Hygge

Hygge according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. It is often used as an adjective meaning “cozy or comfortable”. Hygge is a word that we have borrowed from the Danes.

I love everything about this concept. Especially in the Fall and Winter seasons. It is about creating a comfortable environment and enjoying the good and simple things in life with those you care about. Slowing down, simplifying, and being in the present moment.

I love puttering around my house and garden. Making simple changes to make my home feel more, well, homey. I love candles, flowers, plants, blankets, and of course books everywhere. Creating a sense of hygge in our surroundings doesn’t have to be costly. Most of us have favorite blankets, books, and candles. Flowers and plants can be picked up at the grocery store. What we need to remember is the most important aspect of hygge which is being fully in the moment.

To me, hygge is the opposite of busy. When we are rushing around, cramming our days with to-dos and other obligations, we lose sight of what is important. We miss the beauty and the people around us. I’d like to invite you to look at your schedule with new eyes.

Here is a secret, you are in charge of your schedule, you have a choice. There are some things that take up space on your schedule that drain your energy but you have a choice. You can delegate the task, totally dump it or dazzle it up a bit.

Do your kids need to be in four different sports, music lessons, and after-school clubs all in one semester? Do you need to have Book Club, Wine Club, Card Club, PTA, and all the volunteer positions on your schedule for each month? Take an honest look at all you do and if there is anything on your schedule that you want to stop doing….just stop doing it. Learning to say no to busy and yes to what is important to you is how you curate a life that energizes you, gives you space to breathe, create, and enjoy. To me, hygge is the opposite of busy. When we are rushing around, cramming our days with to-do’s and other obligations, we lose sight of what is important. We miss the beauty and the people around us. I’d like to invite you to look at your schedule with new eyes.

If you would like some ideas on how to curate some hygge into your life you can download my ideas on how to Romance Your Everyday here.