimes we get sad because our work isn’t working. We writers need help and support with our mental health through the writing journey. Just a phone call, a text, a “how are you doing? I know you’re in a story right now, how’s that going?” goes a long way.

(Thanks, Mom, for checking in with me and talking through my writing with me today. And my husband for texting me about my feelings about my career lately. It really helped me just feel less alone on this journey.)

Thank you for loving us writers. We need all the support! I know we have a passion that can make us dreamy, anxious and reserved but we love you for all your patience and understanding. Please keep cheering us on!

Sincerely,

S. xx

Writing and Reading Revelations – changing the way I do things this autumn-winter

I’ve realised a number of things about my writing and the books I’m reading that I thought I’d share in case they resonate with any of you, too.

Writing the wrong way

I think that I really enjoy writing in notebooks, but I rarely write my actual stories in them anymore, just notes. This is largely because it causes my wrist, fingers and shoulder pain but also, modern life calls for computers and laptops, right?

Well there’s something I find very creative and freeing about notebooks. I used to write my chapters in them all the time. My ideas come out stronger and more creative because I’m taking my time. I can’t write as fast as I type, so I have to be more intentional and therefore my wording is sometimes better. It also allows me to edit as I type up the chapters, resulting in a cleaner first typed draft.

Another thing I think it works well for is a connection to my inner child. As a young writer from the age of about 8, I wrote in notebooks. I adored it. I’d show my mom and she’d mark them. It was great fun! Maybe going back to notebooks (if I can find a way for it to not hurt so much) could fill my happy childhood heart.

Reflective writing

I naturally write fantasy. Most of the novels I’ve finished have been epic fantasy. Set in other worlds or our world but with a lot of characters and powers and battles. Maybe that’s just not me, though. There’s a difference between being good at something and it being right for you. Or being able to do something, and truly enjoying it.

I adore creating characters and worlds and magic systems. But I struggle with epic plots. I struggle with stakes and making it interesting enough for someone to keep reading. Maybe every fantasy of this kind that I write falls flat (for me, at least) or I don’t care to dive in and edit because I actually don’t love this kind of story.

Which leads me onto my next point…

Focusing on the wrong genre

I think that I’ve been focusing on the wrong kinds of stories. It’s sort of embarrassing but it was only yesterday that I realised whenever I list my favourite stories and characters, they are 9 times out of 10 from tv shows and films, not books. This means that for all of my writing career, I’ve been trying to write like the things I watch, not the things I enjoy reading.

Why does this matter? Because what you watch and what you read are different. Watching an epic fantasy fight is awesome, but maybe reading and writing one isn’t. I can’t name epic fantasy books that I’ve read and enjoyed. Aside from Harry Potter, which is largely kids having fun and doing mysteries and bonding at school, not an epic battle. So maybe all this time, I’ve been writing the wrong fantasy. The wrong sub-genre all together.

When I look at my reading stats and books I’ve enjoyed (even if I didn’t love them; I’m still seeking 5 star reads!), they aren’t epic fantasy. They’re either low fantasy and quirky, lighthearted books. Or contemporary books. Or thrilling, or horror books. Or reflective and emotional books. And this makes sense! I love fun writing that makes me go “that’s so cool you saw that in that way!”. I love a unique setting or spin on something ordinary. I love something creepy and eerie. I love metaphors and deep insights. I love digestible and interesting prose that’s not too flowery but deep enough to make me take note. I love something that makes me cry. Something deep and real.

So why aren’t I writing these kinds of books? Am I scared? Do I feel they’re outside of my comfort zone, as epic fantasy is all I’ve ever known? Well, I’m 28 and not getting any younger. I want to be an author so I shouldn’t be wasting time not trying my hand at something that may change my writing forever, for the better. I’m not saying I’m not going to write fantasy, but maybe I’m more like Neil Gaiman (god, I can hope!) and I want to write fantasy that feels odd and quirky and abstract and reflective more than epic? Or Margaret Atwood, whose dystopians aren’t epic but contemplative. They are the only authors of this kind that I know, so please suggest more if you can think of any in the comments below!!

Reading physical books

I’ve read 39 books so far this year, about to finished my 40th this weekend. But largely, I’m not blown away. I feel like there’s so many people who have 5 star reads and favourite books but I can’t say the same. Maybe part of the issue is that I mostly read on my kindle and listen to audiobooks. Only 14 of the 40 have been physical printed books. Maybe there’s something in that.

