We Need More of What Norway Has-Koselig

January 18, 2018 Off By Deby Jizi

Yesterday I learned a new word, koselig. It is a Norwegian word that roughly translates as “cozy” but can also stretch to mean, “Can I give you a hug?”

Koselig, it turns out, is a mindset that Norwegians embody during harsh northern winters-winters that they celebrate, rather than dread, for the reasons others yearn for spring to come soon.

That is why I say we need more of what Norway has. We need a mindset change.

Norwegians live in an area of the world where the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for several months, where temperatures are well below freezing, and where we might expect people to be depressed because of these conditions, they are thriving. In fact, they embrace winter. Recent research has linked this attitude of koselig to the importance of mindset.

When I was in elementary school in the early 70s, singer BJ Thomas had a number 1 hit song, Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head. It was a catchy tune, easy to sing along to and was written for the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid film, eventually winning an Oscar for best song. As a kid, I only knew the lyrics, and the chorus has stuck with me ever since,

Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head

But that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turnin’ red

Cryin’s not for me

‘Cause I’m never gonna stop the rain by complainin’

Because I’m free

Nothin’s worryin’ me

The song speaks to mindset as much as koselig is the answer to frigid Arctic winters in Norway.

It is not what happens to us that leads to well-being. It is how we choose to view what happens to us. Quotes abound on this truth, and they should because it is true.

“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” ~ Epictetus (55-135 AD)

So how does this work? Be more like Norwegians, look for something to celebrate about the situation you are in. In short, look for the good. In time, you might even invent something like movie nights where everyone brings a favorite warm blanket, a hot beverage, and good conversation, and soon you might find yourself creating a new tradition.

Getting through something and thriving are quite different experiences, and what we often need is a change of perspective. Changing our mindset is a good place to start.

Peace and Koselig!