Whimsy Should Be Easy

Whimsical. Whimsymaxxing. 

These terms have been trending lately on social media, creators posting bedazzled matcha cups and face masks, cutting star-shaped fruit, pouring colorful sprinkles on coffee, and much more. Along with that, there’s been division over what it means to be whimsical, and performative “whimsy” vs. true, authentic “whimsy”.

So what actually counts as whimsy? And why does being whimsical matter?

The Merriam-Webster definition of whimsical is “resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice”, and the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as, “unusual and strange in a way that might be funny or annoying”. In general, we use it to describe anything that is playful, imaginative, or lighthearted, often linking it to creative and impulsive childlike behavior. 

Some examples of whimsical things include fairy-tales, colorful outfits, or spontaneous and fun behavior like dancing in the rain. Many creators online use the concept of whimsy as a way to romanticize and enjoy one’s life. It’s something that empowers people to come back to themselves, and prevent them from getting stuck in the soulless, bleak cycle of “work, eat, sleep, repeat”. 

However, like most trends, consumerism finds a way to take over, overshadowing the  original thought behind being more whimsical in the process. When you search “whimsymaxxing” on Instagram, results are flooded with posts and reels of face masks, plastic cups, and even people’s skin being plastered with colorful gems. While aesthetically pleasing, those things are disposed of after it gets posted online and creates an idea that you need gems to be “whimsical”. In response to these posts, there are reels that claim those activities are not truly whimsical–rather, they are “performative” and “consumerismmaxxing”. 

At first, I agreed that it was performative. But the whole mindset and attitude of being “whimsical” is subjective. It is truly up to the person; what do they like? What brings them joy? What makes them feel like a child again? I thought to myself that I would feel playful and fun if I were to decorate my cup of matcha. It is indisputably wasteful, but does that mean it isn’t whimsical if it truly makes me happy? Does determining what makes something “whimsical” go against the purpose of being whimsical?

As mentioned earlier, being whimsical should be a lighthearted thing. It should be fun, creative, and positive. Its whole purpose is to provide a space away from all the seriousness and negativity that we all experience in life. My personal opinion is that whimsy can look like different things to different people. I believe that as long as it brings that person true joy and a sense of fun and play, that they are being whimsical.

Creating rules or being strict around what should be considered whimsical, takes away from the fun and the lightheartedness of it all. There are definitely people that are just taking advantage of this trend, but I want to remind people that they have the power. If someone genuinely likes putting gems on their face or their hair, and they want to share that online, I think that they should feel like it is okay to. Additionally, if someone does not want to buy gems to decorate their belongings, that does not make them any less “whimsical”. Whimsy is not something that can be bought; it is something within people. People can express this in different ways, like singing in the shower, lighting candles, sewing fun clothes, and more. 

Bedazzling your items is not the only thing that counts as “whimsical”. Whimsy can be found in your attitude, mindset, energy–ultimately, it is the way you carry yourself and live your life. Do you find fun in the little moments? Do you make time to do what you love? Do you spread love and happiness wherever you go? 

For anyone who feels like they need to buy something to be whimsical or are not truly whimsical because they are following a trend, please remember that it is not supposed to be that serious. It is what you make of it. Whether that means bedazzling matcha cups or trying a new hairstyle, whimsy should be easy and fun. So, figure out what truly brightens your day and makes you feel light, and go be whimsical!

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