There’s something more immersive and comforting and cosy about a physical book. Maybe I would enjoy reading certain books more if I read them in paperback. I’m not saying I enjoy every paperback, of course, but maybe it does have even a slight effect on my enjoyment of reading without me noticing it?

Obviously, I read a lot of kindle books because they’re cheaper and simpler to buy. 99p deals are so enticing! Especially for a book I’m not sure if I’ll love. But maybe I need to rethink this. Stop mindlessly filling the kindle and look for secondhand physical books instead. Experiment with this idea.

The audiobooks are a different story (ha, pun!). I can’t stop audiobooks because without them, I would get through less stories and non-fiction books. It’s just a fact that audiobooks help us to read more often because it means you can “read” when you are otherwise doing something you couldn’t do while sitting and physically reading: while cleaning, driving, commuting, walking the dog, showering, cooking etc.

I’m trying to mindfully do more things, especially cooking, so I’m listening to my audiobooks less and just focusing on the task. But in other moments, it’s just convenient. Plus, there’s too many books out there! I need audiobooks to help me reduce my TBR!

Reading genre

Again, I’m noticing genre a lot more. The booktubers I watch talk a lot about fantasy and a lot of the time, I just don’t like what they suggest. I don’t think I’m a big standard fantasy fan. Love watching them, but maybe reading them is not my thing. I think there’s really something to that. That for some of us, watching something and reading something are very different tasks and so we are gripped in very different ways. Maybe I don’t care to read about someone defeating a big bad with their newfound magic, but watching that and being immersed in that world is fantastic. Maybe I want my reading to be a reflective, contemplation. A time of immersing myself deeply into something that makes me think, feel and experience other cultures, emotions and lifestyles. To learn and grow as a person.

We’ll see!

Everything I’ve learned are not absolutes. It’s all just feedback and experiments and intrigue. I’m going to trial these insights out and see where they take me. Again, if it’s not the case, not harm! I’ve learned something new again, either way.

What do you love to write? What do you love to read? Are your reading and watching tastes different? Let me know. And always give me book recommendations, please!

Sincerely,

S. xx

Learning how to fall

Anyone who has tried to learn how to do a handstand, headstand, elbow stand or any other complex move of this sort knows that it’s important to learn how to fall. How to fall safely. Therefore I wanted to share with you the idea of learning how to fall figuratively, aka, learning how to fail.

How to fail safely, comfortably, happily, even.

The only way to get confident at these tricky moves is to remove the fear of falling. That’s why you practice falling. You learn how to fall and fail safely so you don’t hurt yourself and so you’re not scared to keep trying. The same should go for any of our endeavours in life. If we feel safe to fail, we are less scared of trying again and again.

Failure is guaranteed on the road to success, so you should get good at it.

I’ve failed a lot. I’m a big trier. I think this helps me beat perfectionism, accept “good enough”, and not be as afraid to try new things and be bad.

How to get comfortable with failure? With falling? How do you learn to fall safely?

Fail often – you’ll get used to it and be less afraid Have a list of things you’re going to do when you failWrite a mantra or pep talk ready for when you failAccept and know that you’re going to fail and remind yourself that you will be okay afterward Listen to the inspirational talks and advice from people who have overcome failure and became successful in the end Learn to laugh at yourself Remember why you want to try things in the first place Have a safety net (financially, whatever)Find and keep a good support system of peers and family Keep the learner/ beginner mindset to allow yourself to learn and adapt Practice Put yourself out there and remind yourself that everyone is human and they’re judging themselves just as much (if not more) than they are judging you

I’ll leave you with this quote from Theodore Roosevelt through Brene Brown about daring greatly:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” —Theodore Roosevelt

Sincerely,

S. xx

What Makes a Good Villain – Writing Podcast Ep. 8

Welcome back, Daydreamers! Today we have a very exciting episode all about villains! Villains are main characters and should be treated as such. In this episode, we help you flesh out your villain and consider their role in your story from a new angle. Here is how to write a realistic and compelling villain for your novel.

If you like this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any others!

Our podcast is available on many podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts. Search Don’t Quit Your Daydream to find us!

Equilibrium, the journey and self-actualisation

I’ve been very reflective lately and I think that’s partly because it’s nearly autumn which is a reflective time of year and partly because university is over. I’m introspective by nature but a lot of thoughts have been going through my mind and as usual, I feel I want to share some of those thoughts on my blog so hear I am!

