Hello dear reader! If you haven’t read my debut article on hygge, you can find it here. If you’re all caught up, we are starting a brand new, three-part series on hygge as applied to Home, Life, and Purpose (which is what THIS blog is all about!)
So, hygge in the home was actually a pretty daunting task to tackle, since there have been entire books written about it. How can I possibly cover what takes many books to say?
Well, we are going to tackle this great challenge and unpack it. As we go along, we will all know more than we started with!
So, instead of telling you about it, I’ve decided to help walk you through embracing it, as uniquely designed to you. Let’s go!
Is Hygge For You?
If you remember in our last article, we touched on the fact that hygge for the Danes, at least (anyone want to tell me if the Norwegians feel the same way?), is really a much more unique concept than it might be here in the States (or Canada. Happy Thanksgiving, by the way, Canadian friends!). Here, at least from what I’ve gleaned of it, anyway, it seems to be almost thought of as…a one-size-fits-all approach. The idea seems to be that there are things that are hygge, and there are things that are not.
Actually, I’m so happy I can bring another Jane Austen quote in on this (if you want to read my articles, you’re going to run into these as much as I can possibly manage),
“Everybody has their taste in noises as well as in other matters; and sounds are quite innoxious, or most distressing, by their sort rather than their quantity. When Lady Russell not long afterwards, was entering Bath on a wet afternoon, and driving through the long course of streets from the Old Bridge to Camden Place, amidst the dash of other carriages, the heavy rumble of carts and drays, the bawling of newsmen, muffin-men and milkmen, and the ceaseless clink of pattens, she made no complaint. No, these were noises which belonged to the winter pleasures; her spirits rose under their influence; and like Mrs. Musgrove, she was feeling, though not saying, that after being long in the country, nothing could be so good for her as a little quiet cheerfulness.”
― Jane Austen
In other words, they each had very opposite sources of hygge! The woman who loves the city (Lady Russell) cannot understand Mrs. Musgrove, who has to have a lot of children, laughter, people, and a roaring fire for her own comfort. So, what’s yours? Let’s find out!
So, how can you find your own version and embrace it? I broke it up into steps to make it easier to remember, but honestly, make up your own steps, or let me know what you changed or added! So, please grab a pen and paper and journal or bullet point your answers to these questions:
1. Ask Yourself What It Means To You
Questions To Uncovering Your Own Hygge
- If you could only keep your top three comfort foods, what would they be? Comfort items?
- What would you associate with a warm fireplace? What gets you into that cozy, crackling feeling?
- What is your favorite warm beverage?
- If you could invite friends over, just for fun, with no anxiety whatsoever-what would that look like? Who would you want there? Where would you go, and what would you do?
- Does your cozy space even have people at all? Perhaps only one person, or perhaps just a book? If so, which one?
- It’s summertime now, and you have to spend a whole week (or the perfect day) however you like, as long as it’s as much to your liking as possible. Where do you go? Who, give no restraints or limits, do you go with? What items are indispensable to a delightful summertime event or getaway?
- If a friend were feeling a little harried or rushed, what would you tell them you do to get away from it all? What would you confide in them that you wished you could do?
- What comes to mind when you say the word, “comfort” “cozy” or “relaxing”?
- What inspires you to daydream?
- If you could give all your loved ones a gift, notwithstanding their tastes, just sharing something you treasure, what would it be?
2. Compile The Results
It’s Like Looking For Motifs In High School English Class
Got all that? Okay, good! Now, tally your results. What is recurring? What themes are emerging? Are people or objects most commonly found in your answers? How about locations, weather, or time of day?
You are now well on your way to knowing what hygge means to you! Now, take that a step further. Look around your home. Does it have these elements? Is there something that occurs on your list/journaling, that is missing in your home? Maybe it’s time to add that.
It could be picures of the beach, or wavy sand dunes. Maybe you’d love to host your friends, but feel there isn’t enough seating, or plates for everyone. What about a cozy nook for reading? Maybe reading alone with a cup of hot chocolate was at the top of your list, but you don’t even have cocoa on hand and you tend to read your book on the bus or ferry or subway commute every morning. You know?
So, take stock and maybe make a list of key areas that your home might increase in hygge for you. You might also run through a (shorter) version of this exercise with your loved ones.
3. Make A Goal With A Plan To Increase Your Home’s Hygge
Now, what if it seems impossible to add this endless list of great ideas? No pressure, take baby steps.
Maybe you can’t replace all your furniture.
- Make a wish list. You probably can’t replace all your furniture and redo every part of your home’s decor. Keep an eye out on online marketplaces, garage sales, and store clearances for what you have in mind.
- Pick some new things out, and when your boss or mother asks what you want for a birthday or holiday, give them those items as ideas. Having a clear idea will help, such as, “I love a chunky knit blanket, but I find ivory and sage green the most relaxing.”
- Or say that this year’s bonus will be smartly saved and invested…but a little chunk of it is going to go towards some hygge this year. (if you share accounts with someone, have a conversation around it!)
- Get crafty. If you love a print, try DIY’ing a new chair; learn to sew or knit; or paint a watercolor! Just as good, find a friend who will use their skills to help you out!
- Did your list include being with people? Think of reasonable ways you could get together or host a gathering. Or, invite friends to an outing of some kind–double points if it’s a hygge experience, as well! Choose a nice restaurant, go for a walk, or hang out at the beach!
I hope that as you take small, doable action steps, you find yourself growing in delight, comfort, ease, and hygge in your home. Please let me know if you take this exercise and a summary of the results! If you can, I’d love to hear what changes it brings to your home, and you can start a new #homelifepurpose for me and tag me in your FB or IG photo of the new look, item, or rearrangement you made in your home!
