Have you ever wondered how some people always look like they’re living the most adventurous lives on their social media stream? And then there’s you: at home binging your favorite period drama with no makeup in your PJ’s with a bowl of ice cream?
I know which one I relate to more. I quite enjoy those period drama binges thank you very much!
The truth is, no one is always happy or adventurous or living a perfect life without any hardships. Social media presents only partial truths. And only the sides of ourselves we choose to reveal.
And while we can’t have perfect lives, or always control our circumstances, we can change our perspective and live HAPPIER lives – which is what Romantic Living is all about.
When I was a kid, I thought I had it all figured out. And as it turns out, I mostly did have it figured out. I lived in my imagination, connected to nature, used my creativity to make my dreams a reality, stayed up late reading every night, and I just knew I was going to find my Prince Charming one day (my version of “Charming” was always the do-gooder! Captain America. Gilbert Blythe. Nostalgic idealists who always stand up for what’s right. SIGH.)
Unattainable romance aside, I knew who I was. And I embraced it without thought of judgment. And I was all the happier for it.
As I grew up, life became harder and harder. Eventually, I lost part of who I was. And, in the end, that made me miserable! That misery was one of the catalysts that led me (with my sister and a close friend) to create this site. I wanted to return to my roots. To live as an adult but also remember what it is to feel a child-like wonder! To live the life I choose for myself. That I imagine for myself.
So, with that, today, we introduce our all-new Manifesto for The Silver Petticoat Review. Part of our mission (on top of promoting romance in entertainment) is to help inspire kindred spirits to live more imaginative, Romantic lives so together we can all create a more beautiful world.
I believe we can do just that by embracing optimism. Like the heroine in a fairy tale, no matter what obstacle we’re faced with, we can still live joyful lives of imagination and creativity where we embrace the dreams of our childhood, no matter how dark the world is around us.
Not only that, part of living a Romantic life is choosing to be kind. We can all afford to be more empathetic.
So, find your inner Shirley Temple character. Or your inner Anne Shirley who wants to make the world a little more beautiful. Or your inner Cinderella who sees compassion as a strength. Be a little kinder. A little brighter. Life’s hard. And you never know what the person next to you struggles with. So, don’t be afraid to smile.
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Now, does this mean we personally follow our own manifesto to perfection? OF COURSE NOT! Not only that, ALWAYS living a Romantic lifestyle would be exhausting. Some days I’d rather do absolutely nothing. Some days I’m even grumpy and would rather be in the “depths of despair.” But it’s the journey and the intent that means something.
I’m choosing to embrace the life I want. And trust me, it’s a constant battle. I’m always fighting against the current; swimming upstream. But just watch me do it. I’m going to live my best life – as flawed as that is. And I hope all you kindred spirits out there will join me!
So, if you want to feel freer, create that novel that’s been in your head for years, and all-around live more fulfilling lives, check out our Silver Petticoat manifesto now! We hope it inspires you as much as it inspires us.
In the manifesto, you’ll find 25 tips for living more imaginative, Romantic lives which hopefully will help all of us create a more beautiful world together.
And now…
THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW MANIFESTO!
UPDATE: The Silver Petticoat Review subscribers now receive a free HD copy for download if they want one. If you’re a subscriber and don’t have one, just send us an email!
What tip for Romantic Living inspires you? Have any personal words of wisdom of your own to share? Let me know!
Beautiful post Amber. I can relate. I love finding beauty in the mundane. If you can’t enjoy the simple pleasures of every day life, then what’s the point?
Thanks, Brittaney! Yeah, I love finding beauty in the mundane. I just met this woman who collects umbrella covers and runs an umbrella cover museum. Her mission statement is about finding the beauty in every day things and knowing that there’s always a story behind the cover! I thought that was brilliant and so unique.
Thanks for this thoughtful, lovely post! I’ve had the same thoughts while watching P&P and Jane Eyre for the umpteenth time. Ways I’ve been trying to embrace my inner romantic include: starting a Jane Austen book club, planning a trip to Derbyshire, dressing up as Jane Eyre for Halloween, wearing period clothing appropriate for work to the office (makes me happy, and my coworkers think it’s pretty rad too). You keep doing you! 🙂
Thank you for your comment and thoughts! And I love your ideas for embracing your inner romantic. 🙂
I adore this blog so much.
Thank you! I appreciate it. 🙂
You guys are incredible and your manifesto is worthy to be placed in every home and public building around the world. As a male member of your group who loves Austen, Anne of Green Gables, and most of the Heyer novels more than any woman I have ever known – except my daughter – I feel obliged to offer both of you Darcy inspired accommodations and. dining if you ever venture to Oklahoma.
By the wat I think several of Studio Ghibli animated films exlempify the themes and characters you admire.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your thoughtful reply. 🙂 I love to hear that it’s not just women who love these stories! And thank you for your kind offer! That’s so lovely of you. And while I don’t watch much anime personally, I have heard great things about Studio Ghibli films from our brother and from some of our writers! I should definitely check them out. All the best!
Just want to pop in my tuppence for the site. I actually found this because I was looking for information on the BBC “Anne of Avonlea” show I was (re)watching at the time. “Gosh, someone out there ENJOYS that one? Who are these ladies?” Silver Petticoat encompasses some adventure but closer to the slice-of-life style of storytelling that is incredibly healthy and helpful to a lot of us. (Mind you, I’m a big fan of the Fairacre series by Miss Read, whose protagonist is a spinster school teacher and she is perfectly content to be just that.) I pretty much live in all the guidelines your manifesto provides, so I endorse that. Thanks for keeping the love of life in storytelling thriving!
Thank you for your comment! We appreciate it. 🙂 And sometimes the most “romantic” thing someone can do is choose to be alone! I haven’t read the series but I definitely want to check them out. 🙂