Too Young to Die: The Art of Hygge
Updated: Aug 24, 2023
Twice a month the Shrek 2 soundtrack saves my life.
Honestly, it’s probably more than twice a month. “Accidentally In Love” by Counting Crows is the crème de la crème of feel-good music. I invite you to prove me wrong.
I rewrote this introduction roughly thirteen times before I settled on the Shrek 2 thing. Why? Because I don’t like talking about my depression (unless it’s to my poor sister or my best friend at 2 am).
Again, I’m supposed to ask myself, “Why?”
It’s not because I don’t like talking. Every person I’ve ever interacted with will tell you I talk too damn much.
In short, I have imposter syndrome. I’ve convinced myself that I’m faking my mental health struggles, and even worse, I’ve convinced myself that everyone around me thinks I’m faking it, too. But I remember wondering if anyone would care if I died when I was four years old, and it's been a battle ever since.
I’ll spare you the entire pity story, and get to the point.
Actively acknowledging hygge has changed my life.
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish concept that has been described as the path to happiness. My favorite definition of hygge comes from VisitDenmark. It goes like this “...hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.”
Hence, the Shrek 2 bit.
Because that soundtrack makes me happy, just like Daisy Buchanan quotes, hibiscus lemonade refreshers (with sweet cream, of course), jasmine-infused bath salts, and writing make me happy. I'd be remiss if I didn't include some social interaction in the list so, hanging out with my siblings, holding my long-time friends' baby, and making PowerPoint presentations with my best pal makes me happy, too.
It really is the simple things.
So, did hygge cure my depression?
No.
There’s no cure for depression, just management.
But when I hit my lows—which happens far less than it used to—I center myself with hygge. I remind myself that there are good things in life that are wholly accessible.
I make short lists of things that make me happy ranging from skills that I already possess to my navy corgi socks. I do things that make me happy like rewatching The Last Skywalker and turning the movie off when Rey says Ben’s name (if you know, you know).
Your list will different, and that’s the beauty of it.
Note: Hygge doesn’t require you to purchase anything, or subscribe to a certain diet. There aren’t hygge products. It takes a bit of self-reflection to find out what truly makes you happy.
If you want to learn more about hygge, check out these resources:
Hygge House | http://hyggehouse.com/hygge
About Katherine Lindfors
Katherine Lindfors was born in Summerville, South Carolina. She currently resides Holy-City adjacent. Her writing focuses on experiences within her young adult life and the lessons that she learned in discount therapy.
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