When I was younger, I was an avid reader of all things fantasy. Fairies, elves, witches, and mermaids were my jam. No matter what was going on in my life, I could drift away to a magical land on my bedroom floor. Many nights, my parents would catch me reading by night light way past my bedtime – it got to a point where I wasn’t allowed to keep books in my room and would subsequently hide them under my mattress to continue my late-night exploits. The woods behind my home became an enchanted forest. My house was a castle. Things felt simpler back then, and all the more exciting for it.
But to my shock and horror, I grew up. No longer did I have the time or energy for late-night reading: that time had to be devoted to homework and extracurriculars. Little by little, the bits of whimsy fade away. Wake up. Brush your teeth. Ignore the acne popping up on your chin. Go to class. Doomscroll. Go to work. Doomscroll. Get a bit of homework done. Doomscroll. Sleep.
It was around October of last year that I’d had enough. I ordered a few bottles of teal hair dye and didn’t think twice. It was one of the few steps I took in “whimsimaxxing” my life. Here is my non-exhaustive list of things to help reclaim your magic.Â
- Present yourself however you want to. Nothing will bring you down like conformity. For me, it means cramming as much color and glitter onto my eyelids as possible, choosing unconventional lip colors, and putting together outfits that inspire my creativity whilst bringing comfort. Lace, leather, and velvet galore.Â
- Sometimes it really is that damn phone. Unplug and reconnect with yourself and others. Or try your best at least. I definitely struggle with this, but a conscious effort to be more present in my everyday life has helped a lot in rekindling a sense of wonder.Â
- Immerse yourself in nature often. The most magical thing of all is the beauty of the world we live in! Take a walk or hike, visit a local park, or simply take the time to step outside and breathe a few lungfuls of air.
- Start keeping a journal. Reflecting on and documenting the day-to-day is a good way to appreciate life and decompress from the things that bring you down. And a journal doesn’t just have to be writing – art, junk journaling, and scrapbooking are all amazing outlets for emotion and experience. Decorate that notebook!
- Get creative. Do things with your hands. See the tactile fruits of your labor. Take up a new hobby and learn some new skills. In the past year, I have tried knitting, crochet, beadwork, linocut printing, cross stitch, and beekeeping. Even if the hobby doesn’t stick, each has added value and knowledge to my life.Â
- Surround yourself with love. And I don’t just mean the romantic kind. While a partner can add a lot of value to your life, they shouldn’t be the only thing you aspire to. Friends who love and support you no matter what are priceless. Friendship is magic after all!Â
- Live in the moment. This one is clichĂ© to have on the list, but it’s true. Sometimes, stopping thoughts about tomorrow and being in today is the best remedy for melancholy.Â
- Read!!!!!!!
- Seek out the strange and unusual. The path less traveled has much left to discover. Inspiration may strike you in the most peculiar of places.Â
- Fear of judgment is the death of joy. The moment you stop worrying about what others think of you is the moment you will be free. Because chances are, they’re too busy thinking the same negative thoughts to think about you at all
Little by little, I am working to carve a space full of wonder and whimsy in my life, between societal demands and self-doubt. Who’s to say magic is a thing only for children?  Â