The Hyggelig Journey

The antidote to anxiety is action. When faced with uncertainty, the mind tends to spiral, analysing every possible outcome, yet struggling to commit to a decision. This constant back-and-forth is not just mentally exhausting — it is paralysing. Indecision keeps you rooted in place, amplifying doubts and feeding a growing sense of unease. Anxiety often arises not from the decisions themselves, but from the fear of making the wrong choice. The longer you hesitate, the more overwhelming the situation feels. Over time, this hesitation solidifies into avoidance, reinforcing the belief that uncertainty is something to be feared. It is easy to convince yourself that the choice in front of you is so critical that everything else must be put on hold. You tell yourself that if you analyse it just a little longer, clarity will come. But clarity rarely appears in stillness. More often than not, movement — any movement — is what breaks the cycle of overthinking. Taking even the smalle...

We often make statements about ourselves that seem harmless but, in reality, reinforce self-imposed limitations. Phrases like "I’ve never been good with numbers", "I have no coordination for dancing", or "I could never speak in front of an audience" might feel like simple truths, but when repeated, they shape an identity that may not reflect our real potential. These beliefs act as filters, shaping how we see ourselves, interpret experiences, and interact with the world. Many originate from external influences — comments from family, teachers, or peers — while others stem from our own fears and past experiences. The problem is that when we accept them without question, they begin to dictate our choices, limiting our ability to learn new skills, make confident decisions, and embrace opportunities that could lead to growth. The impact of these beliefs extends far beyond avoiding challenges. They create a sense of stagnation, reinforcing the idea ...

Every so often, I come across a pre-university student who already possesses a well-developed sense of emotional intelligence. Unlike most, they don’t need an explanation of why emotions influence academic performance — they have already learnt this through personal experience, observation, or reflection. Without even realising it, they have grasped an essential skill that will be invaluable in adulthood, helping them navigate personal and professional challenges with greater ease. However, the reality is that few people develop strong emotional self-awareness. This is not due to a lack of intelligence or capacity but simply because they have never made a habit of observing their own inner world. Many go through life without paying attention to their emotions or understanding how these feelings shape their thoughts, behaviours, and decisions. As a result, they struggle to recognise how emotions influence their professional success, personal relationships, and ability to ...