Gratitude-arkiv - Sida 2 av 2

Misty morning by the lake with still water and distant trees – nature’s calm and reflection, connected to Vi Agroforestry and talk therapy in Sweden.

A frosty morning dip gratitude Kay Pollak made this morning glow. Here I share how the stillness of nature and an unexpected traffic situation turned into a living practice of self-love and presence.

Read this post in Swedish ➜ Morgondopp tacksamhet Kay Pollak och en oväntad tacksamhetsövning

The sun streams in through the window. I sit on the sofa with double socks, a cup of coffee and a blanket. My body feels completely content – only moments ago I returned from another morning dip gratitude Kay Pollak.

A swim where every kind of beauty revealed itself.

Morning dip gratitude Kay Pollak – wooden jetty and steaming lake in frosty fresh air.

Morning Dip Gratitude Kay Pollak – Every Step by the Lake

Morning dip gratitude Kay Pollak – lone boat on misty lake at dawn.

Close your eyes and follow me: frosty grass under your feet, a lake steaming more than usual. Each step paints new images of water clearing, the jetty stretching out ahead. The small island farther out becomes sharper with every step.

The chill in the air brushes against your legs and face. The autumn air is damp yet frostily fresh, a curious mix that almost invites you to join its dance of stillness. A squirrel runs past and disappears into a tree. Everything around you is quiet and still. A man rows slowly across the lake; the farther he goes, the blurrier he becomes.

Your body slows down, your thoughts grow clearer, and the feeling in your body is now—right now—in this very moment.

What feeling does this bring to your own body? What images stay with you?
Leave a comment or send me an email – I read and answer every word.

Gratitude Returning

As I write these words, the moment comes back to me. The same peaceful feeling fills my body again. That is why these moments are worth collecting. They are the moments when I feel more than good. They make my self-love grow.

This morning dip gratitude Kay Pollak became an inner reminder that small moments can carry an entire day.

Morning dip gratitude Kay Pollak – autumn sun shining through trees and mist.

Morning Dip Gratitude Kay Pollak in My Life

Yes, I have once again immersed myself in Kay Pollak’s words. I live in his thoughts now more than I have for years. I dwell in feelings of gratitude, which makes it easy to find things to be grateful for.

And today I received an extra practice on my way home.

Morning Dip Gratitude Kay Pollak – A Car, a Risk and a Choice

A car was suddenly following very close behind me. Several oncoming cars approached. Yet the car behind began to overtake.

I chose to maintain my speed, but when I saw how close the oncoming traffic was, I slowed down so the driver could pull back into the lane quickly.

A week ago I might have honked, muttered something sharp, and stayed annoyed. But now, with Kay Pollak’s words in my mind, it was different.

“Here is someone in a great hurry. Better to help him so he doesn’t crash. It must be hard to be that stressed.”

I felt gratitude – for my own alertness, for the fact that nothing happened, and for the chance to practice replacing ‘what an idiot’ with ‘poor fellow, he must be stressed’.

Perhaps something serious had happened and he had to get somewhere fast. So I felt grateful to myself for slowing down and to the situation for giving me another chance to choose my thoughts.
Therefore this morning became a clear example of how gratitude can change everything.

Fact Box: How Gratitude Affects the Body

Reduces stress – lowers the production of cortisol.
Strengthens immunity – grateful people are more resistant to infections.
Improves sleep – gratitude makes it easier to unwind.
Boosts well-being – dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” hormones, increase when we consciously think grateful thoughts.

Stopping today by the lake and in the car was not just pleasant. It was pure health training for brain and heart.

A Morning Full of Small Gratitudes

Now, as I sit here, I see how many gratitudes fit into a single morning:

The steaming lake
The squirrel that appeared
The car that turned into a classroom
Kay Pollak’s words that help me live here and now

These are the kinds of moments that build self-love and inner calm. They show that gratitude can live in almost every second.

Between the Lines – My Voice

This post is about more than a beautiful morning.
It is my reminder that I can choose my thoughts. I practice letting gratitude take space, even in moments that might otherwise fill me with anger.

AHA – Between the Lines

Slowing down for a stressed driver became an exercise in compassion. It is a reminder that small choices transform big emotions. I really can choose to meet the world with an open heart.

Reflection

Writing this became yet another practice in pausing. Each memory—the water, the mist, the stressed driver—fills me again with calm and gratitude.

