Honey, How do you Hygge?

Hygge (hue-gah): the ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Friends. Family. Graciousness.”

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Hello, my friends. We are in a new phase of the human experience. There’s much anxiety as we struggle to understand the ramifications of COVID-19, and how it will affect us through the next weeks and months. I am learning the new normal, and have been in my home for the last 6 days with only one outing, which was to the grocery store yesterday, after our county was ordered to “shelter-in-place” (home). Big mistake. The grocery store was mobbed, and Mr. G. and I elected to leave, as we have food for at least another week, if not longer.We are both over 60 and have our own health challenges, so we are learning how to be at home for an indeterminate amount of time, just like everyone else.

I’ve decided that during this time, we’re going full-tilt hygge. (If you’ve been out of circulation for a while, you might have missed the “hygge” movement – the Danish philosophy of a good life.) And, anything I can do to make life pleasant (and not have to go out to make that happen), I’m doing. The best part? My legendary hoarding of books and craft supplies is really paying off! So far, I’ve read three novels, made a pillow and am working on a table runner. I’ve decided that now is the time to light the scented candles, play the spotify lists, and enjoy the simple life at home. And, you know, I like it. It’s soothing. Yes, I have some anxiety, as I’m sure you do, but we are managing. We watch our Netflix and Amazon, and last night we had a “virtual” movie night with two of our daughters. We watched “Star Wars – The Rise of Skywalker” “together”, just by pushing play at the same time (we Face Timed to coordinate and counted down!). It was so silly, and yet, so necessary for us. It’s hard to be near your loved ones, and yet not be able to be in the same physical proximity.

While sewing, I’m listening to podcasts and Audible books. It’s so pleasant, and I have to say that it is very self-soothing. Learning to self-sooth is a good thing in this time, and since most of my self-soothing up to this point has been with food, I feel like I’m going in the right direction!!!

Please don’t think I’m making light of the struggles everyone is going through. I understand, and am anxious myself. I guess what I’m trying to say is that we, at this time in our history, are called to make the best of it – whatever “it” is. I wish you all the best and much love and light to you. I’ll keep you posted on all the on-going craft and reading projects, and would love to hear how you are managing this new normal. Please share with us how you’re adapting, and what you’re doing during this time!