10 Things I Love About Finland

This year marks the centenary of Finland’s independence. So, in keeping with the celebratory mood, I’ve compiled a list of top 10 things I love about my second home.

And so here they are, in no particular order:

  • Silence is fun
  • Education is a right, not a privilege
  • Sauna
  • Safe and peaceful
  • Finnish cuisine; a gift from nature
  • Friendships are genuine
  • Finns live outdoors, there’s no such thing as bad weather here
  • Gender equality
  • Winter is a fairy tale
  • Nature; a poem

Countryside in Winter

This list doesn’t even begin to express how I love my life here. But, but…I’ve been putting together more thoughts, observations and gratitude in a language I know how – poetry.

A chapbook containing 10 pieces will hopefully be available (in limited edition) early next year. I wanted it to coincide with the celebrations but I unfortunately missed the deadline.

I hear you ask, “How can you miss a deadline? What kind of a writer are you?” Well, because I receive a “bribe” every month so that I can forget about my dream of becoming a full-time writer. 🙂

Last but not least, Happy Independence Day to my Finnish family and friends!

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

14 Comments

  1. Khaya, ten wonderful reasons and I have the feeling you could have continued with many more!!?? Ahh…Winter is a fairy tale – magical and I’m trying not to be envious! I like how described silence as fun – I find it so but many would not. How exciting about your chapbook (first I had to look up the term!) – good luck with this project and please, what was the ‘bribe’? I like this concept! Happy Weekend and enjoy your wonderful country! ❤️

  2. It is so excited to read that you are working on a book (and that you, too, miss deadlines!). And the topic is fantastic, and so alive.

  3. You’re so correct Annika, at first I thought of writing a list of 100 things I love but in the end decided on 10. I’m glad you could relate with silence as being fun; I know some people uncomfortable with, and would rather fill the quiet moments with small talk.

    As for the bribe, I once read somewhere that “Salary is the bribe they pay you to forget your dreams.” ? I found that very true in my case. I rather be writing full time but I also need that day job at this point to support my art.

    Thank you Annika for reading and well wishes.?

  4. Thanks Maga, I hope readers too will find the topic fantastic.?

    As for missing deadlines, I’m in constant struggle to meet my writing goals. I’ve got four writing projects going right now. I had to tell the muse thank you for the inspiration, but I’m not starting any more stories until I’m finished with editing and publishing what I’m working on already.?

  5. Looking forward to the book Khaya! Also, I use Finland’s education system quite a bit as an exemplary “system” that seems to actually care about children’s learning.

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