Yesterday has already settled into history, tomorrow is waiting further ahead.
But right now—this is where life happens.

After a morning dip, I treat myself to luxury open sandwiches and hot coffee. A small everyday feast that completes the moment.

Internal Links

Support My Writing

PayPal – Support the blog here
Subscribe here

Kay Pollak blog – a misty morning by the lake with a wooden pier and a floating platform, a moment of reflection and meeting between words and nature.

Morning Dip and Gratitude – When the Body Responds with Joy

Av Carina Ikonen Nilsson

den 24 september 2025

i Recept & matglädje, Vardag & familjeliv, vinterbad

A frosty morning by the lake, a cold morning dip and thoughts resting in gratitude. Here I share how the body actually responds when we practice gratitude – and how simple moments can fill an entire day with joy and calm.

Read this post in Swedish. ->Morgonbad och tacksamhet – när kroppen svarar med lycka

Morning Dip in Frost and Stillness

alt="Morning dip and gratitude – person wrapped in a towel sitting on a frosty lakeside bench at dawn, mist rising from the water in quiet stillness."

Yesterday I went for a swim with my wonderful swimming sisters. It was below freezing when I sat down in the car to drive the ten kilometers to the paradise by the lake. When I arrived, the water was steaming more than usual, and the sun had not yet climbed above the treetops.

Each step down to the water felt like a small tribute to life. The grass was white with frost, and the cold stung my fingers in that strangely pleasant way – like pressing a tender spot and not being able to resist.

I was the first to arrive and sat for a while in the silence. A fish broke the surface. The swim itself was quiet, without strokes. I simply floated and absorbed everything around me.

alt="Morning dip and gratitude – mirror-calm lake at daybreak with dense mist and bare branches in the foreground, serene autumn scenery."

Warmth, Everyday Life and Rest

When I came home, the feeling remained. I felt deep gratitude for giving myself that moment. After breakfast I went down to the basement and ironed my shirts. I love the warmth of the iron and the thought of how wonderful it will feel to put on a freshly ironed shirt.

The day continued in stillness. I brought in the small pots and irrigation system – now everything is ready for next spring. This week I might plant some garlic. Just the thought of harvesting my own garlic next year makes me happy.

Gratitude as the Body’s Own Medicine

In the evening, while frying meatballs, I let my gratitude grow. I thought about having legs to stand on, a stove, a family who appreciates the food. It may sound simple, but research shows that gratitude releases dopamine and serotonin – the brain’s own feel-good chemicals.

Read more about this science here: The Neuroscience of Gratitude.

When we consciously practice grateful thoughts, the stress hormone cortisol decreases, blood pressure can drop, and sleep deepens. It’s like giving the body an inner massage of calm.

Small Steps for a Big Difference

Would you like to try? Start small. Feel gratitude for a cup of coffee, for your breath, for a message from a friend. That’s where the everyday magic begins.

AHA – Between the Lines

I realize that I don’t only swim for physical well-being. I swim to remind myself that life is right here and now – in frosty steps toward the lake and in the warm steam of an iron. My days become whole when I choose to see that.

Reflection

It is in these small movements that I find myself. A silent dip, the scent of ironed fabric, a dinner of meatballs – all become a path back home to me. Here lives my happiness: simple yet strong.

Yesterday has already settled into history. Tomorrow waits further ahead. But right now – this is where life happens. In this very moment I can plant seeds that will grow into something in the future. – Carina Ikonen Nilsson

My Voice – Between the Lines

It is in the small moments that I come home to myself. In the steps down to the lake as the frost crunches under my feet, in the water’s mist, and in the warmth of the iron. I see how life reminds me that joy lives right here and now.

It takes no more than a silent swim, the scent of a freshly ironed shirt, or the sound of a fish breaking the surface. In that simplicity lies all the happiness I can carry. I choose to see it, I choose to live in it.

Support and Follow malix.se

Would you like to support my writing? Contribute via PayPal
Subscribe to the blog: Get new posts directly by email

An Early Morning Swim Filled with Gratitude

Av Carina Ikonen Nilsson

den 21 september 2025

i Reflektion & självläkning, Vardag & familjeliv

An early morning dip filled with gratitude. Here I tell about the battle between two voices – the one who wants and the one who doesn’t – and how the will finally won. A moment of nature, courage and quiet joy.

