- Tension: In a world fixated on achievement and constant stimulation, how can we find deeper meaning and contentment?
- Noise: The prevailing belief that happiness is attained through relentless ambition, material success, and perpetual busyness.
- Direct Message: Finland’s emphasis on balance, resilience, and introspection reveals that true fulfillment arises from embracing simplicity, inner strength, and a harmonious connection with oneself and the environment.
This article follows the Direct Message methodology, designed to cut through the noise and reveal the deeper truths behind the stories we live.
Living in Finland, the world’s happiest country, for an entire year has a way of shifting your perspective on life.
Sure, you might think it’s all about the Northern Lights, saunas and reindeer – and don’t get me wrong, those are pretty spectacular. But there’s so much more to it than that.
This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a full-on immersion into the Finnish way of life.
Of course, I had my doubts at first. Can a country really be that happy? Is there such a thing as too much sauna? Can I survive a year without my favorite fast food joint around the corner?
I’ve come out on the other side with a transformed perspective on living. It wasn’t always easy or comfortable, but it was definitely worth it.
Here’s the inside scoop on how living in Finland changed my outlook on life, happiness and everything in between.
1) Embracing the Finnish concept of Sisu
Living in Finland, the first thing that struck me was their unshakeable spirit of resilience. They call it Sisu – a term that doesn’t have a direct translation but encompasses courage, determination, and grit in the face of adversity.
It’s a concept deeply ingrained in the Finnish way of life. From enduring harsh winters to taking on challenging tasks, the Finns approach everything with a certain level of grit and tenacity.
At first, it was sort of intimidating. But as I spent more time in Finland, I found myself embracing this attitude.
I started to approach difficulties with more determination and less dread. I stopped shying away from challenges and instead viewed them as opportunities to grow and learn.
Through embracing Sisu, I discovered that it’s not just about surviving hardships but thriving despite them – a transformative perspective that has had a far-reaching impact on my life.
2) Learning to appreciate the quiet
Finnish culture values silence and solitude. At first, I found this unnerving. I come from a bustling city where quiet is rare and often viewed as uncomfortable.
In Finland, however, quiet isn’t just accepted; it’s cherished. Finns believe that silence isn’t empty, but full of answers. It allows for reflection and introspection.
One day, I found myself alone in a small cabin by a lake – a typical Finnish scene. No noise except the occasional bird song or the rustling of leaves. It was incredibly quiet, and honestly, I felt out of my comfort zone.
But as hours turned into days, something shifted within me. I started to appreciate the silence around me and the space it provided for my thoughts to roam freely.
It wasn’t just about enjoying the tranquility; it was about understanding myself better in those silent moments.
This newfound appreciation of quiet has stayed with me, influencing how I interact with my environment and shaping my personal growth.
3) Understanding the importance of balance
Aristotle once said, “Moderation in all things.” This truism is deeply embedded in Finnish society.
Finland, despite being the happiest country in the world, doesn’t chase after happiness in the way one might expect.
It’s not about constant euphoria or relentless pursuit of pleasure. Rather, it’s a balance between work and personal life, joy and sorrow, activity and relaxation.
I remember one winter evening when I was working late on a project. My Finnish friend, noticing my stress, simply said, “Why not take a break? Go for a walk or sit in the sauna. Work will still be there when you return.”
I took his advice and found myself standing by a frozen lake, marveling at the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. I felt a sense of calm wash over me.
That night, I realized that life isn’t about swinging from one extreme to another but about maintaining a balance. This understanding has profoundly influenced my approach to life, fostering a healthier and more sustainable way of living.
4) Discovering the Finnish love for nature
In Finland, there’s a law called “Everyman’s Right.” This law essentially gives everyone the freedom to roam, explore and enjoy nature, regardless of who owns the land.
This love for nature is woven into the fabric of Finnish lifestyle. You’d often find them taking long walks in the forest, picking berries or mushrooms, or spending a quiet afternoon by a lake.
In my year in Finland, I found myself joining in on these activities. I remember one summer day, when I joined a group of Finns on a berry-picking expedition.
There was something incredibly calming about being in the forest, surrounded by greenery, with the only sound being the rustling leaves and our quiet conversations. It felt like a form of meditation.
This close connection with nature changed my perspective on living. It made me realize the importance of slowing down and making time to appreciate the world around us. It showed me how deeply fulfilling it can be to live in harmony with nature.
