Hygge Highlights #10

Shine On You Bright and Beautiful Gems

Bright & Beautiful DandeLEO - All photography my own unless specified.

Yes, it is that time of the week again, when I post “Hygge Highlights” a roundup of special moments. Moments that hugged our heart, warmed our day or illustrated the essence of what is good, in a (if sometimes fleeting) moment of magic.

Here are some of the cosy feels, magical glimmers you shared with me through comments and chats this week…

“I felt drawn to walk out into the middle of the river. The water is quite shallow and warm this time of year. I wanted to be fully in it, so I sort of let go and just let myself sink into. I felt held and supported by the river. It was bliss indeed!” / “A random thing, we tried celeriac for the first time this week. We both did like it.” / “Funnily enough we’ve had radish in our salads lately that have been a lovely addition.” / “I am, getting the Spring feeling.” / “Listening to Hozier’s new album, 6 times through!” / “Building and setting up the new kennel with Dad” / “Glorious ! And yes, I think I’m shedding skin.🐍”

Thank you for sharing your special moments. I love them so.

Several things have been enveloping my heart this week…

Firstly I was really touched on how well received my “Growing Food Intentions” post was. Thank you so much to those of you who commented and shared it. It means a lot. I am delighted it inspired you to think more about slowing down to the ritual of sitting down to eat.

At home and through Instagram stories, I’ve been welcoming the return of happy yellow faces, truly they never disappeared completely. Now the days are lengthening the dandelions are lifting their heads high, confidently and brightly announcing life is indeed dandy.

Charlene Storey’s (Haver & Sparrow) heartfelt post last Sunday on “Why we need to celebrate our achievements even when it feels vulnerable” really resonated with me and I’d love to encourage you to read (and/or listen!) to it too.

Why we need to celebrate our achievements even when it feels vulnerable

Instead of these long-worn-out, people-pleasing, perfectionist strategies I think it’s worth trying to celebrate ourselves as a way to quiet the demons instead of avoiding any mention of success. The thing is, despite our social conditioning to the contrary, we’re allowed to be proud of ourselves. Once more with feeling: We’re allowed to be proud of ourselves. Owning our progress and standing beside our achievements might feel awkward but I think we need to practice saying “I’ve worked hard for this and I’m really proud of it so I wanted to share it with you.” And the best part is, when you do share, people want to celebrate with you - all we have to do is invite them.

I believe most of us who share our own thoughts and ideas, be it through the written word, or in other art forms, photography, illustration, music… fairly regularly have “Imposter Syndrome” rear it’s ugly head. I’m still trying myself, and despite what my Leo persona may mask, I often feel vulnerable and inferior. But sharing these feelings of hygge together, these magic moments are to me gifts of celebration, both personally and I hope you feel it too, of community care and kindness, in lifting each other up.

With this essence of celebrating yourself, this week I want to encourage you to Be your own Valentine. Woo yourself with some extra love and kindness. While we are getting past the middle of August now, it is this early season of new growth that Valentine’s day is celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere. Perhaps think about collecting yourself some Spring flowers, or a new rose bush to bloom in the Summer if you have the space. Myself I’ve bought a climbing scented Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) a plant I have wanted for some time but wasn’t sure where to put.

Another idea is to write yourself a love letter or dedicate a page in your journal to self celebration. Perhaps run yourself a bubble bath and take some extra time to pamper yourself. Whatever you choose, let me know how you get on, how you show affection and shine on your bright beautiful self.

If this week’s "Hygge Highlights" created a spark within you, please consider sharing your own magical moments with us. I love to hear from you and any of your seasonal observations, things you have felt moved or inspired by, fun things you have seen or tasted. I’m always hugely appreciative when you share and restack my posts with others and help grow our hygge community, inspiring, sharing more of our everyday joys.

Seasons Blessings 💫

Bron