Read this post in Swedish ->Ett morgondopp i tacksamhet- När viljan vinner

->Read also Ett bad i blåst och regn – this older post is only in Swedish.

Welcome sign at Ragnerud bathing place on a rain-soaked morning – the place of my grateful swim.

Two Voices Inside Me

Today it finally happened again, even though it began with nagging from the one who wants and the one who doesn’t.
The one who doesn’t want has won for too long and taken ground inside my body. She is strong and doesn’t give up easily, and has been winning ground for a very long time, far too long.

But today she had to give in. Already at six o’clock this morning the other one – the one who wants – began to open up to the possibility of really doing it. Her voice fell silent only to rest and try again. This time she didn’t give up. She found possibilities and wove them into every word she spoke to me and to the one inside who doesn’t want.

Now she had the strength; her voice was clear, no longer whispers but firm pointers: now you do it.
“But the swimwear is in the motorhome,” I said to myself.
“That hasn’t stopped you before,” she replied.
“But it’s cold,” said the one inside. “You freeze all the time these days.”
The one with the will answered: “That hasn’t stopped you before.”

The two of them went back and forth all morning. I sat with my laptop in my lap and listened to those two.

The Decision and the Journey

At the very last minute I decided to listen to the right voice and the right will.
I listened to the voice that wanted and made sure to act. Out to the motorhome, find the swim bag, back inside to brush my teeth and grab the car keys, then into the car to actually do what was needed – drive ten kilometers, and I’m there, in paradise on earth.

But today didn’t turn out as planned, because when I arrived at the bathing place my swim-sisters had already finished. Today they had decided to bathe at 8 o’clock and I thought it was at half past eight. But that didn’t stop me.

A Morning Swim of Gratitude

They drove off and I took off all my clothes, which were really only a bathrobe and underwear. On with the water shoes and down into the lake. I had promised myself to just dip in. If it was cold it would be enough to lower my body into the water and then get out.

But if you knew how wonderful that dip was – not cold at all, only pleasant. Simply as wonderful as it gets. My body and the memory within it were completely present there in the water. I smiled and floated for a while.

I know that neither my husband nor my swim-sisters think it is okay to swim completely alone. That meant the swim became a shorter one. Yet every second there in the water, in nature, with my naked body floating in the lake, held a value worth remembering. Me, the water, and the sky.

Wonderful is a pale word for the moment. No word comes close to how I experienced this swim. Waves, wind and rain – and yet something beautiful unfolded inside me.

The silent beach after my swim – the water, the sky and the red building as my only company.

A Morning Swim of Gratitude – The Victory of Gratitude

It became something to remember as a moment of taking care of myself in the best possible way. As I write these words, I am filled with deep gratitude that I let the one who wants win the first battle of the day.

She won, she triumphed, but I – with all my selves – won the greatest prize. Finally, a swim again. I am now swimming in gratitude that fills my body. Thanks for all the beauty that was with me this morning.

It is almost as if those two wills also carry gratitude within them. And the greatest gratitude is that I listened to her – the one who wants. Even though it felt reluctant and a bit uncomfortable, she won. I acted – and within that action lives gratitude.
-> Would you like to explore more about how swimming can ease pain in the body? Visit Swan Song and Body Work. – this older post is only in Swedish.

AHA – Between the Lines

This post is about more than a swim. It is a victory for the courage to choose what you know is good, despite resistance. A story of how small, decisive steps can fill the body with strength and quiet joy.

I chose the will and met gratitude. Yesterday already rests in history; we can do nothing about it. What happens tomorrow belongs to tomorrow. It is right now, in this very moment, that I sow what I may harvest later. Right now – this is where life happens.
— Carina Ikonen Nilsson

Callout to You as Reader

Do you also have a “one who wants” and a “one who doesn’t” inside you? How do their voices sound – and which one won last time?

Support & Subscribe

Would you like to read more posts about everyday life, motorhome adventures and reflections?
Subscribe here: Click to follow the blog

Would you like to support my writing?
Support via PayPal

When Autumn Whispers – KonMari, Family Joy, and Tiny Surprises

Av Carina Ikonen Nilsson

den 3 augusti 2025

i År inlägg 2025, Vardag & familjeliv

Read this post in Swedish → När hösten smyger sig på – KonMari, kalas och små hälsningar

Preface

This post is a small journey through everyday life.
It moves from a gray August morning with soft rain, to tidy drawers and a birthday celebration that warmed my heart.
Most importantly, it is a reflection on how small actions – folding a sock, sipping coffee, or watching a child laugh – can become moments of stillness and happiness.
Perhaps it reminds you, as it does me, that life truly lives in the simple things.

