Finland, My Home
Finland is home. It always will be. Clean water, quiet forests, and the smooth flow of everyday life that feels like a gentle hug even when it’s dark outside. People are punctual, systems work, and there’s a sense of order.
But being Finnish is more than just nature and efficiency. It’s also about the spaces in between words, the comfort in silence, and the reality that small talk isn’t really a thing here. After spending time abroad, I noticed how this can be surprising to others. In the USA, I was called shy. In Finland, I’m perceived as outgoing. It’s funny how the same person can be read so differently depending on the culture around them.
Winter is another reminder of our uniqueness. Long, dark months can feel heavy for outsiders, and seasonal depression is a real challenge for many. Yet, for those of us used to the cold and quiet, there’s a certain resilience, a way to move through the darkness with calm and steadiness.
Finnishness, to me, is peace. It’s not always about being social or seeking constant connection. It reminds me of usual family dynamics. Sometimes distant, sometimes warm, sometimes frustrating, but always yours. I love this about Finland, even when I wish we were a little more talkative, a little more open.
And then there’s summer. Finnish summer will always be my favourite. Bright evenings and the lakes that reflect the endless sky. That’s why I attached this picture: a little piece of what makes home so special to me.
Home isn’t perfect, but it is ours. And I wouldn’t trade that quiet, calm, sometimes love-hate relationship for anything else.
— Sonja
This blog post was written with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) for drafting and editing. All ideas and personal reflections are my own.
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