Why Finland

On a recent visit to the US, everyone I met kept asking the same question. Why did you move to Finland? At the time, I struggled to answer the question. Now that I am back and had time to reflect, I know why I live in Finland.
#finland #happiness

[@Joot20]

Nice to have you here🇫🇮

[@laterlife2931]

@Joot20 thank you, it's nice to be here!

[@IgorDruzhinin-qo2vj]

weird, when Russia sends melanin-rich gentlemen like this one over the border your government starts to complain

[@laterlife2931]

@@IgorDruzhinin-qo2vj so I guess the issue is not melanin-rich gentlemen?

[@Baalaaxa]

@@laterlife2931 Lol, good one. The vatnik bots are everywhere. 😂

[@laterlife2931]

@@Baalaaxa glad someone reads the comments. 🤣

[@ValtteL]

Speaks like a true Finn 😄When you are content, there is no need to use big praising words - everything fantastic and all that. Don't take pressure about your inner circle in Finland. That's completely natural to almost everyone that social circle isn't too big. It's always quality over quantity to Finnish people. Your inner circle will grow naturally. Invest a lot in those who are part of it at the moment and good things will surely happen, whatever that may be in the end.

[@laterlife2931]

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I will follow your advice!

[@krazyFlipy]

>ValtteL You nailed it. :) Rest of the world calls us "introvert and surly"...but, y'know, what you describe is part of why I love this land and its folk to li'l bits. :) I won't initiate conversation, but any stranger who starts talking to me will find I am not nearly as forbidding as I may seem, hahaha :D

[@laterlife2931]

@krazyFlipy the funny thing is that in some ways I am a magnet to Finns. In the summer, if I am sitting outside on a bench or by the river, many Finnish guys come up and start talking to me. However, 99% of them are drunk. For whatever reason, when drunk Finns see me they can't resist coming over for a chat. In most cases I don't mind. They are always very polite and nice to me.

[@krazyFlipy]

@@laterlife2931 Hehh...guess I am the nation's anti-stereotype regarding alcohol. Very, very careful with that stuff, personally. Yeah, I guess most Nordic folks loosen up a bit when summer finally arrives. :) I don't mind talking to strangers, but I won't start the dialogue. Respect for the personal space of others is how I was brought up. Guess there are some truths and untruths in all our mental images of other peoples and tribes. :)

[@dallysinghson5569]

That is probably why Nordic countries have such high rates of offing themselves. Where there is sparse population and low chances of socialisation in an area with little sun, it's going to hurt.

[@petrinisumaa4759]

Welcome back home, sir.

[@laterlife2931]

@petrinisumaa4759 kiitos paljon

[@krazyFlipy]

Man...I was born and lived here all my life. I am now 60 years of age - still think winter is too long. :D Finnish summer is pure magic, though. Soon come. :)

[@laterlife2931]

@krazyFlipy I was so looking forward to summer. AND THEN WE GOT SNOW 2 NIGHTS AGO. I know, I know, I should not get fooled by a few warm days. I tell myself to not get excited until May but at my age, I am getting forgetful. Hopefully, I won't be tricked next year. Did you get snow where you are?

[@krazyFlipy]

@@laterlife2931 I know the feeling of frustration with notoriously slow Finnish spring - believe me. :D Yup, we had some light snow a couple of days ago. -7 dgrs C this morning. I am in Pohjanmaa on the coast. Rather typical beginning of April around here, I guess. Some years friendlier, some years harsher. Summer will come, though - weather gods just testing our patience. ;) Hang in there. :)

[@onerva0001]

​​@@laterlife2931we had lots of snow today! And yes, spring is far too long in Finland. And by spring I mean this cold season where there's more and more light but air is still cold and vegetation dares not sprout out. Can't wait for summer!

[@laterlife2931]

@@onerva0001 I spent the last 2 weeks thinking about buying an e-bike. I was picturing all the places I would ride during the summer. Now with all this snow, those thoughts are pushed to the back of my mind. So, for now, now e-bike.

[@excancerpoik]

@@laterlife2931 Lmao it snowed today, and its the 26th of april to anyone reading this in the future

[@JaanaRaisanen]

Wonderful self-reflection, I am so happy you are here!

[@laterlife2931]

Well after you left Oman, I had to follow you.