Autumn Makes Itself Known

Yesterday, autumn whispered its arrival, even though it was only August 2nd.
The rain fell heavy and gray, as if the sky had pulled a blanket over summer for a while.
Because of that, it was the perfect day for quiet tasks indoors – the kind that bring peace to both the home and the soul.

I pulled out the drawers and began folding clothes using the Marie Kondo method.
Underwear, socks, sweaters, and pajamas all found their places.
The clothes I no longer needed, I thanked for their time and set aside – some to donate, some to throw away.

Afterwards, when I opened the drawer, it felt almost magical.
Everything lay in neat rows, the socks sorted by color.
It was as if the drawer itself sighed in relief.
And so did I.

Why Fold This Way?

I’ve come to realize that the KonMari method isn’t just about tidiness.
Instead, it is about showing gratitude and creating calm in daily life.
When every item has its place, the mind also feels a little clearer.
No more searching, no more silent sighs at the mess – suddenly, home feels like a place where you can breathe.

There’s also something meditative about the folding itself.
While standing in the quiet, I can feel the fabric in my hands, deciding what stays and what moves on.
It’s like creating small islands of stillness in the stream of everyday tasks.

KonMari and everyday joy – yes, that’s how it felt as I stood there folding my clothes.
Even if my husband only shook his head and said it took time, for me, it was precious time – harmony, self-care, and quiet respect for my belongings.

A Celebration with Simple Joys

In the afternoon, we went to a birthday celebration.
We were served smashed potatoes with minced meat and melted cheese, with salad, red onion, and jalapeños on the side.
After that, dessert was an ice cream buffet with plenty of toppings – simple, yet so good.

We met my daughter’s partner’s family and their two little boys.
They were shy at first, as little boys often are with new people, but after a short while, the shyness melted into laughter and play.
I smiled to myself, watching how quickly shyness can turn to mischief.
Children are amazing that way – they always find their way to joy.

We had brought a coffee maker as a gift.
It felt good to give something useful – finally, there will be brewed coffee in their home.

Tiny Animals and Quiet Greetings

On our last shopping trip, I couldn’t resist buying some small, cute stuffed animals.
They each had names and even their own birthdays – completely irresistible.

We bought them for our grandchildren.
One stayed at our daughter’s house, while the other two went on a little adventure.
Eventually, we placed them in our son’s mailbox with a small note explaining that the animals had birthdays to celebrate.
A quiet greeting – from us to them – with the hope of bringing small smiles to their day.

Evening Peace and a Gentle Reflection

When we came home, I settled onto the couch and watched a film about slavery in the US – about a woman who helped others to freedom.
As usual, I dozed off for a while, but the evening still ended in peaceful calm.

Later that night, I reflected on how small acts can create deep well-being:
A tidy drawer.
A shy child daring to laugh.
A cup of freshly brewed coffee.
And the reminder that life truly happens in the little moments – here and now.

Between the Lines – My Voice

I seek calm in simple things: a tidy drawer, the scent of coffee, the sound of rain.
I write to capture the small moments that bring me peace, never to point fingers at anyone.
This is my space for reflection, gratitude, and the gentle glimmers of everyday life.

Have you ever tried the KonMari method?
How do you create calm in your own daily life?
And which small moments stay in your heart the longest?

A Tip – My Neighbor’s YouTube Channel

If you want a short moment of inspiration, take a look at my friend’s videos on YouTube.
She shares small glimpses of life with her own gentle warmth – little educational videos for children about animals, nature, and all the small things they wonder about.

Watch here on YouTube →

Support My Writing

Would you like to support the blog?
Send a contribution via PayPal here.
Your support means more than you know!

Live today, right now.
Yesterday is among memories, and the future waits just beyond tomorrow.
Right now is where we live and breathe, where life truly happens.

