A Day’s Journey

Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway) – May 2022

Hygge (Denmark/Norwegian): pronounced (HOO-gah) —a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.

Let’s get cozy. You may already be familiar with this word as it has slowly seeped its way into American culture. I’m fascinated by words in other languages that do not exist or cannot be translated into the English language. I am a summer and sunshine kind of girl. When it is cold and gray outside, I am miserable. I love the concept of Hygge. Making the best of being indoors by adding coziness and happiness to daily rituals. The US in a way celebrates Hygge… once fall hits we break out our pumpkin spice lattes, comfy sweaters, movies by the fireplace. There’s a reason why Scandinavians are the happiest in the world despite spending months of the year in cold and darkness!

I was very lucky in Scandinavia with sunny days. However, I needed back up plans for the rainy days. I am a cafe connoisseur, and loved finding a window seat in a cafe and ordering hot chocolate while journaling. In a busy time of traveling, some days I do need to slow down, rest, and recharge. Hygge makes the most of our downtime by adding presence and appreciation to life’s daily moments and little things.

Hygge is like giving yourself a hug. You deserve it, and since I can’t hug any of you readers right now— try it! Here are some simple steps/ advice:

1. Set up your environment – including a comfy blanket

2. Dress for success— could be your “comity clothes” or even your favorite fit — cozy socks make everything better though

3. Eat the part, but eat mindfully — Hygge is most associated with warm drinks, but eat what you want, as long as you savor it

4. Practice a hobby you love and love it while you’re doing it — could be reading, knitting, petting your dog, playing guitar

So take a break, slow down, and appreciate life’s little things so that life doesn’t pass you by.