It's been another dull, damp week in January but tourist boards are working hard to encourage us to plan our holidays and also to find joy in any and every circumstance - though preferably while in the region they're publicising.
Do you remember the word 'hygge'? A few years ago, it was everywhere, even if no one really knew the correct way to pronounce it. A Danish word, it is used to conjure up a feeling of cosiness, contentment and fireside relaxation and it was the buzzword for numerous books, themed activities, and trips to Scandinavia.
Other countries subsequently sought to build on this success - Sweden worked hard on 'lagom' which means 'everything in moderation' and the Japanese gave us 'ikigai' which means 'a reason for being'. VisitScotland brought us 'cosagach' which they hoped to convey a feeling of being snug, but sadly, as the word also means 'a wee nook or hole', the message was muddied.
Now in a 2025 publicity drive Visit Wales hopes that the word 'hwyl' will attract people to its country's hills, valleys, coastlines and cities. The word means a 'deep state of joy that comes from being totally immersed in the moment'.
It certainly sounds timely advice. Instead of fretting about things we cannot influence or change, perhaps we can look at what there is to enjoy of our surroundings, of our family and friends, our health and home. And the books we have to hand waiting to be read?!
Thank you for reading.
PS Though we're thinking about being present in the moment, I need to remind you of book group meetings coming up in the next few days! On Wednesday, it's the first book group meeting of the year in Framlingham and a few days later, on Monday 27 January, we'll be meeting in Woodbridge. It feels such a long time since we were together so it will be great to see everyone again.