As a writer, I have to keep the hero’s journey in mind: they have an equilibrium (a norm), an inciting incident that disturbs their norm, and then an internal and external journey towards change and a new equilibrium to go home to. I’ve not thought about this in terms of myself, though.

In a weird way, we all go through a hero’s journey again and again. It’s not always so linear or easily understood but it’s there. A norm, a disruption, a journey that feels difficult, and then a new norm after having learned and grown.

I think part of my problem is that I haven’t accepted and leaned into a new equilibrium for a while. That I’ve felt on the journey, in the thick of it, for too long. That maybe that’s why I feel called to slow down and breathe. I am ready for a journey to end and just soak up the rewards of my adventures. To relax and enjoy the changes of the last whatever years until I am called onto the next big adventure.

Because yes, there’s always new adventures. Big ones and small ones. The years come with new challenges. The seasons asking for new things from you. It’s unavoidable. We can’t be comfortable forever otherwise we don’t grow.

“Ships in harbour are safe but that’s not what ships are built for”.

However, I don’t feel like I’ve been in the harbour for a long time. Not touched down in a comfy equilibrium. I feel like I’ve been out at sea for a while and I want to return home to myself. Maybe I’m being dramatic (forgive me, I’m a writer!). But there’s something to this, I think.

So how do I get back? How do I return home to a new equilibrium and relax until the next call to action?

I think it’s about remembering who you are. It’s about reconnecting with what you wanted and who you truly are beneath all the external noise. On a hero’s journey, you’re often fighting external forces while learning about yourself within. I have done that with things like finding the right work, my creative pursuits, relationships, transitions from one thing to another, leaving home, marriage, and university. All normal things adults can go through. All while coping with my mental health and emotional health. It’s been a battle of keeping up and acceptance.

I feel I’m in a much better place now. I have the things I once hoped for. I am better mentally (though I’ve a long way to go). And in general, life is good. Big chapters have closed. I feel it’s okay to rest now. To accept my new equilibrium of being an aspiring author, a wife, a school worker, a yogi, a reader, a dog-mom and a nature lover. To stop trying to force labels on myself that don’t fit. To stop trying to keep up with others. To stop comparing. To just be.

I don’t want to battle the big boss villain anymore. I want to return to the homeland.

I think this is the right time to relax because before I know it, life will throw another curve ball, another inciting incident, and I will have to journey again. But until then, why force a challenge on myself that’s not needed? I am someone who naturally tries hard and won’t become lazy. It’s just not me. So all I need to do is relax into what I’m already doing habitually and stop forcing or fighting myself for once.

Living with anxiety for most of my life means I’ve felt like I’m always fighting the big bad guy. I don’t want that for myself anymore. I want this little hero to go home for a while.

Self-actualisation is a grand, scary concept. This idea of becoming our best selves. It feels like if we’re not constantly challenging ourselves and hustling and optimising our time, then we will fall short. We may not fail but we won’t reach our full potential either. And this does scare me. Wasted time. Wasted potential. But I think we need room for self-reflection to truly self-actualise. That without taking a step back, having a breather, and seeing our progress, then we won’t always be our best selves at all. This is what the new equilibrium is about. Not passively letting life go by and avoiding hardships, but reaping the rewards of our labour and our journey. Noting what worked and what didn’t so we are better prepared for the next pursuit. Remember that a new equilibrium means you have completed a journey and grown as a person. How awesome is that?! Be grateful for all you have and all you’ve learned by enjoying it and the stage you’re in now.

Look upon life from this new vantage point and smile. You did well.

Sincerely,

S. Xx

How to World Build for a Fantasy Novel – Writing Podcast Ep. 7

Welcome back, Daydreamers! Today we are bringing out the big guns and talking about how to build a world for your fantasy novel. Worldbuilding is a big part of being a fantasy novelist and if this scares you, don’t worry, we have your back! Here is everything to consider when worldbuilding and how to write your world in your novel.

If you liked this episode, check out our other episodes as we have more on worldbuilding and subscribe!

Our podcast is available on many podcast platforms, like Apple Podcasts. Search Don’t Quit Your Daydream to find us!

Romanticising your life

Something I want to try for the change in seasons is romanticising my life a bit more. Autumn and winter are very aesthetically pleasing and vibey times of year, and so I thought this was a perfect time to practice this idea.

I have watched some content about “romanticising your life” but I want to go by my own curated definition. Here is what romanticising my life is going to look and feel like…

Gratitude

Gratitude is an important practice for anyone who wants to feel more positive. When I think of a romantic life, it’s one that feels good to live. It’s personally beautiful and feels positive for me. So I don’t need to do or have something in particular. Instead, be so wonderfully grateful for the things I already have.

