You must have heard of it right?
Hygge is big at the moment.
Everyone is desperate to tell you how its pronounced and that it isnt a physical thing.
Thats basically what the Danes invented the word for.
Those little, important, perhaps even forgettable (in a good way, if thats possible!?)
moments that just make you feel happy.
But what is ikigai?
I hear your unmistakably inquisitive voice asking?
This Japanese word is used to describe your reason for getting out of bed each morning.
Wouldnt it be lovely to spend your day fulfilling your ikigai and enjoying hygge?
Everyone will tell you that you cant design hygge, it just happens.
Equally, it might be said that your ikigai is discovered rather than achieved.
Well, am I going to go against the flow again here?
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Getting Some Hygge
When I first read about hygge, I wanted some of that just like everybody else.
Introducing elements to your home to encourage hygge is perhaps the easiest thing to start with.
What kind of moments really make you feel great?
Hosting amazing dinner parties?
Curled up in front of a fire?
A delicious cup of coffee whilst beholding your lovely home?
Its all about creating an environment in which it is easy to experience hygge.
A roaring fire in the winter is perhaps the image that comes to mind most prominently for me.
We have a wood burner in our living room so we love gathering in front of that.
Add in aridiculously cosy throw, a great book and the best hot chocolate EVER!
et voila;youre good to go.
Dont worry, weve got you covered; find that hot chocolate recipe below.
Greatest Hot Chocolate:
Who says you cant design hygge!?
What if you had a group of friends who took turns to host a Sunday afternoon hygge sesh?
What would yours look like?
If you arm yourself with the tools (such as a great game!)
you’re able to be prepared to indulge in some hygge at any time.
It just started raining?
Make some amazing coffee* and sit up against a window watching the drops run down.
*Great Coffee Checklist
How about a spa in your own home?
Afterwards your partner can give you an aromatherapy massage (ok, this may involve some bartering!).
The important thing to remember is that youre just facilitating hygge, youre not trying to force it.
Its not just a quick pick me up like hygge.
At its very basic definition ikigai is about doing something you love to do.
If its something youre good at, even better.
If its something you’ve got the option to be paid for, even better still!
If it is something that benefits the world, perfect!
Think of what really makes you happy.
It could be a hobby, travelling, cooking, helping people find their ikigai!
It could be something youve forgotten you love!
Delve deep and really explore what interests you, excites you and makes you curious.
But if not, why not?
Try it out, see if you love doing it a lot, see if youre good at it.
Most things that people are good at can earn them some money.
Just google how can I make money from….. dog walking/being clever/climbing trees/painting.
Perhaps not all at once.
I can think of ways to earn money from all of those straight away.
But I make plenty doing my safe office job.
No one is in control of your life but you.
If its your passion I bet youd do everything you could to be a success!
Perhaps you’re able to try it out in some way before jumping ship.
Ill fully admit, thats exactly what Im doing right now with this blog!
Ive got a bit carried away I think.
I was just intending to introduce the concept of ikigai!
(making people happy is actually a part of my ikigai!).
Thisexcellent bookby Hector Garcia and Frencesc Miralles guides you on the path to your Ikigai very nicely indeed!
Hygge and Ikigai Simplicity
Hygge and ikigai are nothing special.
Theyre just nice sounding, currently popular, conveniently meaningful words.
Its what you take from their meaning that matters.
Do you love sitting in front of a fire sipping mulled wine with your family at Christmas?
Of course you do!
Do you call it hygge?
Of course you dont (unless youre Danish perhaps!).
Go get some hygge and ikigai in your lives everyone!
