Trip to Tampere has been about finding that inner child for me – that curious, fun-loving kiddo with bursts of positive energy. It has been a surprisingly long journey to get there. I’ve peeled away those layers upon layers of walls to find her. Since the beginning of 2022, this journey has been about self-discovery and learning to listen to what I need for the first time.

I used to care for opinions that are not visible but are out there, like “𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬’𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘢-𝘓𝘢 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘴.” One can’t help but wonder why the universe can’t handle it and throws us a curveball when we focus on improving ourselves instead of tearing others down. The hardest part of my growth has been leaving people behind and accepting that it’s just how it works.

Last morning in Tampere, I introduced myself to my roommate, Bo-Erik. He used to be a taxi driver and an electrical engineer, and he came to Tampere to watch ice hockey from Pietarsaari. We only talked briefly while eating breakfast, but he told me I have a face that screams “child at heart.” And I take that as a compliment.

With both feet firmly on the ground, I laughed, told how old I am, and assured him that I am genuinely happy and content and that it shows on my mug. 😁✌️💛☕