8 Rules for a Whimsical Life
This article was inspired by the prompt in Bella Grace Field Guide to Everyday Magic: Issue 11
Whimsical (adjective); WIM-zih-kul; quaint, unusual or spontaneously fanciful or playful
While I was exploring downtown Toronto on a Saturday afternoon I stopped to take a photo of a church. I never tire of admiring the adorned moldings of the arches. An man sitting on the steps of the church noticed me and pointed to the building across the street. He could tell I was the sort of person who would appreciate what he was about to show me. It was a plain building in most respects, with regular red brick and average shaped windows. The man instructed me to look higher up and sure enough, near the gabled roof, was a rectangular gap cut out of the facade. And within that cut out, was another, smaller cut out in the shape of a heart. “Imagine the time and consideration that must have gone into adding an embellishment like that,” the man on the steps mused. “Someone went out of their way to create such a tiny detail.” It’s sad to think how many people have walked by this building and never noticed it before. But I know that the ones who have spotted it felt a spark of whimsical joy. This little anecdote sets the tone for “rules” I follow to lead a whimsical life.
1. Literally stop to smell the roses. If you don’t slow down, you will miss the best parts. Take photos of the lilacs in your neighborhood. Appreciate the brief moment in time when tulips are in bloom. Admire the architecture of the old buildings. Follow the hopscotch map etched on the sidewalk. Read the messages written on painted rocks left in the community garden. If you never take the time to appreciate your surroundings, you'll miss all the small, seemingly insignificant moments that add up to a life fully lived.
2. Embrace the nerdy things you love. There should be no such thing as a guilty pleasure. Never apologize for what excites you, whether it’s books, music, anime, board games, birding, scrapbooking, or anything else. These are the things that give life its colour.
3. Be open to spontaneity. Rushing often hinders the experience. If the unexpected presents itself, don’t be afraid to go off course. Pull over and browse the curbside yard sale, say yes to the last-minute coffee dates or that late-night drive. As someone who loves to keep a planner, make lists, and set schedules to manage my anxiety, I must admit there’s nothing I love more than being whisked away by a friend for an impromptu hike two hours north of the city. Embrace the spontaneity; it can lead to the most memorable moments.
4. Go outside. It’s a cliché, but being in nature really does wonders for the soul.
5. Get in touch with your creativity. You do not have to be a “great artist” for this to apply. In fact, regardless of skill level, engaging in creative activities is proven to reduce stress, stimulates cognitive function such as memory and attention, and even boost self-esteem. Thinking out of the box provides a pure sense of fulfillment. You’ll find that once you get started, you won’t want to stop!
6. Decorate your home. This one might seem unconventional, but I’ve discovered that making my personal space a reflection of my unique style has created a safe, welcoming environment for me to come home to. Being surrounded by books, art, and furniture that I love truly makes a difference. Decorating your home doesn’t have to be expensive; it’s about creating a cozy space that brings you joy. To paraphrase Marie Kondo: if something in your home doesn’t spark joy, it’s time for it to go!
7. Don’t confuse rest with wasting time. A lazy Sunday is nothing to be shameful of if you’re tired and need to slow down. Hustle culture has had a negative impact on my mental health in the past, but in the last few years I’ve learned to recognize when I need quiet time to myself and to give myself permission to take it without feeling guilty.
8. Stay humble. The key to living a truly whimsical life is humility. When I gaze up at the stars, I feel wonderfully small, a reminder that I am just a tiny part of an infinite universe, yet a part of it nonetheless. This perspective deepens my appreciation for the little things. Practicing daily gratitude fosters a positive outlook, enhancing my sense of wonder and joy.