[@JaanaRaisanen]

@@laterlife2931 Ah, but the true credit goes to another Finn😍

[@Baalaaxa]

You have just explained perfectly what we Finns feel as well, when we often like to travel to warm countries with beaches and palm trees, especially in middle of the long and bleak winter months. It's awesome to get to experience everything else the world has to offer, but it's also cozy to return home. I'm glad you've adjusted so well, and enjoy living in Finland. The world is open, it won't go anywhere, if one changes his mind later. 😊

[@laterlife2931]

@just42tube and you never know where life will take you. If you have an adventurous spirit, there ae lots of opportunities out there.

[@olanfolarin1556]

I live in TX and I have a hard time falling and staying asleep. But I noticed every time I travel outside the US I sleep better and I’m happier. I was in Europe twice last year and almost never wanted to go back to the US.

[@laterlife2931]

@olanfolarin1556 I think that is telling you something. Either, it's time to move or you need some European bedding. 😄

[@user-mv8pk3lj4v]

Very interesting. I moved to Netherlands from Finland when I was 45 and back around 56. I would have regretted if I did not take the chance then.

[@laterlife2931]

@user-mv8pk3lj4v I've never turned down an opportunity to make a move. I think I would have been better off financially if I had stayed in 1 or 2 places but I won't be lying on my deathbed wondering what if.

[@RobertClaeson]

@@laterlife2931 Better off financially, perhaps, but worse off on experiences. The main things I regret in life is to not having taken the opportunity to move somewhere else when given the opportunity. I was, for example, offered a great job in Toulouse in France. I declined, because I wanted to be near my then-girlfriend. A few weeks later she left me, and that job wasn't available anymore. I've since had the opportunity to live and work in multiple countries and still have homes in two countries, which has truly given me a different perspective of life and things.

[@maariatamminen454]

It was VERY interesting to listen to your perspectives and feelings about coming back here. I am happy, that we have got you here, your honest, truthful and on point realizations SOUND so finnish! Your mentality fits in here and an average finnish person thinks all those same things..! Especially when October-November arrives..and the miserable dark days. Winter itself is not so bad for me personally..but my system would need MORE light then, when there is no snow yet around. But snow and snowing I LOVE! Even it means sometimes big difficulties in transportation, moving and parking with your car, even getting your frontdoor closed behind you, but the SCENERIES, even a very common yard with couple of trees might turn out a over night a miraclously beautiful sight! And summer AAHH! In cities it is so lively, with smily people and endlessly wonderful and interesting events, outdoor concerts ect! But then..the real gem is being in a summer cottage or house, in the nature! Explore the sea or lakeshores, Island, forests, hillpeaks, paths or no paths.. It is TOTALLY FULLFILLING and the most meaningful way to spend your leisure time, even for 2 days or one week. I am fortunate to be nowadays to spend my summer by a pristine, beautiful lake for 4-6 weeks = all my summervacation! THAT IS HONESTLY FULFILLING, VERY SATISFYING LIFESTYLE FOR ME! No electricity in the summercottage, but one solarpanel to charge your mobile, carrying water from the lake, swimming, having sauna, walking and listening/watching birds and other wildlife in the forest and on the lake. I could not ask for more! I feel blessed, that I can experience this finnish way of life after really hard years working like mad. ❤ No more, life is here and NOW. ❤

[@laterlife2931]

@maariatamminen454 how wonderful that you enjoy the best of both winter and summer. I agree with you. I LOVE a snowy day - as long as I do not have to shovel it! Being away for 3 months this winter means I don't really mind the snow we are having now. The only issue is I was fooled into changing to summer tires a few weeks ago. I have to remember, when I think its spring, wait another month to start believing it.

[@Alexandros.Mograine]

Im finnish and i really only do stuff on the weekends. thats how i like it.

[@laterlife2931]

@Alexandros.Mograine we retired people have 5 other days to fill. 😃

[@skenaari]

Sir. Nice story. I think you are good at adapting anywhere :)

[@laterlife2931]

Thank you, I've moved around a lot and I try to be open and learn from each new experience.

[@JARNAMO]

😀😀😀LIKE YOU MOOD!!!

[@laterlife2931]

@JARNAMO thanks. I'm still getting used to being on camera so any positive feedback helps.

[@conanobrian8580]

Unique content

[@laterlife2931]

Thanks @conanobrian8580 for watching. I try to come up with my own take on things.

[@kimmikke_]

Wise words!

