Let’s be honest, life is sometimes really hard. Even the little things can make life difficult. Writing this, I am actively trying to get ready for a HerCampus social event while juggling this article and writing a first draft of my honors thesis. One more thing added to my plate right now will make me blow my fuse, so how do I remain sane despite the juggling act that is the college experience? I try to find fun and whimsy in the little things in life. My personal current means of fun is my Tomodachi Life save and the crochet blanket that I am working on.
Living out in the world by yourself can be stressful, so I take this newfound freedom to create and decorate a space that will add some joy to my tedious life. My college dorm room is what some people call overly decorated, but I think it’s the perfect way to express myself. Part of the whimsy of my room comes from me, as I painted/created a large portion of the decorations in my room. However, you do not need to be crafty to add whimsy to your personal space; step-by-step diamond paintings, coloring pages, button crafts, and photo dumps/collages are all wonderful and creative ways to express yourself and your unique skills, despite lacking a crafty gene.
A surefire way to add whimsy to your life is to collect unique items. Whether you are a pressed penny collector, button collector, vintage clothing collector, or jewelry collector, finding an interesting means of expressing yourself can add fun and a long-term goal to your time spent in college, even if your collection centers around going to every coffee shop and campus and finding the worst item.
A little way to add fun and whimsy to a dreary or stressful day is a simple walk outside, especially if your walk centers around nature and a good playlist. The right music can make any moment or adventure in your life into a whimsical memory. A walk in nature is the most surefire way to add whimsy to your day, as what is more beautiful and magical than flowers, bees, and stars?
The best way to add whimsy and fun to your life is to express yourself in your own unique way, but that doesn’t have to mean anything grand or polished. It can be as simple as wearing colors that don’t quite match but feel right to you, doodling in the margins of your notebook, or laughing a little too loudly at something small. Whimsy lives in those tiny, unfiltered moments where you stop editing yourself for the world and just are. When you let your personality spill into the ordinary, your routines, your style, your thoughts, you start to turn everyday life into something softer, brighter, and a little more magical. It’s not about trying to be interesting; it’s about being honest in the most playful way you can.