Unless you’ve assumed an off-grid existence in recent years, it’s likely you’ve come across the suggestion that you should ‘romanticise your life’. It’s a trend that encourages revelling in life’s simple pleasures: that first sip of coffee in the morning, listening to sweet birdsong, basking in golden hour light or reading in the garden.

Think cottagecore meets slow living – romanticising your life is about appreciating what you already have. There’s no pressure to overhaul your life, splurge on new workout gear or reinvent your entire personality; it’s not even about changing your routine – it’s all about amplifying the positive, calm elements of your existence.

Born out of the pandemic, when travel was restricted and socialising was off the cards, the wholesome movement flourished. It leans into the practice of mindfulness – to be present in the moment and pay attention to your thoughts, senses and surroundings in a non-judgmental way.

The days of ‘living for the weekend’ or the next holiday are long gone, as people try to live each day with more purpose to find joy in unavoidable, everyday activities.

Courtney Halverson, the blogger behind the bewitching Pretty Little Fawn account, brings a vintage cottagecore aesthetic to the trend as she encourages her followers to indulge in the slow moments.

Through a window, Halverson lies on a picnic blanket in her plush green garden. She lovingly cuddles her dog as the audio says: “You’ll never regret romanticising your life; take the smallest moments and make them into something beautiful.”

Romanticising your life could be the secret to finding joy in small moments