Storybook Living: Creating a Life of Meaning

A cup of tea and some books in garden settings — Storybook living at its best

The Charm of Storybook Living

Have you ever dreamed of living in a storybook world, where everyday life feels magical, meaningful, and inspired?

I have often felt lost in the books and love imagining myself as Bell wandering through the meadows with a book, or Snow White singing to bunnies and deer…or later as Scarlet bringing the old Tara estate to thriving life in Ireland…

A woman at the garden drinking tea dreaming of book characters — Storybook living is not living in your head

Do You remember how the finishing reading of a book, sometimes, brings the sadness of returning that imaginary storybook life on the shelf and getting back to your own one?

But there are always ways to change things and one of them is - bringing the vibes of a storybook living into the common reality. Nothing stops us from building our own personal world and lifestyle that blends creativity, simplicity, and wonder. That is why I love thinking of my everyday activities as a storybook living when I am creating a life of meaning.

Personally when I bring my creative voice out, stop overcomplicating my days and decisions and allow my natural curiosity to guide me through the day - that day will be very fulfilling and enjoyable. We all heard the saying: “You are the author of your life story.” Isn't it exciting to write and live in our own?!

Think of how many times our favorite book characters have influenced our decisions?

In my case - more than I would like 😀 But what a wonderful feeling - to become a character myself, in a story that flows as I want! Whenever I plant the new flowers (from Grimms’ tales) or make a skirt (from the “Outlander”) I feel that beautiful spirit of storybook living! Every mundane chore starts turning into experience.

And time! The interesting things happen to time too - it stops flying to nowhere between my fingers - it becomes a precious treasure full of meaning and joy.

What is Storybook Living and how can we create a life of meaning?

Storybook living is not living in the head and turning away from the problems the reality throws at us. It is on the contrary - wholeheartedly accepting the reality, realizing it can be a book story (trust me, everyone's life can become a book story, depending on the angle you look at it!), looking at things and events creatively, making an effort to keep intentional routines, but the most important - finding magic of the storybook approach that brings magic to the mundane, and celebrating your creativity.

Let's think of key elements of a storybook lifestyle!

For me - these are the quaint cottages, cottagecor aesthetics, himsical gardens, “talking” animals and creative projects. For you it can be… motorbike road trips and feeding tigers… or knitting socks and spying for neighbors… depends on your story.

• Philosophy of story book living is very simple: living the days with mindfulness, curiosity, and to be connected to the surrounding world.

What would it look like?

Well, for me, the pillars of my storybook living are these:

• Creativity: doing art and illustrations, journaling, or storytelling in daily life.

• Nature: Spending time outdoors, gardening and observing.

• Simplicity: slowing down, doing handmade crafts, and following intentional routines.

• Connection: Building meaningful relationships with family, people, and yourself.

• Wonder: Nurturing a sense of exploring life and looking after imagination.

You can use mine for inspiration and tailor them to your views.

How to Start Living Your Storybook Life

Watercolor journaling near the cottage window

The dreamy lifestyle, as everything else, has the Practical Steps:

1. Create a cozy and inspiring space in your home.

2. Start a creative hobby like watercolor journaling, writing, or crafting.

3. Spend time in nature—walks, gardening, or simply observing the world around you.

4. Develop rituals that feel magical (e.g., morning tea in a special cup or lighting a candle for journaling, putting on the special walking “collecting the food for imagination” boots etc…).

Also, like everything else, it requires a Mindset setup. It is like changing the settings inside you. Or simply turning on the playful side of you and allowing the fun to join your days.

There is a saying: “We do not deal with the things and events - we deal with the meanings we assign to the things and events”. I wish I knew the source of this saying but I do not. It does not stop me from using it to guide me through my days. I find it especially useful when facing something I would rather not deal with.

Getting the journal and rewriting the story, reevaluating the meanings I assigned to the specific people and events, is one of the best approaches to storybook living.

I am encouraging you to look for beauty and meaning in everyday moments. Storybook living is about bringing a sense of wonder to the ordinary things we used to not think much of.

Start noticing the warmth of sunlight streaming through your kitchen window, to the simple joy of baking or the peaceful rhythm of your steps walking the familiar path that somehow feels new… It is about seeing the common things as if they are special: writing a thoughtful note, catching a smile of a stranger at farmer’s market, noticing a cheeky look of a sparrow who tries to take a fair share of your cafe treat…

The charm of the present is a wonderful gift of life. By noticing the small lovely details of our days we start accepting this gift. This is how we create a life that feels like a story worth telling.