LAGOM - Being Content with Just Enough

Lagom (LAW-gom) is the Swedish art of living a balanced, happy life.  Loosely translated, it means “not too much and not too little – just right.”  It's a less-is-more philosophy.  It's come to define a lifestyle that is all about moderation, and finding contentment in being satisfied.  The Swedish believe all things in life have a natural balance. 

The Swedish attitude of only having what you need and nothing more permeates everyday life, from matters of finances to practicing gratitude.  They strive for that feeling of contentment we get when we have all that we need to be comfortable.  This means having a roof over our heads, enough food in our stomachs, solid family and friends, and money (just enough) in our pockets.  

Linea Dunne writes “a lagom amount of money is enough; beyond that, our happiness levels depend on other factors.”

Lagom is a frame of mind.  It's about being conscious of your footprint, intentional in considering your needs, and mindful of what is important to you.  Lagom carries the connotation of appropriateness, prioritizing what matters most to you, and finding your comfortable level of 'just right".  

It's the antithesis of the American belief that having everything we want will bring us happiness, that "You can never be too rich or too thin." ~ Wallis Simpson 

Working toward universal balance.  The most general application of Lagom is the belief that desiring "just enough" benefits not only individuals, but also society at large.  It's the practice of sustainability and being environmentally conscious.

The Swedish aim for a work-life balance.  Not staying at the office too late or leaving too early; not partying too hard but enough to enjoy life.  It's about balancing your energy by knowing when enough is enough.  It's practicing moderation--and taking breaks when necessary--in both your work and social life.  The Swedes practice Fika:  Taking a break for coffee and cake where you spend social time with friends and loved ones--or alone.  

Eliminating stress is another goal.  This can include keeping your to-do list realistic, not letting life become unnecessarily complicated, or not allowing yourself to get sucked into drama--anything that weighs you down emotionally and doesn't deliver value to your life.  Embracing Lagom is knowing when to stop, eliminating the unnecessary, and focusing on what is absolutely essential for your happiness.

The Swedish focus on creating an oasis at home.  A Lagom-inspired home is about creating a welcoming and peaceful home.  They are proponents of the adage that a cluttered home creates a cluttered mind.  Thus, everything is practical, has meaning or history.  Nothing is superfluous.

 

Perfection is not an ideal.  Simplicity and subtly are sought--nothing composed, contrived, overdone or trendy.  If flowers are brought into the home, it’s not about styled or lavish bouquets, it’s about a few flowers, set into a simple container in an unstudied manner.  

  

And Lagom in the home is about embracing nature, being in harmony with the environment.  Sweden homes take advantage of natural light as much as possible, colors used are organic and muted, and natural textures are incorporated.

The Swedish appreciate that sometimes less really is more.

~ The End ~