My Journey
That morning started like any other, but I knew it would be the day I was let go. My relationship with the CEO, who had been my direct supervisor for over two years, had been strained from the start. Since her arrival, the organization had changed drastically, and the culture had shifted in many ways. A consultant who had worked with our executive team had advised me to push back when things didn’t feel right for the good of the organization, but deep down, I knew standing up to her would come at a cost.
Everything all came to a head that fateful morning. After years of managing the fast pace of leadership roles, suddenly losing my job felt like crashing into a brick wall and coming to a complete stop on impact. Over the next hours, days and weeks came the mental and emotional processing of the abrupt end of my executive career.
A wave of emotions—confusion, disbelief, relief, anger, and frustration—hit me all at once. One moment I was leading a fantastic team and planning for the future, and the next, everything came to a sudden stop. I sat there, watching as my electronic calendar emptied, and it felt like my professional identity was being erased, along with my credentials. Poof! Everything was gone.
The loss of my daily responsibilities, along with my work community, left me questioning my sense of purpose. After so many years, my work had become a core part of my identity, and without it, I was overwhelmed with self-doubt and loss.
A change of scenery gives an opportunity for reflection
Luckily, I had a planned vacation the following week, which allowed me time to regain my composure, but the Monday after that time off, reality hit. The adrenaline rush that had defined the chaos of my work life for over two years had vanished, and the sudden lack of energy felt strangely unsettling.
I realized that morning that I had lost so many friends who had become more than coworkers to me. First of all, I missed my amazing team! We worked so well together and had a great time collaborating, laughing, crying and sharing each other’s burdens. That was gone. Secondly, I had worked on many cross-functional teams as project manager and really enjoyed that. That was also gone. How could this be the end?
Thankfully, it really didn’t take me long to recall my dream of becoming an entrepreneur and taking control of my own destiny. I dove straight into building an online framework, thinking, “This is my moment!” This is the chance I’ve been waiting for—to finally have the time to set things in motion and make things happen —an unexpected opportunity to realign my life with what truly matters to me.
Slowing Down and Embracing Hygge
After years of constantly being on the go, losing my job made me realize how fast life had been moving. It was as if I had been racing from one task to the next, rarely pausing to catch my breath. This sudden pause, though unsettling at first, was a chance to slow down and reflect on what really matters.
One of the first things I knew I needed was to spend more quality time with my family. For so long, work had consumed so much of my energy that I found myself missing out on the small, meaningful moments. Now, I’m more intentional about creating space for those moments—whether it’s sitting around the dinner table with friends, sipping wine with my husband, or simply savoring the laughter of my grandkids. This time is precious, and I’ve come to appreciate how important it is to be fully present.
As I made this shift in my life, I began to weave the principles of hygge into my daily routines. Hygge is about embracing simplicity, coziness, and warmth—it’s about creating a nurturing atmosphere both in your home and within yourself. I’ve started lighting candles in the evenings, wrapping up in soft blankets, and filling my home with comforting scents. These small changes have helped transform my space into a sanctuary, where both I and my loved ones can feel calm and at peace.
In the midst of all this, I’ve learned that life doesn’t have to be a constant sprint to the next goal. It can be a series of intentional moments, filled with warmth and connection. By slowing down, I’ve not only reconnected with my family but also with myself. This period of transition is teaching me that while ambition and hard work have their place, so does peace, simplicity, and being fully present in the now.
This is my time not just to work on business ventures, but also to cultivate a life that reflects the balance I’ve been craving for years. Slower living has become my way of inviting more calm, more joy, and more connection into my home and heart. In doing so, I’m not only finding fulfillment in my entrepreneurial pursuits but also in the quiet, meaningful moments I get to share with the people I love most.
This is a good change everyone can appreciate
As I began to slow down and embrace the concept of hygge/American cozy/slow living, I realized that my journey wasn’t just about me. So many of us, especially in today’s fast-moving world, find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, rarely taking time to pause and reconnect with what truly matters. Whether you’re facing a major life change like me or simply looking to bring more calm into your daily routine, there’s an opportunity to create your own version of cozy, intentional living
Hygge, a Danish word that doesn’t have a direct translation in English, has been defined as being about more than just physical comfort—it’s about cultivating a sense of warmth and peace, both in your surroundings and in your mind. It’s about shared experiences with friends and family creating warm, happy environments. In America, we may not have a single word for it, but the idea of creating cozy, meaningful moments—is something that resonates with all of us.
One of the things I love most about this concept is how simple it is to start. It doesn’t require an elaborate plan or expensive changes—it’s all about being intentional with the little things. Lighting a candle, preparing a favorite meal, spending a quiet evening with a good book—these are small acts that invite coziness and connection into our lives.
Some ideas for getting started
So, how do you begin bringing a sense of hygge or American cozy into your life? Here are a few simple steps to get started:
- Create a cozy environment: Add soft lighting, warm blankets, and soothing scents to your space.
- Be present: Make time to slow down, whether it’s by enjoying a cup of tea without distractions or spending time in nature.
- Prioritize meaningful connections: Share meals with family and friends, and be intentional about spending time with loved ones.
- Embrace mindfulness: Practice gratitude, focus on what brings you joy, and be fully present in the moment
The beauty of this philosophy is that it’s deeply personal. What feels cozy to one person might not be the same for someone else, and that’s the point! Whether it’s a favorite blanket, a family recipe, or time spent with loved ones, it’s all about creating spaces and moments that make you feel safe, warm, and content. In other words, it’s the opposite of what many of us experience as the rat race: the contemporary lifestyle of often endless, self–defeating, meaningless or pointless pursuits that can leave us feeling defeated, drained, and constantly out of time.
An invitation to share with all of us
Now, it’s your turn. Start small, listen to what brings you joy, and begin weaving those moments of coziness into your daily life. Whether it’s lighting that candle, inviting friends over for a relaxed dinner, enjoying the outdoors, or simply finding time to pause and breathe, each step brings you closer to a life filled with warmth and meaning. Leave a comment to let us know your ideas!