Romanticizing the 9-5 as a Solo Girl

No one tells you that working a 9-5 can make you feel like your life disappears. You spend the week waiting for the weekend, only to be so busy on your days off that you start Monday already drained.

It’s wild to think just two years ago, I was praying for this life. And don’t get me wrong — I love my job. But waking up at 5am, leaving home by 7, sitting in one spot all day, and getting home around 6pm? By the time I get back, the day is basically gone. I'm always on the go, always waiting for the weekend — and then the weekend is so packed I go back to work tired. The cycle is nonstop.

So, I decided to take control of the time I do have.
And I started by romanticizing my life.

Growing up, I watched those romance movies where the girl would get surprise flowers or go to a candlelit dinner. After my breakup, I realized I’d been accepting the bare minimum — because I’d never really seen anything else. But I didn’t want to wait around for someone else to show me romance. I wanted to give that experience to myself.

So I asked: What would the girl in the movie do?

🌅 It started with my alarm clock.

The default iPhone alarm was so loud, it would jolt me awake with my heart racing. That chaotic energy carried into my whole day. So I changed it to something soft, uplifting, and gentle — and just like that, my mornings felt a little more peaceful. I didn’t feel like I was rushing. I felt like I was in control.

🕯 I added a candle to my morning routine.

Instead of turning on the harsh overhead lights right away, I lit a candle. It helped me stay calm, grounded, and connected. I’d do my morning devotion and skincare with that soft glow in the background — and it felt like a mini spa moment, even at 5am. Paired with a solid skincare routine (chef’s kiss), I was leaving the house feeling relaxed and in control.

🎧 I changed what I listened to on my commute.

I used to play the same old playlist from 2016 (iykyk), or whatever was on the radio. But I realized it was putting me in a negative mood before I even got to work. Now, I listen to sermons or educational podcasts. It helps me shift my mindset and challenge the way I think. Just hearing something uplifting in the background sets the tone for a better day.

💐 I brought romance to work with me.

I started buying myself flowers and keeping them on my desk. I got a cute coffee mug that makes me smile. And I stopped watching the clock. At past jobs, I was obsessed with the time — counting down the hours, watching the seconds tick by. But now, I try to stay present and just let the day flow.

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’m grateful to have a job I love — the energy is low-pressure and the management is kind. But still, there’s this lingering feeling that I want more. That’s why I’ve started building my digital marketing skills on the side. But while I’m growing in that area, I also realized: I can enjoy the time I already have. I can make the little moments matter.

These small changes have deepened my healing journey. I’m not waiting to feel magical anymore — I’m creating that feeling, even on a random Tuesday in traffic or during my 10-minute skincare routine. Healing doesn’t always look like therapy sessions or crying it out. Sometimes, it looks like changing your alarm tone. Buying yourself flowers. Drinking coffee from a mug that makes you smile.

This soft girl version of me is still healing.
Still growing.
Still showing up every day — with love, for myself.

💌 Weekly Challenge

This week, I challenged myself to take 3 small parts of my daily routine and romanticize them. And I realized something: I’ve been selling myself short. That’s why I accepted the bare minimum. But when you start to romanticize your life, you quickly learn it’s not just the thought that counts — it’s the follow-through.

So I’m inviting you to join me:

For the next 7 days, choose one part of your daily routine and romanticize it.
Even the smallest detail can make the biggest difference.

It could be:

• Spraying your favorite perfume — just because

• Playing a feel-good playlist on your way to work

• Journaling your thoughts with a cup of tea

• Wearing earrings or an outfit that makes you feel pretty

• Turning your skincare routine into a full spa moment

At the end of the week, ask yourself:
“Which moment made me feel the most connected to myself?”
Let that answer guide how you want to keep showing up. 🌸