Yoyo's Top Five
Romanticize Your Life (or Level Up, Boss Up or Whatever Works) How small, intentional steps can make your life feel like a scene worth replaying
A friend recently told me her brother stumbled across my blog and said, “It’s good but it feels like it’s for women. That phrase Romanticize Your Life? Men don’t really say that.” According to him, it should’ve been titled something like Boss Moves or Level Up, you know, something with testosterone.
Fair point.
But I asked, “Did he find the tips useful?”
He said, “Yeah…some.”
I’ll take that win. Because while yes, I write with a particular voice (ahem, unapologetically feminine and fabulous), I also have three sons. And I’d like to think this blog has wisdom with enough range to bless them too.
So whether you’re Romanticizing Your Life, Leveling Up, or Simply Trying to Get it Together on a TGIF, I got you.
Let’s get into it.
What Does It Mean to Romanticize (or Level Up) Your Life?
It doesn’t mean buying expensive perfume and sitting in a cafe in Champs-Élysées (although I fully support that, too). It means taking small steps to become the person you actually want to be. The one you imagined when you were younger, before bills, burnout, and the by force baby hairs.
And no, I’m not selling a course. I don’t have a 12-week blueprint or a secret formula.
Just lived experiences that might resonate.
And if it worked for me (and it has), it can work for you.
So here’s a simple framework I’d give my sons and anyone else who will give me three minutes of their time.
Step One: Write It Down. But Keep It Light
You’ve heard it before: journal it. But this isn’t homework or a manifest-your-million-dollars-overnight challenge.
We’re starting slow.
Write down one quality you want your future self to possesses.
Example: I want to be more social.
Boom. Done. No deep psychoanalysis needed (unless you’re into that).
Now, let’s follow that thought:
Step Two: Where Would This Social Version of You
I like games, soccer, basketball, or footbal. I like movies. I like trying new restaurants. I like bars, bubs, live music and pop-up events.
So ask yourself: Where can you show up? Not just physically, but energetically. Because social people don’t just go places, they bring a vibe. Check Eventbrite. Google activities or events happening this week. If you live in a major city, there are always something going on that is free and look for people to participate. I will share some of my favorites in next week’s blog.
Step Three: Phone A Friend. Who Would You Bring?
Now, this part’s important: You don’t have to become an extrovert overnight. Start by identifying the friends who align with certain activities.
Sports Friend: there are endless bars that have games playing every hour on the hour. Grab a friend for a drink and to watch a game.
Movie Friend: Loves arthouse films like you? Hit them up.
Foodie Friend: Always down to try new cuisine? Send the invite.
Vibe Curator: Great company at concerts? Get on their calendar.
Let it be natural. Intentional. No mass invites, just quality connection.
Step Four: What Would You Wear?
Okay, now we’re talking.
Your future self probably isn’t wearing pajama pants to brunch. (Unless they’re silk. Then, yes.) And for my ladies, please no more slip dresses..uggh!
Ask yourself: What do I feel confident in? And, not what the internet says. or what’s trending.
What makes you feel like the main character? Polo, jeans and baseball cap. A long sleeve dress shirt with slacks. A business power suit.
Step Five: How Do You Make It a Habit?
This is where the magic happens. Repetition turns random into ritual.
Schedule one outing a week. Doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. A cup of coffee with a friend. A Zoom chat during lunch.
Block it off time weekly and make it a non-negotiable meeting. Set an alarm on your phone. and designate the alarm: Bad Bitch Moves or Level Up Boss Moves.. you get my drift. And pour into yourself.
Bonus points: Reflect on it in your journal weekly. How did it make you feel?
It is important to recognize those feelings and encourage that new identity.
Because guess what? You’re not just romanticizing your life or leveling up. You’re designing it.
Final Thoughts:
The goal is the same: To live with intention.
To show up for yourself.
To sprinkle joy into the ordinary until the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
So, to my sons, and to anyone scrolling through life feeling a little “meh”—
This is your reminder to romanticize, level up, glow up, boss up...
Or just show up.
It all counts.