It’s a quiet, rainy afternoon in Stockholm, the kind where the sky is painted in soft shades of grey, and the rhythm of the rain tapping against the window is almost hypnotic. I sit here, holding a warm cup of tea, and I find myself lost in thought. There’s a certain peace in this moment – a moment of stillness that feels more precious than anything else. As I watch the raindrops trickle down the glass, I begin to think about a word that’s been with me for years: Lagom.
You see, Lagom isn’t just a Swedish word; it’s a philosophy, a way of life. And as I sip my tea, I realize how deeply it’s woven into the fabric of my everyday existence.
What is Lagom?
In its simplest form, Lagom translates to “not too much, not too little, just right.” It’s the idea of finding the perfect balance, like the golden ratio in art and nature. It’s not about settling for less or being content with mediocrity; rather, it’s about understanding that enough is truly enough. There’s a profound beauty in this concept—Lagom is not a limit, it’s a freedom. It’s a choice to embrace what serves you, to create space for what matters, and to release what doesn’t.
When I first encountered Lagom, I thought it was just a nice way to describe moderation. But over time, I’ve come to realize it’s so much more than that. It’s a practice. A lifestyle. And perhaps the most unexpected thing about it is how liberating it feels to live with less. Less clutter, less stress, less overwhelm.
Living the Lagom Way
In Work:
In a world that constantly tells us to work harder, longer, and faster, Lagom offers a refreshing reprieve. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that more hours, more effort, and more results equal more success. But Lagom encourages us to pause and ask, “What is enough?” It’s not about pushing ourselves until we’re burnt out, nor is it about avoiding responsibility. Lagom in the workplace means finding that sweet spot where you give your best without overextending. It’s about working efficiently, setting boundaries, and knowing when to stop. When the workday ends, you can close your laptop, knowing you’ve done enough and that there’s still time to enjoy life outside of work. This balance—where effort and relaxation coexist—is where true productivity happens.
In Home Life:
When I look around my apartment, I try to keep it aligned with the principles of Lagom. There’s a sense of calm that comes from surrounding yourself with only the things you truly love or need. I’ve learned that a home doesn’t need to be overflowing with expensive furniture or decorative items to feel complete. Instead, it should be a reflection of what brings peace and joy. A few carefully chosen pieces, simple and beautiful, are all that’s necessary to create a space that feels like a sanctuary. Lagom in home life means not filling every corner with “stuff” just for the sake of it. It’s about curating your space, making it functional, and allowing room for stillness and comfort. The spaces I cherish most are the ones that offer just enough—enough to feel warm, welcoming, and peaceful.
In Social Life:
It’s easy to say yes to every invitation, to chase after every opportunity, and to fill every moment with social obligations. But here’s where Lagom really shines. In relationships, Lagom doesn’t mean retreating into isolation, nor does it mean spreading yourself too thin by trying to be everywhere. It’s about quality over quantity. It’s about being present with the people who truly matter to you and spending time with those who lift you up, without the pressure of attending every event. Lagom teaches us to find joy in the people and connections that feel most genuine, leaving space to nurture those relationships without losing ourselves in the process.
Conclusion
Lagom is more than just a word. It’s a choice. It’s the art of finding balance, of knowing when enough is enough, and allowing yourself the space to simply be. It’s the golden ratio of life, the sweet spot where things don’t feel overwhelming or lacking, but just right. It’s a practice, one I continue to explore each day.
So, I ask you: In what part of your life could you use a little more Lagom? Where can you find that perfect balance? Perhaps it’s time to let go of the excess and embrace the simplicity of “just enough.”