As I have grown up in a small town in the countryside, I think I have experienced the most stereotypical lifestyle of a Finn. Things like these for me were going to the sauna every day, spending a lot of time in nature, and during summer we always spent a lot of time at our summer cottage. To make it clear, our sauna was not an electrical one. It was heated with wood like a good Finnish sauna should be, and during winter I loved rolling in the snow after a good heat.
My grandpa was a Veteran, and from a young age, I learned to respect Finnishness as it is. All the stories made me realize how precious it is to be who I am. There is nothing wrong to enjoy your own space, taking time alone and just hangout without talking all the time. Growing up like this to be a proud Finn has made me embrace traits and habits which will stay with me forever. Wherever I travel, and whoever I meet, I always love to come back to Finland, and spend some time alone.
Although Finnish people might seem introverted and shy, I think there is nobody who goes as crazy as typical Finn after we win the ice hockey championship. I think there is always a little spark of joy inside Finnish people, and when there is a good reason to be happy, it lights up like an easter fire. Also what I mean by this little spark, most people are kind-hearted and trustworthy, and especially in small towns, people look after each other.
If all these summarize Finland to be the happiest country on the planet, I can’t disagree.
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