Mindful Monday: Hygge

My favorite quote from one of my favorite movies.  I shared Ferris Bueller's Day Off with my boys a few years ago, and sadly, they weren't that impressed.  I guess you had to be there.

For the longest time, I've been ignoring Mr. Bueller's wise advice.  Rushing around, crossing things off my to do list, and rarely taking time to STOP.  Afraid that if I didn't cram tasks into every minute of every day, I might miss something.

But the only thing I'm missing is the good stuff.  Life.

Have you heard about hygge?  It was a new word to me when I saw it a few weeks ago, but since then it's popped up everywhere I look.

Pronounced HOO-GAH, it's a Danish word that means.....well, it's kind of hard to explain. Generally, it's approaching your life, and the way you live it, with positivity, gratitude and enjoyment of simple pleasures.  It's a mindset that embraces a warm, cozy atmosphere and contentment.  It's cherishing the important people around you, and making time, and letting go.

Although the Danish have been practicing hygge since the 1800's, it's only recently become "popular" in England and the US, and was one of Oxford's words of the year for 2016.  Not a surprise, given these uncertain times, that we're searching for comfort and happiness with the ones we love.

I've started a list of ways that I can practice hygge.  Simple dinners with friends and family. Sitting with a warm blanket and an interesting book by the fire.  Having a glass of milk and a few chocolate chip cookies.  A Sunday chat on the phone with my son, away at college.

Slowing down, looking around, and enjoying where I am, alive in that moment.  

I think Ferris would approve.


Do you practice hygge?  Give me some things I can add to my list!