When we live across cultures, we meet amazing, diverse people. Still, forming lasting, true, or like-minded friendships can be hard. So much depends on our history, personality, location, language, role, life stage, and luck too. keep CONNECTING with an open heart During my 14 years abroad, I’ve found friends in all sorts of places: our…
Tag: tips
Diving Into the See of Wanderlust
The term Wanderlust originates from the German words wandern (to hike) and Lust (desire). Today it’s mostly used in connection with traveling – however, Wanderlust can have much broader and deeper meanings, and it can even serve as a life philosophy. Here are some examples of what and how. Upside Down artwork by Sibylla Walpen. The Bernese Alps in…
Breathe in… Breathe out… Repeat
Breathing is the first and last thing we do here on earth. And there’s the whole lifetime between for us to learn to breathe better – in ways that improve our health and quality of life. Better breathing helps us to relax, sleep, digest, remember, focus, move… the list goes on. Fortunately, it’s never too…
25 ideas to brighten up the grayer days (that don’t look like these photos)
“What makes you happy in the rainy and dark autumn days?” a fellow nature-lover asked on Instagram. She mentioned photography and creativity as examples, and we agreed to make a list of things that bring us joy during this season. Of course, there is no one way to “do autumn”. Some take a more stoic approach, running in…
The many colors of the Sisu courage
You may have heard about the Finnish term/mentality called sisu – described as extraordinary courage, grit and resilience. Like an inner fire driving you to reach almost impossible goals. Sisu can be seen as a verb, it’s determination in action*. Sisu is often associated with toughness and masculine power but it also has a colorful and softer side that deserves to be shed some light on. A…
Cherish your relationship with your country of residence
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…
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
Jump directly to the part “The Zurich Coffee Place Recommendations”, updated 29.5.2025 What are the best things about where you live? By listing the positives of your living place, you gain a helpful perspective that lets you see the good around you. The list can be especially useful when you’re struggling with your current location,…
The best teachers
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”– Pablo Picasso Every child is also a teacher. Here are things we can learn from kids: A child looks things from different perspectives and surprises in many ways. Kids can be delighted because of the rain, when many…
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