It’s pajama day at Romeo’s school tomorrow. I had to text his best friend's mom to get the “assurance” he needed that he wasn’t going to be the only one showing up in his jammies. He came into my room and said, “I got a good plan (which sound like pwan). I’m going to wear my school jammies for real jammies at night, and then I won’t have to change in the morning.” Good thinking. It’ll be a 24 hour pj bonanza. Truth be told, I’ve slept in a Tees by Tina tank, and then worn the same one the next day…for real. And yes, it IS in fact, sort of convenient.
Today is the first day of March, and the first day to start operation March Mission. A month to restore and renew ourselves. We’re going to divine some simple pleasures that create a warm and nurturing environment. Helen Russell, in her book “Year of living Danishly”, describes hygge as “taking pleasure in the presence of gentle soothing things.” Doesn’t that sound lovely? That sounds like something nurturing to the soul, and we’re going to pick apart all kinds of great ideas and tips to that end.
For March we used Danish hygge as inspiration for the general concept of a nurturing, soothing philosophy of life, which we want to be the backdrop of everything. We also want to create a lovely, organized, physical environment that is a thing of beauty and comfort. Lastly, we want to manage our time with awareness so that we can find new ways to grow and be stimulated (since after all, it’s spring—the time of growth). We want to be the best dressed while doing all that. Seems like a tall order, but hey, there are 31 days in March, and we are game.
So today as we start our quest for hygge, it’s all about candles. Candles? Yes. Who knew they were so important? I love candles, and every once in awhile I buy a really fantastic one, more often they are gifted. I enjoy it when I burn them, but can’t say I’ve put a whole lot of thought into it one way or another. Well, guess what? The Danish have, and their use of candles surpasses none, and it is central to their orchestration of the hygge environment. Ever since I read about the importance of candles I’ve been burning them left and right, and I have to say, it DOES really add to a sense of peacefulness. Apparently the Danish light candles all the time, even in schools….fire hazards be damned. It’s very hygge to do so. I love scented candles, but even if you aren’t burning a scent, the flicker of the candle is soothing, you have to admit, and it provides a glow that is sort of contagiously peaceful. I’ve been using candles liberally during dinner, and the kids are crazy about it, instant “specialness” factor. One of my favorites is the Capri Blue Volcano candle because it smells amazing and it's not a gazillion dollars (just $27.50 on Amazon).
The whole notion of a nurturing, cozy, and soothing goal, has me also thinking about my favorite things that I wear on my body that bring me the same feelings. The first one that popped into my head was scarves. I wear them ALL the time…all year round really. They are always a comfort to me; there is something inherently cozy about wrapping something around my neck, even when it’s not cold. I’ve got a little Diane Keaton in me I think.
I’ll sign off with a bit of wonderful wisdom from my hippy dippy friend (who is the most delightful combo of a badass businesswoman, and hippy soul nurturer.) Her advice was to fix the problem in front of you, and not to worry about the problems that haven’t happened yet. Isn’t it insane how simple genius can be? Yes, indeed…deal with what is right in front of you, and don’t spend your energy playing the “what if” “when it” or “if it” game. I’m queen of the over-worry, and that my dears, is NOT hygge.
Here’s to a wonderful March my friends, I’m excited to make it meaningful.
Signed, ME {lv}
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