Just in case you missed it, our first series was Pamoja, a KiSwahili word meaning togetherness. This second philosophy from across the globe comes from the European continent.
Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is defined by the Danish as a way to take time for self and people you care about. Its distinguishing factors are the qualities hygge brings to one’s experience of life. Words and meanings like coziness, comfort, feelings of contentment are at the core of the word. It’s loosely defined by Norwegians as “well-being”. You get the point…
Imagine your feet up, warm socks, something soothing to drink and a crackling fireplace… or something to that effect. There’s no agenda, the phone is off and all you do is exhale and gratefully take in each moment – even short moments can have a massive impact.
Perhaps there’s a way to embody their concept at a certain time each day. A time to pause, take it all in, slowing down just for a few moments – a way to reset. It’s become a sought-after lifestyle. Even thinking about ways to hygge softens your heart and helps you drop your shoulders as you give specific attention to your critical need for downtime.
Step one is to make it a priority for yourself first. We have demanding lives and this can be harder than it sounds…
Step two, sit with the concept of hygge in your head – what pops to mind? What activities give you that warm fuzzy feeling at the mere thought of them? Jot them down.
Step three is to take out your calendar and pop in the activities from step two. In pen. It helps to do this in advance, before you’ve had the time to convince yourself you are “just too busy to make it work”.
It’s the little things that count, and the interest combined with the effort all adds up.
Hygge your way into 2023!
P.S. As with any of the ideas that I share with you, if it resonates with you, or helps you, then pay it forward.
