Adapting The Art Of Hygge
websitebuilder • February 4, 2021
This Valentine’s Day, surround yourself and your significant other with the Danish art of hygge. What is hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), you ask? This state of being cozy, comfortable and connected stems from the Danish concept that in the absence of overwhelming things,we are the happiest. Designing an environment around the idea of hygge might look like a hot cup of tea by a warm fire, reading your favorite book underneath a cozy blanket or a filling meal shared with your closest friends and family. Hygge promotes wellness and a calm state of being, making it the perfect concept to channel this Valentine’s Day. Here’s how you can adapt this concept for you and your partner:
- Turn The Lights Down Low
The first step to creating a cozy environment is mood lighting. You can set the scene for your night of romance by lighting a fire in the fire place, burning your favorite candle and turning off any overhead lights that may be too bright. Cuddle up with your partner under a warm blanket and watch a movie you’ve both been eyeing to make the night even more memorable. - The Couple That Creates Together, Stays Together
Another creative way to integrate hygge into your Valentine’s Day is to decorate your home with your significant other. This could be choosing items that are special to both of you or starting fresh with new ideas that you create together. Curating an environment that celebrates your relationship will promote a sense of partnership and make your shared space meaningful. - Connect With Each Other
Connecting with each other on Valentine’s Day may seem like a given but using hygge can deepen your relationship with your significant other. Cook a fun, new meal together while you reminisce over an old photo album and a hot chocolate. Play board games in the candlelight while your favorite record spins in the background. Learn to linger in the small moments that hygge creates and celebrate them with one another. Practicing gratitude in your relationship is the heart of hygge and will only bring you closer together in your relationship.

As we move into the second quarter of another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and share some of the new initiatives we are implementing in the realms of sales, marketing and community engagement. Over the past year, GBU Life has reached significant milestones thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the trust and support of our members. Our sales department has exceeded targets, and we have expanded our reach to more communities than ever before. We have launched several successful marketing campaigns that have not only increased our visibility but have also strengthened our brand's presence in the industry. For this year, our focus will be educating potential new members on the importance of securing their financial futures through life insurance and annuity products while serving their communities as part of our great Society. Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our sales strategies to better serve you. We are introducing some tools for our agents to enhance our products. One new tool is our Defined Benefit Annuity program which combines the Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) with a software tool that can help determine retirement savings needs and break them down into contributions over time to help you meet your retirement goals. Be sure to keep in touch with your GBU agent to review your plans and products to see how adding an FIA to your retirement planning can help boost your savings efforts

GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed Pawprints on My Heart. Three age categories will be judged as follows: Category I: Ages three and four Category II: Ages five and six Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428) or by printing the image above. Cash Prizes for Each Category First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30 How to Enter Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the colored page to: GBU Life ATTN: Member Benefits 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line. General Information Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.

Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but it’s also the perfect time to focus on your financial future. Building on the foundation you’ve already laid the groundwork for with smart money choices will set you up for long-term success. Here are a few key financial products to consider as you take the next step.