It sounds like the Forests built a home in you as well! I can sense the peace and calmness in the tone of your writing. I'm sure the next decades are full of hope & prosperity for you!
Thank you for sharing your story. I turn 35 tomorrow and have been heavily considering immigration to another country. I fear the idea of starting over, all the steps it would take to rebuild, and leaving the evils I know for the unknown. I think I need to start with getting my passport and not rush the process.
It’s definitely a good mindset to have. I try to go into winter with hygge but it’s hard to keep it going for 4-5 months. I’m curious how the Finnish infrastructure supports SAD. Is it more public lights? Work hours that allow for getting sunshine during the short window? I’m going to go check out YouTube to see if anyone’s documented the comparison but I’d love to hear what you experience personally!
It's not only that, but it's also the abundance of winter activities, for instance cross country skiing. A lot of municipalities each year create kilometers of tracks for people to freely enjoy whenever you want. Most tracks also have lights, so you can go after dark. Also, a lot of outdoor ice tracks (on the frozen lake) are created by plowing snow specifically for Nordic/tour skating.. But it's also mindset, there are a ton of adult education centres that host a multitude of course (subsidized by the goverment) and of course public Sauna! Sauna and swimming in a hole in the ice ... And then it's also just good healthcare, bright light therapies, .. libraries have sometimes craft workshops.. there are a lot of "light fairs and markets" or Art Festivals celebrating the Light. It's almost impossible to NOT stay busy. Personally, I'm not a winter sport person.. but I do change my mindset. I rest more, I sleep more, I read more, I focus on cosy, candles, atmosphere at home, I stay indoors more but as soon as the sun starts shining I drop everything and go outside. ,.. I hunt for the northern Lights,... I keep in touch with family .. while in summer I am more active, more outside, I don't read as much and it's more energy and green and freshness... I don't know .. hard to explain ;)
Unfortunately the only family members I know of with Finnish heritage are all here in the US. My only worry about Finland is winter. I get horrible Seasonal Affective Disorder so I’m not sure if I’d survive a Finnish winter.
I’m not sure how actively you’re handling and treating your SAD where you live now, but in Finland it’s a common thing, especially with the the endless summer nights and the contrasting darkness of winter when there’s just very little daylight.
But Finnish culture has evolved powerful coping mechanisms and the local infrastructure is built to support SAD. The internet says : “Despite the harsh winters, Finland consistently ranks as the world's happiest country, largely due to a lifestyle designed to counter the winter blues.” 🥶💙🇫🇮
Personally, I live WITH the seasons, not against them. It’s the best way to battle SAD. It’s not about “surviving” the Finnish Winter anymore, it’s a mindset of “I get to enjoy another winter!” and adapt your way of life accordingly.
Adapting to the endless light of summer is the same thing. Change of mindset again … and then in autumn, again… lol. That’s what I meant with “living with the seasons” 😉 Fighting them is what results in these problems…
Your journey from that first uncertain adventure to truly choosing Finland as home is so inspiring. I especially loved how you described the forest teaching you to slow down, to notice the small wonders, and how that same gentle presence now flows into your wood-burning art
Kiitos paljon 🌲🦌🙏https://republia.substack.com/p/herstory-of-hearth-englanti
Dear Iona,
I read this piece with such deep admiration. It opened the door to a boundless feeling of being alive.
Ever since I was a child, I've longed to ride the wind like a bird—to soar with my wings outstretched, carried by the currents.
As I read your words, I realized that, for a few precious moments, I actually experienced that feeling.
Thank you. And I wish you a birthday filled with peace, joy, and wonder.
Ahhww thanks! Sorry for the late reply, I only just now saw your comment! Soar with your wings outstretched! Ride the thermals ! 🦅💓
Happy 50th Birthday Iona! Wishing you many beautiful years surrounded by everything you love. ❤️🤗🎂
Thank you so much! ☺️
It sounds like the Forests built a home in you as well! I can sense the peace and calmness in the tone of your writing. I'm sure the next decades are full of hope & prosperity for you!
Thank you! I sure hope that prosperity is still possible after 50 🥴😉😉😉🥰
Happy Birthday
Thank you for sharing your story. I turn 35 tomorrow and have been heavily considering immigration to another country. I fear the idea of starting over, all the steps it would take to rebuild, and leaving the evils I know for the unknown. I think I need to start with getting my passport and not rush the process.
It’s definitely a good mindset to have. I try to go into winter with hygge but it’s hard to keep it going for 4-5 months. I’m curious how the Finnish infrastructure supports SAD. Is it more public lights? Work hours that allow for getting sunshine during the short window? I’m going to go check out YouTube to see if anyone’s documented the comparison but I’d love to hear what you experience personally!
It's not only that, but it's also the abundance of winter activities, for instance cross country skiing. A lot of municipalities each year create kilometers of tracks for people to freely enjoy whenever you want. Most tracks also have lights, so you can go after dark. Also, a lot of outdoor ice tracks (on the frozen lake) are created by plowing snow specifically for Nordic/tour skating.. But it's also mindset, there are a ton of adult education centres that host a multitude of course (subsidized by the goverment) and of course public Sauna! Sauna and swimming in a hole in the ice ... And then it's also just good healthcare, bright light therapies, .. libraries have sometimes craft workshops.. there are a lot of "light fairs and markets" or Art Festivals celebrating the Light. It's almost impossible to NOT stay busy. Personally, I'm not a winter sport person.. but I do change my mindset. I rest more, I sleep more, I read more, I focus on cosy, candles, atmosphere at home, I stay indoors more but as soon as the sun starts shining I drop everything and go outside. ,.. I hunt for the northern Lights,... I keep in touch with family .. while in summer I am more active, more outside, I don't read as much and it's more energy and green and freshness... I don't know .. hard to explain ;)
That sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing! I’m going to work on getting my passport so I can start with planing a trip.
Considering your Finnish name … Do you have Finnish family? I would definitely consider moving here as opposed to staying in the US.
Unfortunately the only family members I know of with Finnish heritage are all here in the US. My only worry about Finland is winter. I get horrible Seasonal Affective Disorder so I’m not sure if I’d survive a Finnish winter.
I’m not sure how actively you’re handling and treating your SAD where you live now, but in Finland it’s a common thing, especially with the the endless summer nights and the contrasting darkness of winter when there’s just very little daylight.
But Finnish culture has evolved powerful coping mechanisms and the local infrastructure is built to support SAD. The internet says : “Despite the harsh winters, Finland consistently ranks as the world's happiest country, largely due to a lifestyle designed to counter the winter blues.” 🥶💙🇫🇮
Personally, I live WITH the seasons, not against them. It’s the best way to battle SAD. It’s not about “surviving” the Finnish Winter anymore, it’s a mindset of “I get to enjoy another winter!” and adapt your way of life accordingly.
Adapting to the endless light of summer is the same thing. Change of mindset again … and then in autumn, again… lol. That’s what I meant with “living with the seasons” 😉 Fighting them is what results in these problems…
Your journey from that first uncertain adventure to truly choosing Finland as home is so inspiring. I especially loved how you described the forest teaching you to slow down, to notice the small wonders, and how that same gentle presence now flows into your wood-burning art
Thanks so much ! 💚