Finland has changed me in many ways I never expected. Finland, now a place I call home, has nourished both my body and soul and has been a crucial part of my self‑discovery.
This place has taught me how to find balance in mundane activities and how to slow down even when I feel rushed. It used to frustrate me when things took longer to complete, especially when bureaucracy was involved. I was used to living on autopilot and never knew how or when to bring mindfulness and intention into my daily tasks. I used to listen only to respond, live only to work, and I was never comfortable with my own company.
Something shifted in me when I noticed how people in Finland do things slowly, steadily, and with intention. People listen and try to relate before responding. Personal space and time are valued, and they are essential for recharging one’s mind and body. As days passed, tranquillity and quietness settled into me, and I began to embrace them.
My time and space became truly mine, and although being alone with myself was difficult at first, I eventually used it to my advantage to learn who I really am. Taking a solo walk in the forest with the faint scent of wildflowers in the air will forever be a core memory of Finnish summer. The cold, dark winter quietness made me listen to my inner thoughts and led me toward deeper self‑reflection.
Now, I love my mornings slow and relaxed. I enjoy my unhurried walks, and waiting no longer stresses me the way it used to. I am fully aware of my surroundings and my space. Being mindful of how I eat and sleep puts my body into a more relaxed state, and my nervous system feels more regulated.
Of course, this country is far from perfect. There are real challenges in weather, integration, and culture, especially for someone coming from a completely different part of the world where the sun is warm and people are more intimate. Finland is imperfect, and its flaws make it easier for me to appreciate its other qualities even more. Finding balance between its strengths and imperfections has become a way of life here.
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