What kind of a lifestyle would you say you live? Or lived, before the pandemic changed our lives so many months ago? Has it changed this year? Or perhaps over the last few years as your family, priorities and commitments have changed?
Since lockdown, and indeed over the last four or five years, I would say how I feel about my lifestyle has changed dramatically. I used to love living in Cardiff city centre, I loved the freedom and anonymity it gave me. I could pop out to the shops, or to a bar, to the cinema or to the library without any forethought. Sometimes in the summer when it was very hot and my little flat was too airless, I would get up and go for a walk late in the evening just to get some air - because I could, and it was well lit and I felt safe. But over the last few years I have found that my focus has shifted and much as I still love the city, I do not think I could go back to living there. I now hate the thought of not having open space or a garden to enjoy - without having to share it! I don't miss the constant noise of either car traffic, trains, building work, or students brawling their way home early in the morning. Instead I crave the simple things, enjoying bird song, growing my own veg, having time to make things, paint, read - all of which I previously would have felt too busy for.
A few years ago I came across the Danish word "hygge" (pronounced "hoo-gah"and the word itself originating in old Norwegian, meaning something like "well-being"). Have you heard of this one yet? It's now quite a popular concept in lifestyle magazines and roughly refers to the idea of creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. Curling up with a book in front of a fire, enjoying lighting candles, spending time with family, having a long soak in the bath - these could all be described a hygge.
It's a really lovely concept I think - and perhaps explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world! You've most likely already experienced hygge, some of you will do on a frequent basis, if you take time to enjoy a nice cup of tea - or perhaps your favourite coffee blend, a hot chocolate or even a Horlicks! If you've sat in the garden or in a park and smelt the flowers, listened to the birds and insects all around you, or quenched your thirst with a delicious ice cold refreshment on a hot day, you've also experienced hygge.
For me, I think really acknowledging these moments of simple pleasure, can change my perspective on something. Rather than just having a work break or lunch in the garden, it became a special moment, a chance to enjoy my surroundings and the company of Mum and Dad. They have become special moments to treasure - even though they are routine.
So over the next few weeks, I challenge you to find the hygge in your lives! Take time to treat yourself with the luxury of acknowledging the simple pleasures in different parts of your daily life. Try a relaxing bath instead of your routine shower, or open that special body lotion you've been saving. Make time to read or do the crossword, to wind-down before bed. Enjoy the smell of beeswax as you do the polishing - and admire the gleam you achieve afterwards! And let me know what the simple pleasures you enjoy are - so I can try them, or try to enjoy them properly - too!
Becky
I just read a book that mentioned Hygge. It was the first time I had heard of it. It certainly appeals in these troubled times. We should certainly give it some thought. Mary