A new country is like a new relationship. Sometimes the chemistry is there right away, sometimes not. Like in relationships, getting to know each other helps to understand other one better. Your own attitude also affects the development of the relationship. Every experience of living in a foreign country is unique. How each person experiences…
Author: helenaja
"A designer, foreigner, mother and many other"
Your energy is your currency – how to fill your spark account
There are many ways to fill our energy assets in addition to healthy nutrition, sleep and exercise. Make your own energy source list and check out 10 ways to boost your energy.
WOOP your wish come true. Wish-Outcome-Obstacle-Plan
The WOOP is a simple, easy and yet effective method to make your wishes come true. The abbreviation comes from the words W – Wish, O – Outcome, O – Obstacle and P – Plan.
Life Skill Souvenirs from Overseas
What can you learn from life abroad – when ‘sailing the seas of overseas’? In the beginning of this year – before this global crisis was on – I started listing things I’ve learned during my family’s* nine years abroad, and I’ve noticed that these qualities are helpful also in the volatile and restricted times…
15+ Sunny Sides of Switzerland That Make You Want to Stay
Updated Mar 1, 2026 What are the best things about where you live? Listing the positives of where you live gives you a helpful perspective, allowing you to notice the good around you. It can be especially valuable when you’re struggling with your current location, reminding you of its upsides, and it may also inspire…
The power of positive feedback
After one particularly long day, I noticed a review of my book ‘Greetings from Abroadland’ on (a Finnish) blog called ‘Kirjeitä Shanghaista’. It made me happy and humbled. How amazing that the book has made a positive impact! And that the blogger had taken time to write the review. It made me also to think…
