For a long time, I felt like I had lost myself.
Becoming a mum changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. While motherhood brought me so much love and joy, it also had a significant impact on my emotional and mental wellbeing, which then affected my physical health.
The impact began early, when I experienced pre and postnatal depression. Since then, I struggled to reconnect with the person I was before motherhood.
The turning point came after taking a career break to become a stay-at-home mum. When I was ready to return to work, I found myself facing rejection after rejection.
I applied for hundreds of jobs, attended more than 20 interviews over 12 months, and watched opportunity after opportunity disappear.
I was told I was too old. I was questioned about my ability to work as a mum.
I felt angry, crushed and deflated.
But eventually, I realised I needed to stop searching for my worth through external validation and start reconnecting with myself.
I began asking:
- Who am I outside of motherhood?
- What brings me joy?
- What makes me feel like myself again?
I started dedicating just 15 minutes a day to myself.
Sometimes it was reading a book, practising yoga, knitting, or simply taking a quiet moment to breathe.
Slowly, those small moments began to make a difference.
I noticed that when I slowed down, I felt calmer. I had space to reflect, reconnect and appreciate the little things around me.
I also discovered that being outdoors made these moments even more meaningful. Spending time in nature helped me feel grounded and present.
I brought my family into this too. We started taking simple camping trips, even if it was just for one day. We spent time by the beach, relaxed in fields, and even found a beautiful spot with a llama farm, which made the experience even more memorable.
These simple moments became some of our happiest memories.
Discovering Hygge
I discovered that the Danish have a word for this feeling: hygge (pronounced hoo-gah).
Hygge is about creating warmth, comfort and connection. It is about appreciating the simple moments that make life feel meaningful.
It is not about having a perfect home or buying expensive things. It is about creating space for calm, kindness and togetherness.
By embracing a gentler and more mindful approach to life, we can change how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.
Through slowing down, I slowly started finding my place again.
And I wanted to help others do the same.
The Birth of Collette Costello
Collette Costello was created from this journey.
My mission is to encourage people to create their own daily hygge moments, to slow down, reconnect and make time for their wellbeing.
In a world that often celebrates being busy, achieving more and constantly moving forward, I believe there is something powerful about choosing to pause.
To reconnect with values that can sometimes be forgotten in modern life:
- Community
- Caring
- Kindness
- Creativity
- Connection
These simple values have the power to change how we feel, how we treat others and how we experience everyday life.
Why Handmade Matters
This is why my hygge blankets and accessories include handcrafted crochet and knitted details.
These traditional crafts represent patience, creativity and mindful making. They are a reminder that some of the most meaningful things in life take time.
Each crochet square carries the spirit of slowing down and creating something with care.
In our fast-paced world, handmade crafts offer a chance to reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the beauty of thoughtful creation.
The Power of the 15-Minute Hygge Moment
It sounds simple: just fifteen minutes.
But those small moments can create a powerful ripple effect.
- Taking time to pause can help us:
- Feel calmer and more present
- Reflect on what truly matters
- Be kinder to ourselves
- Strengthen our connections with others
- Appreciate the world around us
A hygge moment does not need to be complicated or expensive.
It could be:
- Enjoying a quiet cup of tea or coffee without distractions
- Creating a cosy atmosphere with soft lighting
- Spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature
- Reading a few pages of a book
- Picking up a craft and creating something slowly
- Wrapping yourself in a cosy blanket and simply being present
Creating a Kinder, Cosier World
Hygge reminds us that slowing down is not a weakness. Rest is not something we need to earn.
Creating moments of calm, comfort and connection allows us to show up better for ourselves, our families, our communities and the planet.
A kinder world starts with small moments.
- One cup of tea.
- One quiet pause.
- One cosy moment at a time.
I hope my Collette Costello blankets and accessories help you create your own daily hygge moment, wherever life takes you.
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