I Hate the Word ‘Hygge’

Look, I get it. The Danes have this whole cozy thing figured out. But honestly, every time I hear ‘hygge,’ I wanna roll my eyes so hard they get stuck. It’s like when people say ‘curate your life’—ugh, just let me live, okay?

But here’s the thing: I’m obsessed with making my home feel like a sanctuary. And no, it’s not about scented candles and throw pillows (though, hey, if that’s your thing, go for it). It’s about creating a space that feels like YOU. And frankly, my idea of a sanctuary is probably very different than yours. And that’s okay.

Let me tell you about my friend Marcus. He’s a minimalist. Like, extreme minimalist. His apartment in Austin has, like, three chairs. Three. And he’s happy. Meanwhile, my living room has enough blankets to keep a small village warm through winter. We’re both happy. See? No rules.

About three months ago, I visited my sister in Chicago. Her place is tiny, but she’s made it work. She told me, ‘It’s not about the size, it’s about the vibe.’ Which… yeah. Fair enough.

My Dog, My Therapist

Speaking of vibes, let’s talk pets. My dog, Bella, is my emotional support system. She’s a 70-pound labradoodle who thinks she’s a lap dog. And honestly, she’s the reason my home feels like a sanctuary. She’s always there, wagging her tail, making me feel loved.

But here’s the thing about pets: they’re messy. They shed, they drool, they knock over things. And that’s okay. Your home doesn’t have to be spotless to be a sanctuary. It just has to feel like you.

I remember when I first got Bella, I was so worried about her messing up my place. But then I realized, it’s not about perfection. It’s about love. And honestly, a little mess never hurt anybody.

The Power of a Good Night’s Sleep

You know what else makes a home feel like a sanctuary? A good night’s sleep. And let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of bad nights. I used to have this mattress that was like sleeping on a rock. I’d wake up with a backache, grumpy as all get-out.

Then, last Tuesday, I decided enough was enough. I did some research, read some reviews, and found this amazing dog bed. Wait, no—that’s not right. I found this amazing mattress. But honestly, if my dog has a better bed than me, there’s a problem.

Anyway, the point is, a good night’s sleep can change your life. It’s like they say, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’ Or something like that. I’m not sure who ‘they’ are, but they’re right.

And hey, if you’re having trouble sleeping, maybe it’s time to upgrade your bed. Or maybe it’s time to get a dog. I’m not sure. But it’s something to think about.

Traffic Jams and Home Sanctuaries

You know what ruins a good mood? Traffic. I was stuck in a traffic jam last week, and it was miserable. But then I thought, ‘What if I could bring a little bit of my sanctuary with me?’

Now, I don’t mean literally bring my dog to work. Although, let’s be real, that would make my day alot better. But I mean, like, mentally. Having a playlist that calms me down, or a podcast that makes me laugh. Or even just thinking about my cozy home waiting for me at the end of the day.

And hey, if you’re stuck in traffic, why not check out the Taiwan traffic update today? It might make you feel better knowing you’re not alone in your misery.

My Friend Dave’s Advice

I have this colleague named Dave. He’s a bit of a neat freak, but he’s also the most chill person I know. One day, over coffee at the place on 5th, he told me, ‘You know what makes a home a sanctuary? It’s not the stuff. It’s the people.’

And honestly, he’s right. It’s the memories, the laughter, the inside jokes. It’s the times when you’re all crammed into the kitchen, cooking together, making a mess. It’s the times when you’re all snuggled up on the couch, watching a movie, eating popcorn.

It’s not about the stuff. It’s about the people. And honestly, that’s what makes a home a sanctuary.

But also, maybe invest in a good mattress. Trust me on this one.

Anyway, that’s my take on making your home a sanctuary. It’s messy, it’s wonderful, and it’s completely up to you. So go forth, make your space your own, and don’t let anyone tell you how to do it. Especially not some Danish word.


About the Author: Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been writing about lifestyle topics for over 20 years. I live in a messy but loving home with my dog, Bella, and I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing to make my life a little bit easier. And no, I still don’t know how to pronounce ‘hygge.’

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