– Carina Ikonen Nilsson

#KonMariFolding #EverydayJoy #AutumnMoments #FamilyHappiness #OrderAndCalm #SmallMoments #LiveHereAndNow #EverydayReflections #SimplePleasures #MarieKondoLife

Early Morning in the Camper – Sunrise, Structure, and a Longing for My Coffee Machine

Av Carina Ikonen Nilsson

den 22 juli 2025

i ADHD och neurodivergens, Resor & husbilsliv Camping, husbil, ställplatser, naturupplevelser., Vardag & familjeliv

Läs det här på svenska

Läs inlägget på svenska →

Foreword

This post was meant to be about gratitude, but the words took a detour through ADHD, blog categories, and a quiet sunrise. Sometimes, all you can do is follow where the words want to go.

Sunrise and Sleeplessness

This morning, I witnessed a sunrise. Sure, I often wake up early – but today it was very early. I don’t sleep well here in the camper, and I miss my bed at home. Writing that makes me feel ungrateful. Not everyone has a camper to sleep badly in. I try to remind myself to be thankful – for the freedom, the quiet, and the fact that we can go wherever we want, whenever we want.

Next Trip Already Planned

Yesterday, my husband started planning our next little trip. It’s already happening this Thursday – a visit to Borås Zoo with Alfred, his mom, and her partner. They’ll go for the day, but we’ll bring the camper and maybe stay longer. I think he’s planning something bigger, but first stop: Borås.

Structure, Blogging and ADHD – A Tangle Searching for Order

Yesterday I sat here, tinkering with my blog. Trying to organize it. I’ve started adding categories to make it easier to navigate. Old posts from 2009 to 2013 are now in their own group – like a little time capsule. Some posts are treasures, others… well. But I won’t delete them. I’m trying to see them with kind eyes – and I hope you will too.

Structuring a blog when you have ADHD isn’t exactly smooth sailing. For me, it’s like trying to clean a room while someone keeps moving the furniture around in my head. ADHD affects focus, impulse control, time management, and staying power. Starting is easy – finishing, not so much. And the “red thread”? More like a yarn tangle.

Still – this blog has shown my persistence. I’ve written for so many years, about so many things. Maybe my ADHD shows up here too: I follow impulses, the words come fast, I jump between topics. But I keep going. That is a kind of structure. Maybe not the traditional kind, but mine. With AI’s help, I can now make more sense of it – even if it still means hours of staring confusedly at the screen.

ADHD in Everyday Life:
ADHD affects executive function – planning, impulse control, emotional regulation – but it also brings creativity, intense focus (sometimes), and rich emotional depth. For many, including me, it’s not just a diagnosis. It’s a way of being in the world.

Heading Home – and Longing for Coffee

Today, we’re heading back home. Time to pack up, unpack the camper, do laundry, and check in on the greenhouse and my little garden. I’m looking forward to sitting under the pavilion and writing there instead of under our camper’s awning.

And the coffee. Oh, how I miss my coffee machine. Out here, it’s just regular drip coffee – even if I grind the beans myself. It’s not the same. Sure, I can froth the milk even in the camper – but who has the energy for that first thing in the morning? It’s a plain cup with a bit of milk. Nothing like the real deal at home.

Callouts – let me ask you…

Do you struggle with creating structure in your everyday life – especially with ADHD?
What does gratitude mean to you, especially on days when everything feels off?
Have you ever read your old writing with kind eyes?

Reflection

Sometimes it’s all a bit much. Gratitude that rubs against exhaustion. Longing for my bed and my coffee machine. But also – a sunrise I would have missed if I’d been sleeping deeply. It hits me that life doesn’t have to be either-or. Maybe it gets to be both. Maybe, somewhere in the middle of all the mess, that’s where I’m most myself.

Yesterday already rests in the pages of history. Tomorrow waits somewhere down the road. But right now – this is where life happens. – Carina Ikonen Nilsson

Support my writing

If you’d like to support my writing and blogging, you can do so here:
paypal.me

#sunrise #adhdlife #structurechaos #camperliving #blogorganization #coffeelover #everydayreflection #boraszoo #adhdandorder

Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy – a Tribute While He’s Still Here

Av Carina Ikonen Nilsson

den 11 juli 2025

i Malix – personligt & bloggen, Vardag & familjeliv

By Carina Ikonen Nilsson – July 11, 2025 | Music & Memories
Read this post in Swedish

The First Time I Saw Him

I was probably around 20 when I saw him for the first time. At first, I thought it would be just another concert – like any other. But oh, how wrong I was.

