When people think of Finnishness, there are a few things that probably come to mind immediately; sauna, salty liquorice, silence, and of course, our forests and thousands of lakes. Finnishness, to me, can be found in the appreciation of simple things, the ability to persevere during hard times, and the relationship we have had, and continue to have with the land around us.
Our love of nature is deeply woven into the structures of everyday life. Many Finns make it a priority to spend time in nature, be it taking a walk in a forest, hiking, picking mushrooms, or camping by a lake. Even in bigger cities, people always seem to find the time to be in nature. Growing up in Finland, I have always been surrounded by it. A familiar forest to retreat to and unwind in is something I have always taken comfort in, and will always cherish.
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