Why I Always Tend to Romanticize My Life
I can't remember how many times I've seen the film "Eat, Pray, Love."
If you're not familiar with it, it's the story of Elizabeth Gilbert, and it shows how she found love, friendship, and herself while on a quest throughout Italy, India, and Indonesia.
I often wondered what it would be like to go on a soul-searching escapade across Bali — today, my wondering stopped as I am finally here.
However, my story couldn't be more different from Elizabeth's.
First, I'm not divorced.
Second, I'm not having an identity crisis.
Third, well — I think I know what I'm looking for on this journey.
There are days when I feel like my life is straight out of a movie.
I mean, I travel the world while working on my laptop. Plus, I'm in a constant search of the things that make my heart glad — doesn't this sound like a plot of a blockbuster film?
Although, my life is far from being a movie, just like how I'm far from being like Julia Robert in the film I've watched time and time again.
Do you want to know what keeps me going, though?
It's the constant attempt at romanticizing my life and the continuous attempt at living my everyday life like I'm the main character in a feel-good movie. After all, I am the main character in my life, so I might as well act like it.
Today I found myself needing a cup of coffee after working all morning.
So I took the scooter I rented here in Bali and drove nearby to a coffee shop for an iced coffee and a chocolate croissant.
It was a peaceful feeling, and sitting by the jungle while enjoying my meal was something I sincerely enjoyed.
You see, I love the big moments that life throws at us here and there.
I mean, who doesn't love it when someone sweeps you off your feet or when you get a massive surprise?
Sure, that's something that I like to experience every once in a while. Although I think if I had one surprise for each day, it would defeat its purpose and simply be "meh."
So the big moments are reserved for special occasions, and these are times that I cherish and crave every once in a while.
But do you know what I live for?
I live for those small moments.
These are the moments that I experience on a daily basis, and they might seem so tiny compared to the surprises. But when you add them up, they complete the bigger picture.
Some of the small moments that make me so happy are when I take the very first sip of my morning coffee.
It can also be that time at the end of the day when I've finished all the work I have to do, and I shut down my MacBook.
Oh, it could be the little messages my brothers send me every time something funny happens so I won't feel left out because I'm far away from home.
Then again, it could be the times when I stroll around Bali in my scooter, and the wind brushes past my skin.
Though my favorite small moment now is when I see the guy I like, and he hugs me tightly as if it was the first time we've ever hugged.
These small moments fill up my life, and I live for them.
I tend to romanticize these moments a lot because, at the end of the day, they are the memories that I'll look back on whenever I feel sad or alone.
I don't often feel sad, but when I do, emotions keep rushing through me.
So it helps to have those little memories of the people I love to help me battle my anxiety.
Yes, I tend to romanticize my life a lot, because why not? There's no rule that states you can't do it.
I'm feeling extra moody and sad tonight, but I look back at the tiny moments in my life and compile them together like scenes from a movie.
These moments might not be pretty, but these are the moments that make me realize I have lived.
If I were to start over, I would do it all again and choose these choices again if it means I would end up in this exact moment.
So please romanticize your lives; I urge you to do so. After all, you're the main character in your own life, and nobody can tell you otherwise.
For now, I will do more romanticizing and less worrying — well, I'll try.
