I created Living ROI as a passion, to share my experiences and support others who want to live more authentic, joyful and fulfilling lives.
Dear Friends,
Last week I shared that I had an operation during which ovarian cancer was identified. I was still in limbo about whether that cancer had spread. This week I heard the great news that they caught it early and they got it all. I’ll get more information tomorrow. In the meantime, I am relieved and in high spirits!
During these weeks of recuperation, I have lots of time to read and think (and watch some TV too!). Several people have brought me books (as well as food), for which I am grateful! The most inspiring book, The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, reminds me that the most valuable things in life are intimate moments and experiences with dear friends and family.
A classic hygge moment could be sitting around a cozy fire with good friends and sipping a warm beverage. The conversation is relaxed and supportive. Maybe you play a board game, reminisce about fun times together in the past or share your dreams with each other.
The bottom line, hygge moments bring happiness into our lives, not the new car or the big job or even the perfect physique.
Key components of hygge:
- Atmosphere: Turn down the lights and bring out the candles.
- Presence: Be here now. Turn off the phones.
- Pleasure: Coffee, tea, chocolate, cookies, cakes and other yummy food.
- Equality: “We” over “me.” Share the tasks and the airtime.
- Gratitude: Take it in. This might be as good as it gets.
- Harmony: It’s not a competition. We already like you. There is no need to brag about your achievements.
- Comfort: Get comfy. Take a break. It’s all about relaxation.
- Truce: No drama. Let’s discuss politics another day.
- Togetherness: Build relationships and narratives. “Do you remember the time we…?”
- Shelter: This is your tribe. This is a place of peace and security.
The ultimate time for hygge is winter at home, but you can hygge anytime, anywhere. Hygge can be a noun, a verb or an adjective. It’s about taking the time to create simple experiences with family and friends. It doesn’t cost a lot of money. It isn’t complicated. It is warm, cozy and safe in all ways.
Inspired by this book, I am committed to bringing more hygge into my life. Here are some ways I plan to do it:
- Invite friends over for a game night.
- Have potlucks.
- Schedule special outings with family and friends where we are together doing simple things like walking, sitting in a café, going to a local museum and attending an outdoor music festival.
- Take a walk with my husband in the evenings (something we’ve started to do as part of my recovery, and it is lovely).
- Sit around a small bonfire in the backyard (or at the beach) as the sun sets and talk.
- Curl up with a book in one of the many cozy nooks in my home.
This is the good life! What is hygge for you?
With abundant gratitude for this community! Thank you for reaching out with your warm wishes as I recover!
Barbara Fagan-Smith
CEO, ROI Communication
Chief Catalyst, Living ROI
