Recently I have become fascinated with this concept of Hygge (pronounced hoo ga). I have been sharing info about Hygge with my oldest daughter and some of my friends. Because I am really thrilled with “Hygge living”, I wanted to share this info with my SouthernmomJD family as well.
The concept of Hygge originated in Denmark and basically means living a simple, comfortable, and cozy life while being mentally content and present. One person described it as slowing down, getting cozy, and taking pleasure from the simple things in life.
I love Hygge because it helps to identify the way I see living a life fulfilled. In my 20’s and 30’s I was obsessed with chasing the “American Dream”; nice car, nice home, nice clothes. As I was chasing it, I was always focused on how I was going to do it bigger and better. So, I spent very little time enjoying the “things” I acquired. By the time I hit my late 30’s and early 40’s I started realizing that the “things” I was going after were not bringing me the happiness that I thought they should. I never looked around at my “things” and felt the calmness and peace that I was searching for.
In the last two to four years I have done a lot of soul searching and have realized that I was never taking the time to be thankful for all of the beautiful things that I had in my life. And, because I was so fixated on more, more, more, I was not taking the time to appreciate what I had.
Transitioning back into my first home has been a wonderful journey. I am able to take something I acquired early on in my career and shower it with a little TLC to create a warm, inviting home that I have fallen in love with once again.
This transition has not come without challenges. I am constantly having to remind myself to enjoy the journey of transition. Being a bit of an instant gratification freak :-), I wanted everything to instantly come together. Thankfully (or not), the lack of an unlimited cash flow helped me to quickly realize that I needed to pace myself, prioritize, and take in and appreciate each step toward creating my safe-haven. Simply put, I was practicing Hygge, and I didn’t even know:-)
Taking a break from FB was also another way I was practicing Hygge without even knowing it. The energy I spent posting and checking my page was used in a more meaningful way, being present for my loved ones.
Lately, I have challenged myself to slow down and be more present when it comes to my youngest daughter. Many times I feel as though we are rushing through the week to get everything done, while maintaining order. So, I completely miss the signals that she sends when she is getting frustrated or agitated about a particular situation. I have found that when I simply stop, cuddle with her, and speak in a calm voice, it makes her calm and less likely to completely shut down on me. In turn, we are able to maintain a peaceful, loving energy in our home.
Stay tuned for Part II of this IV part series of Get Hygge With It. In Part II of Get Hygge With It, I am going to share a couple of things that are very much a part of my daily Hygge living.
I couldn’t agree more! As I have gotten older, I realize the importance of celebrating every moment. One way my wife and I do this is by not waiting until some Hallmark holiday to give a gift. Tomorrow is not promised. I recall the words of an elderly lady at a flea market when I told her that I was buying this item for my grandmother, and I would give it to her for Christmas. She looked me square in the eye and said ” give it to her the next time you see her”. It took me a moment to grasp what she was saying. But now I live by that practice.
One other thing I’ve started doing is sharing my true (good) feelings with someone while they are alive and can hear me. In fact, I plan to write letters to a couple of friends who have made a difference in my life just to let them know how valuable they are to me.
Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for sharing. Writing letters is a great idea!!!!
Now this is right down my alley. I always have enjoyed the simple cozy lifestyle. I believe it helps one to live longer. We all live in a extremely fast pace world. It’s time to get “Hygge”
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Exactly!
Love this concept & never knew there was a name for it! Thanks for sharing T!❤️
AS we grow older we become wiser! Memories are the most important thing that one can share or leave with their children. It is a gift that is priceless. The children will grown up and leave but the memories will last forever!
True! True!
This is so insightful! Maybe if I try it, I can slow my mind down and be more present in the moment! The quest for more is stressful, and in the end, the things you get in the process don’t really satisfy the need for calmness, coziness, and comfort. Thanks so much for sharing!
Love the concept. I want to retire out of the US and live just like that.
Yes. Me too!
This seems like a good transition to make. I can see how after rethinking one’s priorities and making these changes can make life more fulfilling and enjoyable. We can all learn to be more grateful for and intimate with the present.