5) Embracing the Finnish art of contentment
In Finland, there’s a word for a sense of contentment from daily activities – “kalsarikännit”. It loosely translates to “pantsdrunk” in English, the practice of relaxing at home in your underwear with no intention of going out.
It sounds humorous, but it’s actually a profound reflection of the Finnish culture’s focus on simple pleasures and contentment in everyday life.
I remember one particularly cold winter evening. It was snowing heavily outside and I was at home, comfortably wrapped in a blanket, sipping hot chocolate and reading a book. There was warmth, peace, and an overarching sense of contentment.
This was when I truly understood “kalsarikännit”. It wasn’t about grand events or extravagant gestures. It was about finding joy and satisfaction in simple, everyday moments.
This mindset shifted my perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling life. I learned that happiness doesn’t always have to come from extraordinary achievements or experiences; it can be found right there in our daily routines and simplest pleasures.
6) Valuing the Finnish approach to education
One aspect of Finnish society that caught my attention was their education system. Finland ranks among the top countries in the world in education. Yet, they don’t have a culture of competitive exams or piles of homework.
Instead, they focus on comprehensive learning, equality, and promoting student well-being. Finnish students start school later, have longer breaks, and spend less time in classrooms compared to many other countries.
I had the chance to visit a local school and witnessed this firsthand. The atmosphere was relaxed yet productive. The children were happy, curious and engaged in their learning process.
This experience changed my perspective on education and learning. It made me realize that it’s not just about grades or achievements but about fostering a love for learning and promoting mental well-being.
The Finnish approach to education showed me that it’s possible to have a system that values individual growth and happiness as much as academic success. This insight has deeply influenced my own attitudes towards learning and personal growth.
7) Experiencing the Finnish sense of community
In Finland, there’s a strong sense of community and social responsibility.
The Finnish word for this is “talkoot,” which refers to a gathering of friends and neighbors to accomplish a common task. It’s not just about doing work; it’s about coming together as a community.
I experienced this when I was invited to a local “talkoot”. We spent the day cleaning up a neighborhood park.
Sure, it was hard work, but there was also laughter, shared meals, and a sense of accomplishment that we were doing something good for our community.
This spirit of community participations and mutual help is deeply embedded in Finnish society. It’s not just about individual happiness but also about the wellbeing of the community as a whole.
Experiencing “talkoot” made me realize how important it is to be part of a community, to contribute, and to take social responsibility.
This has greatly influenced my perspective on living, making me more aware of my role in my own community and sparking a desire to contribute more actively.
8) Realizing the Finnish way of defining success
In Finland, success isn’t measured by wealth, status or power. Instead, it’s defined by personal well-being, happiness and the quality of relationships.
I remember a conversation with a Finnish friend who had recently turned down a high-paying job offer in favor of a less lucrative one that allowed him more time with his family and outdoor pursuits.
He explained, “Money is important, but it’s not everything. I value my time and happiness more.”
This was a completely different perspective from what I was used to but echoed what I had been experiencing throughout my time in Finland.
This redefinition of success was perhaps the most transformative aspect of my year in Finland.
It made me reflect on my own definitions of success and happiness. It pushed me to reevaluate my priorities and to consider what truly matters in life.
It’s not just about achieving more or having more, but about being satisfied with who you are and what you have.
This final lesson from Finland has significantly transformed my perspective on living and continues to shape my decisions and outlook on life.
Final reflections
Throughout this journey in Finland, the world’s happiest country, many lessons were learned and countless perspectives were transformed.
The essence of these experiences is not just about the specifics of Finnish culture or lifestyle. It’s about taking a step back, reflecting on your own life, and considering what truly matters.
Is it relentless pursuit of success as defined by societal norms? Or is it about finding contentment in simple pleasures, maintaining balance, valuing your community and cherishing the natural world?
Finland taught us that it’s possible to define success in our own terms, to value well-being over wealth, and to find joy in everyday moments.
This doesn’t mean we should all move to Finland. But it does suggest that we can learn from their approach to life and happiness.
As you navigate your own journey, take a moment to pause and reflect. What are your definitions of success and happiness? What can you learn from the Finnish way of life?
This journey is not about changing who you are but about discovering who you could be. It’s about opening yourself up to new perspectives and experiences that challenge your current beliefs.
In the end, the most transformative journeys are not necessarily about the destination but about what we learn along the way.
So here’s to embracing our own journeys of self-discovery and transformation, wherever they may lead us.
