March 24, 2024

Hello friends,

Grab a cozy ☕ and let’s get started!

First thing’s first, happy official spring!

Second, I want to thank you for all your book recommendations (check out the Extra Love section). Thanks to you, I have so many new titles on my list!

Third, we’re gonna talk about the Swedish art of savoring the moment today. I know there are subscribers from Sweden here, so feel free to send your thoughts on this one.

Last but not least, I want to share 3 moments I’ve savored lately:

making pancakes with my son
drinking my favorite chamomile-lavender tea in the evenings while sitting in silence next to my husband
admiring the beauty of tulips in my vase

What simple moments have you savored? Let me know!

Irena Spegar

Idea of the Week

NJUTA

“Njuta”(pronounced NYOO-ta) is a delightful verb in Swedish that embodies the art of savoring life’s simple pleasures, indulging in moments of bliss, and relishing the beauty of existence. At its core, njuta represents more than just the act of enjoyment. It’s a sentiment deeply ingrained in Swedish culture, a philosophy, a way of life. It encourages individuals to slow down, pause amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, and find joy in the everyday moments that often pass by us unnoticed because they seem too ordinary.

Njuta can be experienced in myriad ways — through the flavors of a delicious meal, the sights of a breathtaking sunset and the sounds of laughter shared with loved ones. This moment of seeing the world in a positive light could be fleeting or it might linger for a little longer. While it’s typically perceived as a present moment, we can also njuta over delightful past experiences or in anticipation of thrilling future events. We can njuta alone or with others.

Here’s how to embrace njuta.

Let’s say you sit down on a comfy sofa to read a book. Why not add a little soft blanket and a cup of warm tea to make this simple moment even more beautiful? Now, why not try to consciously feel the softness of the blanket, and the warmth of the mug, and the smell of the book? Why not try to consciously savor that moment? Why not try to njuta?

Simple meaningful pleasures that don’t cost a lot of money or time are all around us, we just need to slow down and notice them. Otherwise we might miss the magic. Remember that every single one of us has something little that brings us joy. We bet you do too. What is it?

WHERE TO FIND THIS IDEA:

Njuta: Enjoy, Delight In: The Swedish Art of Savoring the Moment by Niki Brantmark

Sundaying Kit

TRY ✨

Here are 2 fun ideas on how to declutter and be mindful about things you (don’t) need:

1. Use the “ex test:” is an item so important that you would call your ex to get it back? If not, say goodbye.
2. Pretend you’re moving: imagine you need to pack, move your stuff and unpack it in a new apartment. Now, scan your place and select items that aren’t worth all this effort. You can get rid of them.

USE ⚙️

Speaking of decluttering, simple apps = less clutter, both mentally and digitally.
That’s why we want to introduce you to Yesterdays — a simple, privacy-centric and distraction-free memory tracker for iOS. It’s a space for you to save and cherish thoughts and feelings that might otherwise slip away. You can save your memories in written, visual or audio form, and they offer free and premium plans.

Levi, the creator of the app, told us that he likes to use it to write down cute things his kids said or did (you know, the kind of everyday magic that’s not necessarily linked to a major event).

PONDER 💭

Remember the quiet luxury trend from last year? Well, it’s got a counterpart now — “loud budgeting.” This trend emphasizes being vocal about being frugal, and it kinda goes hand-in-hand with the whole de-influencing movement. Here is an article about it.

READ 📖

In the age of ‘toxicity’, are we walking away from friendships too quickly? – The Guardian
A great read about how swiftly we slap the ‘toxic’ label on everything around us — even the people closest to us. Should we all slow down a bit?

Vincent van Gogh On Creating Something Beautiful, Self-Doubt, and Nature – Inner Peace
A beautiful collection of Vincent van Gogh quotations. Most quotations come from the letters he wrote to his brother.

Sunday With…

BRIANNE FLEMING

TA marketer, communications instructor, and boy band fangirl. On her show, Making the Brand, Brianne discusses marketing lessons inspired by pop culture moments, past and present.

Find Brianne here

The Sunday Scaries are a little less scary when you treat yourself to a feast!

In my family, we’ve started a weekly dinner tradition called “Parmesan Sunday.” Yes, we’re Italian! Parmesan Sunday means that a dedicated household in my family cooks Sunday dinner, and we rotate every week. For example, some Sundays my husband and I cook, but then it’s either my parents’ turn, or my brother and sister-in-law’s. We’re lucky to live locally to each other and we cherish the memories and meals every week!

This past Sunday was our turn, and we made these delicious stuffed peppers. They are low-carb and were a total hit! They also reheat great for lunch the next day. I sent everyone home with a doggy-bag!

Community Corner

The books you recommended 🧡

Here are 3 of my favorite, recent books:
1. You’re Not Listening: What you’re missing and why it matters by Kate Murphy
2. “Taste: My life through food” by Stanley Tucci
3. “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus*
*I was able to participate in a virtual book discussion with Bonne Garmus after reading her book. What a warm, wonderful author!
(Lori B.)

Stay True: A Memoir by Hua Hsu.
(Michelle H.)

I really enjoyed reading Sam Heughan’s Waypoints: My Scottish Journey. I’ve never watched his show “Highlander” but when I read a blurb about his book I decided to read it. I felt like I was going along with him on his journey of not only seeing and climbing the West Highland Way but also of the one of his own personal growth and discovery. It was an inspiring read!
Happy reading!
(LB S.)

Dopamine Nation was a very interesting read!
(Mike G.)

I’ve recently read All Things Aside by stand up comedian Iliza Schlesinger because books can be funny too! With all the things going on in the world, it is vital to find a laugh or smile wherever and whenever you can. (Steph R.)

The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
(Salome S.)

I recently finished “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. A great story with an intelligent and determined female protagonist.
“Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty was helpful in guiding me to improve my focus and reduce stress at work.
When I want to revisit my childhood, I re-read “Mandy” by Julie Andrews Edwards. I must have borrowed it a dozen times from my local library while growing up.
(Ann H.)

I really enjoyed Come and Get It by Kiley Reid.
(Meggy W.)

I just finished The Dream Daughter. It’s about time travel – kind of intense but really good!
“November 9” by Colleen Hoover – fantastic book!
(Masha L.)

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