Just around Groundhog Day I find myself in a self-imposed winter exile. I stay home,write, read, practice yoga andeat simply.But by week’s endI usually have Saturday Night Cabin Fever and feel restless.It’s especially hard around Mardi Gras (Feb 13 this year) when I long to prance in the streets with my New Orleans palssansheavy coatand scarf. I enviously follow friends onFacebook who are living or traveling in warmer climates snapping selfies in their sarongs and sun dressesYes,my MOJOhas FOMO (fear of missing out).
That said, arecent article I read inTime Magazinesays my quietcountry life is The New Thing. It’s cool to becozy and warm. In fact, it’s down-right “Hygge,”which is the Danishterm for staying home and cozying up. Yes!I’m getting Hygge with it!
There’s evena bookon the topic called”The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.” It’s not to be confused with“Lykke,”a Scandinavian termfor “happiness.” That’s another book called”The Little Book of Lykke: Secrets of the World’s Happiest People.”The author of both isMeik Wiking, who is CEO of The Happiness Research Institute andResearch Associate for Denmark at the World Database of Happiness. I wonder if it’s a happy place to work.
Leave it to the Scandinavians to coin a termthat puts a positive spin on their longwinters. I always thoughtthey were broodingheavy drinkers whendaylight dims.Evidently, they are a happy lot year-round these days.It’s not all vodka and salted cod any more. The Scandinavians have swept through the culinary world. Now they may be serving up the secret to contentment.
So if you practice hygge, you may just feel more lykke,and you won’t feelso SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or feel the FOMO. Butyou don’t needto buy a best-selling book to learn the secret of finding happiness. It’s really no secret at all.Just do what you love and love what you do and be grateful for both. And stop wondering where you’re not and making the best of where you are.
Who knew my quiet country life would be so trendy?Now, back to the cozy fire.
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