[@laterlife2931]

@kimmikke_ thanks. I am sometimes sensible.

[@ulflundh5813]

Spot on

[@laterlife2931]

@ulfundh5813 good to know I'm not the only one thinking this way.

[@osemarvin2847]

Yeay! Nice to have you back here in Finland! If someone asks you "why do you live in finland?" Just say to them - have you ever REALLY seen the spring, summer, winter? Really seen and experienced any of those seasons? Seen the Fall? The golden colours? The mystical magic entwined within? Finland has the most distinct seasons in the world. It is the country of the thousands of lakes - but it's also the country of the true four seasons.

[@laterlife2931]

@osemarvin2847 I know. In fact, by the time we get to July, I have completely forgotten about winter. It's even hard for me to consider that there is winter at all. The long days/short nights also emphasize that we are in different seasons.

[@Morhgoz]

I just did feel somehow this video. Clad to your journey to Finland etc... WWould not known more of of you..?

[@llssneN]

We are happy to have you!

[@laterlife2931]

@llssneN thank you very much!

[@marja-leenapretzer2495]

I was born and raised in Finland, and visited every summer, akways lived in L.A I lived in Finland 2018/19. How did u get to the Healthcare clinic the next day⁉️it took me 3 weeks to get a nurse, and then was given the wrong medication, I had to google and show them the right meds. I beg to differ your opinion of how Finns really think, not always what you see💯

[@laterlife2931]

@marja-leenapretzer2495 I agree with your concerns about medical attention. One thing I like about Salo is that it is big enough to have almost everything but small enough that there is not as much competition for resources. Whenever I need medical treatment, it has always been much quicker than I expected. I don't think it would be this fast in Helsinki. That is one reason, I am not too quick to leave. At my age, medical services are getting more and more important. My partner is always telling me I don't really understand what is happening in Finland because I don't read the Finnish media. So, I guess, ignorance is bliss. Are you a member of the LA-Finnish group?

[@constancekim8229]

Have you considered a GoPro on your head for hands-free filming?

[@laterlife2931]

Hi @constancekim8229 I have been giving equipment lots of thought. I was originally thinking GoPro but they seem to have fallen out of favor with KZbinrs lately. It seems people are using DJI Pocket 3 and Insta 360 (not sure exactly which one). I have been purposefully holding off for a while. Why spend a ton of money for a channel with 20 subscribers. I am waiting to grow more before investing in equipment. But I am paying attention and considering my options. : )

[@constancekim8229]

@laterlife2931 glad to see that you're stepping out and appreciate hearing about life in Finland.

[@Morko930]

winter is best^

[@laterlife2931]

@Morko930 I wouldn't say best but I do like it (for about 3 months). That's enough for me.

[@olaniranoluwayemisi4707]

Thanks for this. The best thing in life is for someone to have the spirit of Contentment. That's good for the fins👍 Can you help me to come to Finland? Thank you

[@laterlife2931]

@olaniranoluwayemisi4707 look for my next video about advice to people who want to move to Finland. I am aiming to upload it on Friday. Fell free to get in touch after watching it.

[@olaniranoluwayemisi4707]

@@laterlife2931 Thanks for replying. I'll look forward to that on Friday.

[@jumalankeskisormi]

Nice to have you here. Not all immigrants come here with good intentions, and were have to be more careful with our immigration policy. But someone like you is always welcome!

[@laterlife2931]

@jumalankeskisuomi thank you for the warm welcome. It's great to be here.

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

Haha, you are becoming a true Finn (and I don't really mean any "persufinn" here.

[@yoretabio4537]

Well... Let's say that our current government does not seem to be problem for him?

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

@@yoretabio4537 Well, maybe it will, when they send him to Ruanda.

[@laterlife2931]

@pekkakarppinen1608 yes, I found that very funny.

[@marijehkinen4650]

I'm happy that you're here :)

[@laterlife2931]

@marijehkinen4650 thank you. I am happy to be here.

[@Eye_Exist]

you mentioned the happiness index, well to be frank it's a joke. it's a joke because the ways they measure happiness actually have nothing to do with happiness, it just measures public accessibility, average income, average education level and such things, which they just plain arbitrarily call happiness and form this upside down conclusion that because finland has this and that it is happy. in all of its irony the index actually never measures how the people would rank themselves in the actual emotional happiness scale. your observation of the finnish people is not wrong, the truth is finland is among the saddest, most depressed and s-cidial countries in the world. now that i've depressed you enough, welcome back home, it's cool to have you here ^^ and I also must say I really liked the honesty of your opinion on the reasons moving and staying here. it made me feel that i'm actually listening your honest thoughts on the question rather than just some generic list of nice things people must say when they move into another country. it's brave and honest and i truly respect that. i hope you enjoy your life here!

