Spring Obsessions: How I’m Practicing Self-Quarantine Hygge
We’re officially heading into spring, and while it may not feel like the most exciting Spring Break one could wish for, there are ways I’m discovering to enjoy the self-quarantine. For one thing, it’s a perfect opportunity to exercise my natural Danish tendency for hygge. Self-care during self-quarantine. Hygge-tine. (Does that work?)
Gratitude Challenge
For the remaining two weeks of the month, I decided to find a way every day to practice gratitude, making an effort to notice when I happen to complain. If I catch myself saying, this sucks, I’ll stop and ask, ok, it sucks, but what about it can I still be grateful for? Gratitude isn’t the same as being thankful for something. It’s when something sucks but you are able to find something good in it anyway.
I started with my home office. I'm SUPER grateful that in the last couple of months I've created a killer home office. Sure, I took over my older son's room to do it (it's ok, he's off at college, self-quarantined in his dorm). For years I've wanted an office with a digital and analog desk (inspired by Austin Kleon) so I could make things with my computer and my hands. Now I do. It's got a cool plant. And LEGOs. And a kickass air purifier. And Remy the Golden. And velvet curtains... see, the list goes on.
Right now a lot of things suck. And I am thinking it's time for some gratitude, like on a massive scale. So if you feel like joining me in this #gratitudechallenge, I’m posting in my Instagram and Facebook, and would love to hear what you’ve discovered you’re grateful for during this time as well.
Richard Curtis Movies
The other night I watched the film About Time, which was sweet, heartwarming, British, etc. Because if you’re at all familiar with Richard Curtis movies (Love Actually, Four Weddings and Funeral) then that’s kind of the standard. During a time when we’re all a little on edge with the state of the world, this movie has some poignant lines that are a great reminder about how each day is such a gift, and really, it’s good or bad depending on how you look at it. I followed up the next night with my newest favorite movie Yesterday (which is written by Richard Curtis but directed by Danny Boyle). And again, another good reminder about not taking things for granted, whether it be something simple (yet incredibly profound) like music (not just any music, but The Beatles), or the love of your life.
Green Day’s Father of All...
And speaking of The Beatles... I have been totally obsessed these past few weeks with Green Day’s newest album (can you define 26 minutes as an album?) Father of All... It sounds like The Beatles have reincarnated themselves with our generation’s greatest punk pop band and created Sugar Punk. So much of the early sound of the boys from Liverpool is embedded in songs like the title track where Billie Joe busts out some Lennon-like falsetto, or the Sixties guitar riffs and surf-rock tempo in “Stab You in the Heart.” Not to mention the 2-minutes on average pop tunes, but with F-bombs dropped in to remind you that it’s still punk. Thus, #SugarPunk.
Ink
It’s probably no coincidence that while I’ve been channeling my inner punk rock star in the comfort of my own home with Green Day on level 10, that I have also been preparing for some fresh ink. It’s been over 16 years since I decided to tattoo my hip, and inevitably, after having a kid and all, it’s not looking so hot anymore. So I’m getting a fresh cover-up with some cool Japanese flower art to match the Kanji on my wrist (which I’m also getting touched up). Planning something new and exciting is great for one’s mental health, especially when there’s a lot getting canceled right now. And if nothing else, scrolling photos of art is way better than some of the other stuff out there.
So here’s to flowers, fresh or faux, British romantic comedies, meaningful music, and any other thing you can find to be grateful for during these crazy days. Like every season does, this too shall pass.