Re-Inventing Me
Three years ago, I did a weird thing – I walked away from a 28-year career, sold everything, and moved my family across the world. It did not happen easily, but when the final papers were signed, I did not look back. I gave myself six months to grieve and re-integrate, but I did not need it. I am not saying it was a total piece of cake to separate myself from everything and everyone that I had built and dedicated myself to for more than half of my life, but it was surprisingly easier, and it turned into a very peace-filled transition.
Living with Hygge
Part of that peace may have come from where we decided to live. We moved to Denmark, my husband’s home country and a place that I had often visited. Denmark had always been my happy place so there was no better physical place to be while trying to clean out and repurpose my mental space.
If you know anything about Denmark, you may have heard of the word “hygge.” Hygge (Hyggeligt) means cozy, and it is a way of life in a country that sees little, if any, sunshine for at least four months every year. That is hard to imagine unless you have experienced it. Sunshine gifts us so much joy and provides us with so many happiness opportunities, and yet we often take it, and much of nature, for granted. Finding bliss without sunshine takes a certain amount of effort, and a mindset that creates a way of life that is purposefully joyful. That is Hygge!
Hygge is family, good food, candlelight, reading in your pajamas, long walks, and outdoor picnics even if it is raining. It is laughter, hugs, playing cards with friends, afternoon cake, and sipping hot tea. Think of holidays, warm kitchens that smell of delicious foods, long conversations, and lots of smiles. Now you are living hygge. Everything and anything that you can think of that exemplifies rejuvenation, defines what life is like living in Denmark. I found it to be a wonderful backdrop for my reinvention journey.
Finding my career path
The challenging part was narrowing down what was next. I had some parameters for my next steps, but I had no idea how to translate them into a career path. I knew that I wanted to test my skills to see if I could apply them in a different industry. I also knew that I wanted my next step to be impactful – not just to a small group. I wanted to make an impact on the world!
As I searched for where I best fit in, I developed additional criteria. After being a business owner for most of those 28 years, I knew that having to be accountable to someone else’s time clock was not going to be an easy transition. In my search, I did informational interviews and a few actual interviews. It was through that experience that the last criteria came into view – I wanted to create my own culture. I realized that I have so many ideas that I am passionate about.
Criteria set.
- Test my skills.
- Make an impact.
- Open a business.
- Create the company’s culture.
Apparently, having my criteria in a checklist format did not mean I had figured out anything resembling a specific plan. That is where Denmark jumped in again to help me realize what my next step needed to be. My ultimate choice has as much clarity as it does urgency. It fulfills all my criteria. And, most importantly, it supports my desire to continue to live Danishly.
Living like a Dane
My experience living like a Dane helped me to see how different things can be. Besides all the hygge, the Danish people live in a very climate friendly way. They conserve water, recycle like champions, and use public transportation and biking like the world depends on it. Living in a country that believes in the grave consequences of climate change and the human activities that are speeding up the ultimate demise of our planet is a formative experience to say the least. My previous opinions had been framed by consumerism, convenience, and speed. I was a proud multi-tasker, and my priorities were productivity and accomplishments. There was not the time nor the inclination to have environmental activities as a focal point.
Without the experience of living abroad for the purpose of exploration, I am not sure I would have developed the insight that now shapes my thoughts. Perspective is created by what is around you. That can be very limiting, but it can also be revolutionary. Upon my return to the United States, I felt the lack of understanding about what is happening in the rest of the world regarding climate change and the actions and commitments that the countries and people across the world are actively working. People are making choices to live in a much more sustainable way, and their positive habits are increasing daily.
Finding my way
That is where I landed – I want to be a part of making that change happen in the United States! I want to focus on saving the planet. I want to focus on doing everything I can to halt climate change! Obviously, I am not thinking small at all! Our world is suffering – dying – but we still have time to act, to stop and even reverse some of the damage. During my time in Denmark, I saw the Danish government taking the lead with climate action. That is like what is happening in most of the EU countries. Regulations are coming from the top down, inspiring and incentivizing climate action in citizens and communities. In the United States that is not currently happening and where it is, it is happening far too slowly.
We can participate! Grassroot efforts are powerful! There are changes that are impactful that come from the bottom up and that is what I am dedicating myself to. I want to help move the needle forward. Individuals can motivate and change communities, and one by one communities can make global change happen. I am bringing the Hygge and everything sustainable to you, and I hope you will share with me your experience and your ideas and join me in taking positive action.
My first three areas of focus
- Eliminating single-use items.
- Eliminating and/or diverting food waste.
- Changing the American diet to focus on low carbon emission foods.
These are not small items. There are beneficial consequences that are far reaching if each and every one of us does just these three focus areas. Join me on my chosen path to save our planet by decreasing carbon emissions. I promise you it is going to be a whirlwind of an adventure filled with joy, collective effort, and a ton of Hygge!
What is your perspective?
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