Are you down to frolic, or are you too cool for that? Here’s the answer: you’re not too cool, so stop pretending like you wouldn’t enjoy a good skip, frolic, or dance in the aisle of the grocery store. Whimsy is defined as playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor. In my definition, whimsy is not taking life too seriously, making the best of what comes to you, and having a sense of childlike innocence and joy in everyday instances. I believe that everyone takes everything a little too seriously, and a little whimsy could very well be the solution.
Think of a five-year-old – maybe it’s five-year-old you, maybe it’s the kid you saw riding their scooter on the sidewalk – think of how they approach life. They think how they want, say what they want (which isn’t always a good thing depending on the kid, I suppose), and wear what they want. They are innocent and naive, and while we may never be able to get those things back, we can choose to experience pure joy again. Let us tap into our inner whimsy.
Here are some ways you can be whimsical!
Skip and frolic!
No matter where you are or where you’re going, skip! Give it a try in the hallway, going to your car, in your house, and down the street. Skipping is something a lot of us did as kids- it was a main form of transportation in elementary school- but it seemed to fade as we grew up. So, grab your friend’s arm and frolic or skip around today!
Whistle!
I’ve been super into whistling lately (I finally learned how to do it) and while it could be annoying to those around you, it’s a fun and whimsical little thing you can do anywhere. Just curl your tongue a bit right behind your bottom teeth, make your lips a little “o”, and blow out. I highly recommend staying whimsical in a musical way for some extra flair. Maybe even do a little tap dance while you’re at it! Keep it interesting, and see where the wind takes you!
You do you!
There are so many trends and aesthetics online that it can be hard to take them all in. Here’s the trick: don’t buy into it! Wear what you’re feeling, make up your own aesthetic, decorate your room how you like, and you’ll achieve utmost whimsy! Now, if the trends are what you like, there’s no shame in that! Just find yourself and know who you are before you let the world tell you who you should be. Think of the little girl who wore unicorn leggings and a swimsuit with a leather jacket to kindergarten picture day. She didn’t care about the looks. Now that’s inspiring- and whimsical.
Whimsy isn’t just a word, but a way of life. And while some of these things may be extreme, the point is to have fun and not think too hard. My favorite way to think of whimsy is pure, childlike bliss. Even though I have things to do and places to be, I’m trying to make whimsy a part of my daily routine. Let’s learn from the children and make the choice to see the mundane moments as opportunities for joy.
