After a decade of navigating the relentless pressures of leadership, especially in the past few years, I found myself in an unexpected place—completely bewildered and suddenly unemployed.
Processing the Situation
In the initial moments following my dismissal from an executive leadership position with a local nonprofit, I allowed myself a brief pause to process the shock and self-pity.
But then, clarity struck: this was my opportunity to become the leader of my destiny, finally!
Knowing the Back Story
You see, for the past five years, I’ve dreamed of the freedom to work remotely from anywhere, embracing the life of a digital nomad without the constraints of a brick-and-mortar, hierarchical job.
Now, I’m ready to turn that dream into reality, all while infusing my life with the Danish concept of hygge, bringing more mindfulness and simplicity to my days, and deepening the relationships that matter most with friends and family.
You’ve caught me at the beginning of this journey, which will be an exploration of thoughts, feelings, ideas, and things that bring joy to my relationships. I hope this blog becomes a space where a supportive community can flourish, allowing many to benefit from our shared efforts.
The Challenges of Leadership
Higher leadership roles often come with significant challenges and pressures that can lead to overwhelm. The constant demand to make critical decisions, often with incomplete information and under tight deadlines, creates a high-stakes environment where the consequences of every action can have far-reaching impacts.
Leaders are expected to balance competing priorities, manage complex relationships, and navigate organizational politics—all while casting a vision for the future. The responsibility for the well-being and performance of teams, coupled with the pressure to meet or exceed expectations, can lead to long hours, emotional exhaustion, and isolation.
My leadership roles have been in the nonprofit world where the need to adapt quickly with limited resources, often leaves little room for self-care, further intensifying the stress that accompanies these roles.
For the past several years, I’ve felt like I’ve been on a fast-moving train with no exit in sight. The relentless pace of responsibilities has left me feeling like I’m struggling to keep up, with little time to pause and catch my breath.
Consequences of a Fast-Paced Life
As a result, my family and relationships have taken a backseat, suffering from the lack of attention they deserve. The constant demands of work have also impacted my ability to manage my home properly, leaving me feeling unbalanced and disconnected from the life I truly want to live.
In 2019, I realized that a self-employed lifestyle was what I truly preferred. I spent countless hours brainstorming and envisioning what that could look like, exploring different possibilities that would allow me to work on my terms and find greater balance in my life.
However, as I was gaining clarity on my path, the global pandemic struck, disrupting everything. Faced with uncertainty and the sudden need for stability, I chose to stay on the fast-moving train of traditional employment, putting my ideas and dreams on hold as I navigated the challenges that came with the times.
Unexpected Opportunity
The sudden job loss felt like a train derailment I never saw coming. At first, I was overwhelmed with shock and disbelief, struggling to process how something so central to my identity could be thrown off course so abruptly.
A mix of emotions rushed in—fear, uncertainty, and a sense of vulnerability as I faced the unknown. Being a project manager is part of my DNA; I thrive on details, planning, and envisioning the future. The loss felt like my well-laid tracks had been torn up, leaving my carefully constructed plans and routines in disarray.
Yet, amid the wreckage, there was a quiet voice urging me to see this as an unexpected opportunity. Beneath the initial panic, I began to recognize a sense of liberation, a chance to switch tracks, redefine my path, and reconnect with the dreams and values I had pushed aside.
The derailment, while jarring, opened up the possibility of renewal and a journey more aligned with who I truly am and finally hope to experience.
What is Hygge?
In Danish culture, the concept of “hygge” encompasses a profound sense of coziness, comfort, and contentment. It’s not just about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, but about embracing a mindset that values simplicity, togetherness, and mindfulness.
Hygge involves finding joy in the small, everyday moments—whether it’s enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, savoring a cup of hot cocoa with loved ones, or relishing the comfort of a well-worn blanket.
It’s a way of life that emphasizes being present, fostering meaningful connections, and appreciating the simple pleasures that bring warmth and happiness into our lives. But the idea isn’t just about Danish or Scandinavian culture.
In North America, “American Cozy” is a concept that reflects a similar sense of comfort and warmth as hygge but with distinct American influences. It typically encompasses elements like creating inviting spaces with plush furniture, cozy throws, and soft lighting, often paired with activities that promote relaxation and togetherness, such as gathering around a fireplace or enjoying homemade comfort food.
American Cozy often incorporates seasonal elements, like festive decorations during the holidays, and emphasizes the importance of family and friends in creating a comforting environment. While it shares the core values of coziness and comfort with hygge, it is shaped by unique American traditions and aesthetics.
Being Intentional
This blog will examine and document ideals from both cultures. One personal desire of mine is travel.
One of the places I long to visit more regularly is my mother’s home, several hundred miles away in another state—a journey that would allow me to spend precious time with her while having the opportunity to work remotely.
Another destination close to my heart is our home on Lake Gaston in Virginia, a place that calls for both hard work and moments of indulgent relaxation. While the days of lazing around in guilty pleasure are rare, the idea of combining adventure with the comfort of familiar places is what fuels my dreams.
I have not yet even mentioned that a significant part of those dreams is spending quality time with our five children, their spouses, and our soon-to-be seven grandchildren!
Two of our children have made their homes in Colorado with their families, while the others live closer to us on the East Coast. The thought of traveling to be with them, whether in the mountains of Colorado or along the eastern seaboard, fills me with a deep sense of joy and anticipation.
As I navigate this unexpected transition, my focus is on creating a nurturing, peaceful environment for my husband, kids, grandkids, and aging mother. I envision a home filled with warmth, where each member of my family feels supported and valued.
My goal is to infuse our daily lives with tranquility and joy, making our time together meaningful and enriching. Alongside this, I’m excited to reconnect with the cherished friendships I’ve built over the years and to embrace new connections within our shared community.
This journey presents an opportunity not only to strengthen old bonds but also to cultivate new ones, fostering a network of support and camaraderie that will enhance each of our lives!
This Community
I invite you to join me on this exciting journey as we embrace the changes and adventures ahead. Let’s embark on this new train together and enjoy the ride as we make stops along the way to deepen our mindfulness and enrich our new community.
By sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we can grow together in this journey toward a more meaningful and connected life. Your presence and participation will make all the difference as we cultivate a space of warmth, growth, and shared purpose! All aboard!