What the Hooga
The past couple of weeks I feel as though I have come across several concepts that have caught my attention. You already know, we are literally eyeballs deep in information these days, much of which I typically scroll right past, but now and again, I stop and read further. One that I can’t stopping thinking about is the concept of Hygge. MeShea Ingram, posted an IG story or reel asking what this looks like in various homes, or something like that, and it got me thinking 🤔
Hard to pronounce, hygge ("hooga") is difficult to explain, too. In brief, hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures. Hygge is often about informal time together with family or close friends. Typically, the setting is at home or another quiet location, or perhaps a picnic during the summer months. It usually involves sharing a meal and wine or beer, or hot chocolate and a bowl of candy if children are included. There is no agenda. You celebrate the small joys of life, or maybe discuss deeper topics. It is an opportunity to unwind and take things slow. This whole definition is per a google search, so hold the applause 🤪
Some of you may be laughing out loud by now, thinking how unrealistic this sounds in today’s crazy world, but guess what, most of you are already hooga-ing! Seriously, home is the place everybody can’t wait to get back to. Even at the end of the most incredible trip ever, we are all ready to go home. Whether it’s big or small, spotless or cluttered, tranquil or zoo like, it welcomes you in like nothing else.
As I sit here this evening, with my thoughts all jumbled up inside my tired head, the sweetest littlest pup in the world is asleep next to me. My hard working hubby is on the other end of the couch snoozing under an afghan full of holes. The only light in the room is the television and my computer screen, and I’m sipping on a big ole caramel iced coffee. Sounds nice, right?
But did I fail to mention that the washer is full of wet clothes, the dryer is full of clothes that need to be folded, I have beef orders that I didn’t get to today, my inventory update is a week overdue, and our dining room table is full of paperwork waiting for my attention. We won’t even talk about the fact that I REALLY need to wash my hair! None of this truly even matters though, I’ll get back up in the morning and do what I can, but in my home, I can just be, and to me, that’s what this concept means.
When I revisit the definition, this is the part that jumps at me, taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about. In my opinion, this is talking about the people that you have been entrusted with under your roof. Maybe it’s just you, maybe it’s you and your kids, maybe it’s you and an aging parent, maybe it’s the two of you. We have all been entrusted with someone. Let that settle in for a minute.
I guess the take away I’m hoping you get from this, is that peacefulness comes in all forms. It may not always be a Himalayan salt lamp. It’s okay if you’re fresh out of vegan/soy candles, and no worries, minimalism isn’t for everybody. Oh, and don’t panic if you don’t have a diffuser full of essential oils. All of the above is great, but not necessary to HOOGA your little heart out!
HOOGA with the people you love! Nothing can stress you out like the pursuit of perfection. If you’re feeling unsure of yourself, and the home you’re creating, look around. Look for sleeping dogs, snoring husbands, and old worn out afghans. Hit up those friends you love but haven’t made time for in a while. There are small joys around every corner just waiting to be noticed, don’t leave them hanging ♥