A Leap of Faith: Leaving It All Behind for Finland
At the age of 55, Sue Loraine found herself at a crossroads. After decades of working in various careers, including many years as a therapist, she felt burned out and ready for a change. The idea of moving to Finland came unexpectedly while watching a wilderness documentary with her best friend and roommate, Saara. Saara, who had grown up in Finland before moving away at age 12, jokingly suggested they try living there for a year. What started as a semi-serious joke soon turned into a life-altering decision.
With Saara’s parents offering them a place to stay—an isolated cabin in the Finnish wilderness—the plan became feasible. The cabin, nestled in 4 acres of forestland over 200 miles north of Helsinki, offered Sue the perfect escape from the stress of her old life. By renting out her apartment in Glasgow, Scotland, Sue could cover her mortgage while living off her savings in Finland. Taking a sabbatical, Sue and Saara left Scotland behind, embarking on a year-long adventure in a country Sue had never even visited before. Little did she know, one year wouldn’t be enough.
Settling into the Wilderness: A Life of Silence and Beauty
The cabin in Finland was a far cry from Sue’s previous life in the bustling city of Glasgow. Isolated, with the nearest neighbor over a mile away and the closest supermarket a 40-minute drive, the setting was anything but ordinary. Yet, Sue quickly embraced the silence and beauty of the forest. The resident beaver and occasional winter wolf became her only neighbors, and the stillness of the wilderness offered her a sense of peace she hadn’t known in years.
By her third month in Finland, Sue realized she was meant to be there. The idea of returning to Scotland after a year was no longer appealing; instead, she wanted to make Finland her permanent home. To make this a reality, Sue and Saara returned to Scotland for a year, during which Sue saved money, sold her apartment, and applied for a Finnish residency permit. Living off her savings, they now spend approximately 800 to 1,000 euros a month, a modest budget that allows them to enjoy the simplicity of life in the wilderness.
A Journey of Self-Discovery: Recovering from Burnout
Living in Finland was more than just a change of scenery for Sue; it was a journey of self-discovery and healing. After years of feeling burned out from her career, the tranquility of the Finnish wilderness became her therapy. Surrounded by nature, Sue found the space to disconnect from the pressures of her past life and reconnect with herself.
The process of recovery wasn’t immediate. It took seven to eight months for Sue to start feeling like herself again, but the slow, deliberate pace of life in Finland gave her the time and space she needed. She learned new skills, like chopping wood for winter and fending off snakes in the summer, and discovered joy in the simple tasks of daily life. The challenges of living in the wilderness were transformative, helping Sue rebuild her sense of purpose and confidence.
Nature’s Therapy: The Finnish Secret to Happiness
Finland’s reputation as the “happiest country in the world” is no secret, and Sue quickly understood why. The country’s vast forests, which make up about 70% of its land, offer residents the ability to frequently immerse themselves in nature. For Sue, this access to nature was a game-changer. Whether ice fishing in the winter, jumping into an icy lake after a sauna session, or foraging for wild berries in the summer, Sue found endless ways to connect with the natural world.
The Finns’ deep connection to nature is ingrained in their culture, and Sue found herself adopting this mindset. Being surrounded by forests and lakes allowed her to reset and recharge, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in years. The simplicity of life in Finland also influenced her perspective on happiness. Unlike the fast-paced, competitive culture she had left behind, Finland’s emphasis on living in the moment and not “keeping up with the Joneses” was refreshing.
Reflections and Revelations: Embracing a New Home
Sue’s decision to move to Finland was a leap of faith, but one she quickly realized was the right choice. The country felt like home in a way she couldn’t have anticipated. The kindness of the people, the stark beauty of the landscapes, and the slower pace of life all combined to create a sense of belonging she had been missing.
For Sue, the most remarkable part of her journey was how quickly Finland had captured her heart. She often reflected on the risks she had taken to get there, knowing that she would have missed out on this sense of belonging if she hadn’t been willing to step outside her comfort zone. Her experience taught her the value of taking life one day at a time and embracing the unknown.
A New Chapter: Inspiring Others to Take the Leap
Sue’s story is one of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of change. At a time in her life when many people might have chosen to play it safe, Sue decided to take a risk and pursue a life she had never imagined. Her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a big change and that sometimes, the most unexpected decisions can lead to the greatest rewards.
Sue’s advice to others considering a similar leap of faith is simple: take it day by day. While the uncertainty of such a decision can be daunting, she believes that it’s worth the risk. Even if things don’t go as planned, there’s always the option to try something new. For Sue, moving to Finland was a chance to rediscover herself and find happiness in a way she never thought possible.
In the end, Sue’s story is not just about moving to Finland—it’s about finding the courage to embrace the unknown and to live life on your own terms. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we least expect.
