[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Afz8Jk_rIQWL75jjN8V2FFb1siitC9s_4HtB2mEfrpo6oFhtQRPHrKc/

When the concept for ImagineCreateServe came to me, I knew this project would be a huge undertaking. My vision was lofty, but I knew in time my vision would slowly unfold. Being in nature is something that I find extremely cathartic. Today, it was 34 degrees with a heavy wintry mix and a rumble of thunder. So I did what any logical person would do and decided to take my dog Marley for a walk. There is nothing like being out in the elements to awaken one’s creative fire.  Today, I thought about Joy. My leadership philosophy is fundamentally rooted in living joyfully. Real joy is a mover of society. Servant leaders inflict joy on others through their compassion and grace. In its most simple form, joy is an act of kindness.

The concept of Hugge is quite new to me, but something that I’ve been practicing unknowingly for some time. Wiking (2017) writes, “Hugge is about an atmosphere and experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love… It has been called everything from ‘coziness of the soul’ to ‘taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things’” (p. 5). For me, Hugge is key to living a life of joy. Hugge is the simple things, whether that’s a brisk walk in the wintry elements like I took today, or writing an ImagineCreateServe post by candlelight. It’s a simple act of kindness to a stranger, a friend, or someone we are at odds with. It’s being kind to ourselves first so we can serve others. The foundation of joyful living is something I strive for in my leadership. It is about recognizing the potential for meaning in every human interaction. It is about remembering the joy of my childhood and striving to create moments of Hugge for the people I serve.

Food for Thought:

1. How can you make Hugge a part of your daily life? What does Hugge mean to you?
2. What does joyful living mean to you?
3. How do you see real joy as a mover of society?