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As people grow older, it’s easy to fall into the lull of conformity within a variety of decisions, whether it’s in how you design your home or how you spend your days. Thankfully, newer generations are bringing the whimsy-maxing lifestyle.  

What is Whimsy-maxxing?

Maxxing has often been associated with optimizing productivity and achieving visible results. But with whimsy-maxxing, the main goal is simply to bring joy back into your life and embrace your own individuality. Imagine if maximalism and slow living joined forces. 

Keep in mind that whimsy-maxxing goes beyond the social media trends of bedazzling your face, disposable cups and more. If anything, it’s not meant to be performative.

Whimsymaxxing is supposed to be about doing things out of the ordinary because that’s what you want to do. It’s wearing a onesie out in public for the fun of it or having a room full of dinosaur decor because it’s your fixation. 

The Importance of Whimsy In Your Life

Bringing whimsy into your daily routine is vital to feeling alive. As it stands, only 83% of Americans are at least somewhat satisfied with their personal life. However, it’s not enough to settle for just that. Life is meant to be playful and full of joy. 

You’re still allowed to be practical and have functional things. However, a splash of color here or a creative piece there could bring a smile to your face on an otherwise dreary day. And if your mood was already great, wouldn’t it be nice to make it even better?

Discovering Your Individuality

Channeling your inner individuality can be hit-or-miss for some people. Here’s a guide on how to do peak whimsymaxxing. 

1. Be Honest With Yourself

The first step in whimsy-maxxing is knowing how you personally define whimsy. If you don’t know the answer, try to get to know yourself first. Here are a couple of questions you can try asking yourself:

• What’s something nostalgic that you truly connect with?
• What are childish interests that you’ve had to brush aside?
• What kind of experience sparks your curiosity and compels you to try it?
• Would your inner child find you cool with the way that you are now?
• How would you decorate your home if you never had to invite any guests?
• If you were the last person on Earth, what would you freely do?

2. Look for Decor that Calls to You

The next step is to shop with the intention of buying things that bring you joy. You don’t have to fully replace all your plain belongings, nor should you have a strict list of things to buy with a deadline. Think of whimsy-maxxing more as giving yourself permission to be a little more liberal.

For example, say you’re a sucker for fashion. You can look for a few creative jewelry holders that can hold necklaces, bracelets and earrings while making your space cuter. For example, an intricate wooden box or jewelry mannequin can be beautiful.

3. Create a Space for Your Quirky Hobbies

Whether it’s perfume blending or doll painting, create a dedicated space for your hobbies. Having a room or a corner where you can just channel your ultimate focus can be more liberating than you think.

If your hobby involves collecting, you can still dedicate a space solely to it. Experiment with a variety of display cases to showcase your assortment. You can also have these trinkets decorated around the house for a little pick-me-up in each area. 

4. Give Your Closet an Upgrade 

Aside from home design and decor, try whimsy-maxxing your collection. Your wardrobe should help you celebrate your individuality rather than box it in. Look for pieces you know you’ll love and wear even five years down the line. 

Try to explore different colors, prints and patterns that call to you. And if you hear a voice in your head that tells you that ballet flats or cowboy boots don’t suit you, turn its volume down and indulge yourself. All that matters is that you can afford it, you look good in it and that you’ll wear it often. 

5. DIY Your Own Projects

While there is a plethora of funky items out there, sometimes the joy comes from creating them. It could be anything from painting your own mural art to sewing a dress that you’ve been envisioning for forever. 

You can also explore tutorials for pieces that you think you would enjoy. For example, here’s a sample of a creator building tile coasters from scratch:

6. Whimsify Everyday Items

Bedazzling single-use items may be a big no-no, but you’re more than welcome to customize bags with little charms or add stickers to your favorite laptop. Think about which items you use regularly and add a little extra fun to them. 

It doesn’t have to be just material items. For example, freeze water and butter into little heart-shaped molds rather than the regular squares. You’d be surprised how much more fun pancakes and iced coffee can be with just a little customization. 

7. Make Time for Trying New Things

A big part of whimsy is allowing yourself to be curious and to indulge those curiosities. Learning something new can be a little out of your comfort zone. However, the experience and joy that you get from picking up a new skill can be more euphoric than anything. 

For example, say that you haven’t gone to a Ren Faire and dressed up. Give yourself a pep talk, get some fairy wings and try to doll yourself up. 

8. Find Your Community

Bringing whimsy is all about finding and embracing your individuality. However, it can be a different kind of joy to find friends and family who would empower you to be yourself. Invite them to those events or ask them to go shopping.

Maximize the Whimsy in Your Life

Whimsy-maxxing can be a great way to connect with your inner child and make life feel much more exciting. Don’t be afraid to get more in touch with yourself and create a space that actually feels good to you. Share these tips with someone who needs more whimsy in their lives.