Hygge

As I write this, it's a chilly -21°C outside my window here in Alberta (that’s -5.8°F). It’s cold! But I’m grateful for two sleepy dogs curled up under my desk, keeping my feet warm.

January has been eventful, yet the year still feels fresh and full of potential. There’s a sense of newness in the air—a quiet nudge to start working on all the goals we set for 2025. The New Year's resolutions, the productive habits, the pursuit of a newer, better version of ourselves.

But maybe there’s a lesson to be learned from the seasons: Winter is a time for rest and reflection. Like the plants, we can allow ourselves to slow down, take a breath, and wait patiently for the renewal that spring will bring.

Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish concept that embodies coziness, contentment, and well-being. It’s about embracing life’s simple pleasures and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that fosters comfort and connection. One of my favorite books on this concept is The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking—a lovely heartwarming read. 

At its core, hygge is about finding joy in small moments, especially during the long, cold months of winter. When the snow is swirling outside, these are some of my favorite hygge-inspired practices:

• Burning candles
• Reading a good book
• Wrapping up in a favorite blanket
• Cozy, fuzzy socks
• A mug of homemade soup
• Sipping a warm drink
• Crocheting or knitting
• Binge-watching a favorite show

Ultimately, hygge is about slowing down and embracing coziness. And how do you know if you’re doing it right? It’s all about the feeling it evokes—a deep sense of peace and contentment. Hygge is about warmth, both physically and emotionally.

So be kind to yourself when the snow is falling, and the wind chill makes -21°C feel like -32°C. The time for running around will come when the ice melts and water runs in the gutters. For now, take a cue from the Danish—and rest. After all, much of nature is doing the same.

Scout understands hygge

Slices of Joy

Instead of new years resolutions, which have never been a good thing for me, I always choose a word of intention for the year. 

I knew what direction I wanted to go. I knew what idea I wanted to cultivate this year, but I wasn't sure what the specific word was going to be. 

And then, in the way that these things often happen, this wonderful piece by feminist writer @leilamadeline___ crossed my social media path. 

This little post really resonated with me! I do not think that I am alone in the feeling that life's challenges and the worries about the state of our world often overshadow happiness in my life. I would like 2025 to be a year where I notice all the good things about life! I want to be open to see more of the magic that this world has to offer.

Chade-Meng Tan, in his book Joy on Demand, talks about Slices of Joy. Slices of joy are those little every day things that we tend to move through without much thought. That first sip of hot coffee in the morning. The scent of a favourite candle. The softness of your dogs ear when you pet her. How you feel when your friend gives you a hug. Chade-Meng says that the more that you notice these small moments of joy, the more you will experience joy in your life. You teach your brain to notice it. In 2025 I want to recognize more slices of joy every day.

these are some of my slices of joy!

So my word for 2025 is...

So my hope for 2025 is to notice more and more of the simple little things that give me joy, and I would like share them with you. I would also LOVE to hear about some of your slices of joy, so please share in the comments below. 

Nickie Things

I am one of the many who lives with General Anxiety Disorder, and Depression. Thanks to the nature of my brain, my challenge has always been to find the positive in things, as I can be the one that sees the glass half empty, or even more accurately, sees the glass falling off the table and smashing into a million tiny pieces!

It seems that these days we are ALL inundated with negativity. Between the world news, social media, or even conversations at the grocery store, these are definitely challenging times. 

Of course, like everyone else, my life has its share of ups and downs. Along with the highs (and there have been lots of those), we have had some lows. We have had our share of losses of friends and family members. Our family has dealt with some pretty serious health challenges .There is never a dull moment at my house, I always say! 

To keep myself mentally healthy, I have to do what I call "the work". This is what I call, the "Nickie Things". These are the things that re-charge my batteries. The things that fill my soul. The time I spend with pens, paints, crochet hooks, and knitting needles. The time spent hugging my grandbabies, or spending time with my friends that support me. The time I spend with my dogs. The time I spend writing the stories of my heart. 

When I stop doing "Nickie Things", it is a pretty strong indication that I am heading towards trouble.

Without doing the work, my brain can start to lie to me. The imagination that is my gift as a creative, is my curse that can turn on me in an instant. I start worrying about everything, envisioning the worst case scenarios. Catastrophizing becomes my jam. It is not good.

Which brings me to this blog, dear reader. I want to try to promote positivity as much as I can. I would like to hi-light the joy in simple things. I want to show how one can connect with one's self, and connect with others through creativity, and with community. I want to share the "Nickie Things" that keep me in the light.  I want to help you, dear reader to see the magic and the blessings in every day life. I know that I am not alone in having these challenges, and maybe what I share, may spark something in you, like it does me.