[@laterlife2931]

@Eye_Exist thank you very much for your comments. I am a bit worried that I come across as too negative but that is not my intention. I approach this channel as if I am speaking with a good friend (not strangers on the internet). Nowhere is all sunshine and rainbows. The trick is to acknowledge the reality while looking towards the positives.

[@FINNSTIGAT0R]

I think the happiness index has to be one of the most annoying "country image" things to ever happen to Finland. Not because it isn't true or whatever, but because, as you said, it has nothing to do with the feeling of happiness or the way people behave in their day-to-day lives. Most people don't know that and actually think it has something to do with a smiling, happy demeanor in everyday life. Therefore, this multi-year number one place on the index only creates false expectations and maybe even disappointments when people come here to visit. It may even be a factor for some to move to Finland. I also hate it with a passion that disgruntled Finns are now using this "happiest country" status as a sarcastic punchline in internet comments whenever something negative happens in Finland. It’s become such a cringe cliché to comment that way that, based on that alone, I hope Denmark goes back on top as soon as possible 😂

[@laterlife2931]

@@FINNSTIGAT0R you made some very good points. However, I'd still like Finland to stay on top. We can use the extra tourist euros. 🤪

[@dresden_slowjog]

Join a parkrun to get to know people. You'll get to know folks from all ages, walks of life and professions. Walkers are very welcome, too. No need to be a "runner" (of whatever pace). No-one comes last as there are always tailwalking volunteers. Then (who wishes) a group chat in a nearby café. / And yes, the American strife to keep up with the Joneses is such a vicious circle, trap, and source of misery. Compare with Finland: Free education. Functioning public healthcare system unworried to go bankrupt over a cancer diagnosis. Free huge starter pack for expecting parents. Just the long winter, ugh. slow skiing on artificial lighted loyper was magical, and free. I've lived in central Norway for 9 months, adapted very in well but this long darkness and cold was nothing to want to live there permanently. Lowkey sports, walks, skiing, indoor climbing and moving the body in general I found very very helpful physically and mentally to tackle the winter.

[@laterlife2931]

@dresden_slowjog I will be looking for some activities to join. I live in a small town so I don't think there is much on offer. I did see some type of notice board at the gym where it looks like people leave messages. I am going to check that out. I am dying to visit Norway (in winter and summer). If I can go away for 3 months in winter, then I have no complaints with the weather. I'm not a fan of too much heat. I like candles so even the dark is not an issue for me. Just the cold.

[@danielhollingworth1090]

You don't have to have a good reason but you must have had some reason.

[@laterlife2931]

@danielhollingworth1090 I had a mix of reasons. One main one was Brexit. It felt like the last chance to get in easily so I took it.

[@peterm13]

Forget about happiness index. Around 50% chance you get some mental disorder in Finland, usually clinical depression. Not much better odds in USA, though. Let us know if it strikes you while in Finland.

[@laterlife2931]

@peterm13 so far so good. I am planning to spend 3 months (of winter) abroad - somewhere warm. With that little change, I think I will be just fine. But, let's see if I am still saying that in 5 years.

[@ZeppoIlmari]

Im a finn and i dont like my homeland almost hate it

[@laterlife2931]

I understand. I hated the city where I grew up. Now that I am older (and wiser) I can usually find something to appreciate in any place. However, there are some places that make we want to settle down and some that make want to leave. If you don't like it, hopefully you can find somewhere more suitable.

[@petereriksson7166]

Sounds like USA suits you better.

[@laterlife2931]

@petereriksson7166 it was nice to be back in the US for a bit but I'm happy to be home now. I want to visit more often but I'm not in a rush to move back permanently.

[@mikeh2772]

Your social calendar... Good luck at the bus stops. Just stick with the cali-life. Sorry, you do not belong there.

[@laterlife2931]

@mikeh2772 we never know what life has in store for us. It was never in my plans to move to Finland but here I am. I've lived in many places and wherever I am, I try to focus on the best it has to offer. Nowhere is perfect.