Happy Living

What better way to start a new year than to focus on living a happy, balanced life?

Scandinavian countries are known for being the happiest places on Earth- what's their secret? Living mindfully, in moderation and focusing on comfort. For the Swedes it's Lagom  (pronounced lah-gohm), for the Danes its Hygge (pronounced hue-guh). Lagom and Hygge are ways of living that promote wellness and mindfulness.

Hygge is a Danish word that is used to acknowledge a feeling of contentedness, charm, coziness, security, and comfort. It is also referred to as the “art” of creating intimacy and charm in everyday situations that some of us might consider boring and mundane. For instance, something a simple as taking a moment each morning to brew your favorite coffee while lighting a candle before jetting off to work, or by treating yourself to a bubble bath with epsom salts and essential oils once a week, are both ways of bringing hygge into your life. It essentially involves finding little charming moments that help break up the monotony of your day or week and help you slow down.

Lagom is a Swedish word that is similar to hygge, but with a few key differences. It comes from the phrase, “Lagom är bäst,” or “Just the right amount,” and reflects the idea of always living life in balance that doesn’t have too much of too little of one thing or another. Lagom plays a huge role in living sustainably, encouraging working with the environment in your day-to-day life, choosing natural and simple whenever possible, and shopping locally. However, the art of lagom can be applied to all areas of life, from indulging in desserts, to working, and even decor. The key to understanding lagom is “not too much, not too little” of everything in life.

Here are a few books that can help you shift gears from "go-go-go" to mindful moderation and calming coziness. Come down to the shop, grab yourself a copy & a cup of coffee and you'll be on your way to a happier life.

January Penny Jar Proceeds will go to...

“ A Home Between Homes…”

The Tyler Blain House, located in Lancaster, New Hampshire, is a 4-bedroom Victorian home. It is ADA compliant and has the ability to house up to 8 individuals at a time. Shelter guests have independent access to a large eat-in kitchen, a community food pantry, laundry facilities and a common area. Food and material goods assistance are provided as needed. On-site staff provides individualized case management services to all shelter guests, including help with transportation. Staff also assists shelter guests in developing plans to meet their goals of being self-sufficient and securing permanent housing. All are welcome at Tyler Blain, except individuals who are a safety threat to themselves or others, and unaccompanied minors.

Our program mission is to “strive to make sure every resident of the North Country has access to programs that will prevent an episode of homelessness and provide the assistance needed to secure shelter should homelessness come to pass.”

Our goal is to alleviate immediate housing emergencies and to assist shelter residents with achieving independence that leads to permanent housing and ends the cycle of homelessness.

When the tragedy of homelessness occurs, people often feel disconnected from their community. At Tyler Blain, we believe that a successful approach to shelter happens in the context of a supportive community–one that focuses on including the person in a meaningful experience. For this reason, when people stay at Tyler Blain House, they are engaged in a total community living arrangement. We believe everyone heals at a different pace, and for this reason, there is not a limit on the length of time an individual may stay. We ask only that residents be pro-active in their plan for independence.

56 Prospect Street
Lancaster, NH 03584
Phone (603) 788-2344
Fax (603) 788-3700

For after-hours homeless emergencies, please dial 211 for assistance.

http://www.tccap.org/services/health/homelessness/