Unjaded Jade on YouTube talks about “casual magic” and I want to try this on myself. Consciously witnessing and appreciating the small, casual, everyday things that are actually quite enjoyable and awe-inspiring. The sunlight on your morning cup of tea, the squirrel racing across your path on the way to work, the smell of porridge, the smile on someone’s face when they see you.

It shifts your perspective which I believe makes you more appreciative of your life and thus it feels more romantic to live it.

Presence

This leads me nicely onto the second most important point: Presence. In order to be grateful, you need to pay attention to the world around you. You need to be fully aware and present in this moment.

Mindfulness is something I first heard about during my study of psychology and then it became very popular very quickly, and for good reason. It’s about being in your body, being in the space and place you are when you’re there. Wherever you go, there you are. Not thinking about what’s for dinner, or that mistake you made five years ago, or if you will ever afford to go to Japan.

It’s being right here, right now.

The reason I connect this to romanticising your life is because, as with the gratitude practice, it forces you to look at your life in a new way. You’re not giving in to worries and fears and future plans, but enjoying the moment. How many of us have ruined great moments by not truly living in them? It’s scary and sad, but normal in our modern world.

Romanticise your life by fully being present in it as it unfolds, witnessing the blessings you may not have noticed otherwise.

Aesthetics

Of course, we need to talk about the aesthetic of a romantic life. Nothing is romantic about a messy house! Nothing is romantic about an outfit that you don’t feel good in. Nothing is romantic about chaos and dull colours.

I’m not saying go out and buy a bunch of things that are pretty. No, no, no! I’m certainly not going to. Instead, tidy and clean your space. That’s it! Maybe declutter and get rid of things that are just in the way and don’t spark joy or have any use. When you do your next food shop, grab a bouquet of flowers or even false ones that don’t ever die!

If your space really does need some new things and TLC, check charity shops and thrift stores for secondhand gems. Ask around your family and friends for old things they don’t want that might look beautiful in your home (I have an old bookcase, armchair and ottoman from my sister that she didn’t want and I love them!).

And don’t be afraid to wear that nicer outfit. Just going to work? Who cares? Everyday is a good day to look and feel good. Don’t reach for that easy, go-to outfit that you know you only wear so you can blend in and you don’t actually like it. Wear something that feels good for you. It makes the work day feel a lot better, trust me!

Less tech

There’s nothing romantic about watching tv all day or scrolling on your phone. Think about every youtuber’s morning or night routine that you’ve watched: they don’t involve hours of tv and social media (even if that’s what the youtuber does in real life, let’s be honest).

Instead, read a book, play a board game, sit outside with your partner or sibling or mother or dog. Go for a walk. Do yoga or meditate. Do something artsy.

You will never regret spending less time on screens. On your deathbed (sorry, morbid), you won’t lament not watching more Netflix! Instead, there is a whole world around you that you’re missing because your head is always down or your eyes glued to a screen. Ironically, we watch people doing cool or pretty things when we could be doing them ourselves! Yes, we can’t do everything and some people have the privilege to live very different lives to our own. But there is beauty and casual magic all around us, even for those of us who, like me, live in low socioeconomic environments. Nature is beautiful; go find some of it and stand in awe. It will never be unhealthy to spend time in nature instead of on technology and it’s romantic as heck!

Little gems of romance

Other little gems for romantic vibes that will have you feeling good about your life, but aren’t difficult or expensive:

Picking flowers Sitting or walking in natureAnnotating books Reading books Arts and crafts projects Time outside Wearing a brighter colour Painting your nailsDancingSinging along to your favourite songs Waking up and meditating or doing yoga BreathworkReorganising your spaceColour code your books Open your windowsDrink your morning tea or coffee outside Sit or play with your dog or catWatch your child playing or join in and let your inner child out Light a candle Listen to flaming music as your cook Cook something new and interesting – try foods from around the world Journal in pretty notebooks with pretty colours Hold hands with someone you loveTaking more photos and videos (of everything, don’t have to share)Do a puzzle Write letters or notes to people you care about Smile at strangers

Romanticising your life is about appreciating it more, seeing the beauty, and living like you’re in a movie (preferably a Studio Ghibli one!). So take some time to live more fully in your beautiful life and shape it into something that feels good.

Sincerely,

S. xx