After the concert, I still remember the sore throat, the exhaustion, the echo in my head. Now, I often feel that way after a show – but back then, it was something else. Maybe it was the first time I felt something that strong.

The Magic That Kept Returning

And that feeling… it came back every time I saw him. How I loved watching him. His movements were monotonous, almost mechanical – but that’s what made it so special. It was Ozzy Osbourne, exactly as he was meant to be.

My god, I loved going to those concerts. That real feeling – the one that rooted deep inside – was always there.

Before the Legends Became Legends

I think I’ve seen most of the big heavy metal bands. I was even at a show where Helloween opened for one of the greats.

And I saw The Rev – alive – on stage at Ullevi. He played with Avenged Sevenfold, opening for Iron Maiden.

Back then, I didn’t like the band. They didn’t resonate with me – probably because I was just waiting for Iron Maiden.
But after The Rev died… I found my way to their music. And suddenly, I heard the beauty. The depth that had always been there.

What Hits Hardest

There’s something that happens when you find something too late. When you suddenly understand what you missed while it was right in front of you.

The Tribute That’s Happening Now

All the love pouring in on social media. How the world is lifting up The King of Darkness – Ozzy Osbourne.

I wasn’t at the 2025 concert in Birmingham. I had already decided to keep the memory of him as he was back then.

But now… now I see how wrong I was. I should have listened to my son, who told me to go. But I said no. “I’ve seen him young – I want to keep that image.”
Oh, how I wish I had been there. To share that moment. To honor him – this enormous icon – as he said goodbye.

My ADHD Heart and What I Really Wanted to Say

And yet, this wasn’t what I meant to write either. My ADHD brain swims through words that don’t always line up the way they should.

But what I truly wanted to say is this: I’m so moved – deeply moved – to see all the love for Ozzy and his band, Black Sabbath.

It’s beautiful. Those who were there. Those who shared. Those who now carry his legacy forward.

He Still Owns the Stage – Even Sitting

But the greatest thing of all?
Seeing how – despite all the pain his body carries – he can still captivate an entire arena. He’s sitting. But he creates magic just by being there.

He doesn’t move like he used to. He’s not standing tall.
And yet… every clip I’ve seen carries that same feeling I once had in front of the stage.

It must be his aura. His voice. His power within.

The Presence Was Always the Power

I used to think it was his movement and voice that made him great.
But now I understand:
It was never just that.

It was him.
His presence.
His being.
The legend.

This Man – and His Life

I truly love this man – everything he’s done in his life. I read his book a few years ago, and I can honestly say: It’s worth it.
My god, what a life. That he’s still alive today… it’s almost unbelievable.

What Matters Most

I strayed again. But now I return to what I wanted to say:

I’m so deeply touched – so full of love – that he gets to experience all this now, while he’s alive.
He gets to hear the words that usually come too late. The ones we say after someone is gone.

And that… That feels incredibly important.
More than anything, maybe.

But even then – do we ever truly hear those words?
I’m not sure we do.

Celebrate While We Still Can

Because no matter how much we praise someone after they’re gone –
It’s while they live that they need to hear it.

Famous or unknown.
Big or small.

We all have something to learn from that.

Reflection

We so often wait too long. Our words land in silence, when they can no longer be received.

But Ozzy – he gets to hear them now.
And that’s something we all deserve.
Whether we’re on stage, or sitting in the crowd.

Want to share your thoughts?

Do you have a memory from a concert, an artist who meant something to you, or something you wish you’d said?
Leave a comment – I read them all.

Stay connected

Want to follow more thoughts, memories, and everyday reflections?
Subscribe to the blog. No noise – just words from the heart.

Share if you’d like

If this post moved you – pass it on.
You never know who might need it today.

Support the blog

Support the Blog via PayPal

#ozzyosbourne #legendwhilealive #concertmemories #blackmetalhero #avengedsevenfold #helloweenband #giveflowersnow

@still.winning
Ozzy’s Farewell Performance in Birmingham 2025 #ozzyosbourne #farewellperformance #mamaimcominghome #blacksabbath
♬ Mama, I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne

OZZY – you’ve carried my darkness and lit it with sound. I love you.

Live and act today.
What you did yesterday is history.
The future? We know nothing about it.
And if we wait… it might be too late.
But we won’t know that until tomorrow –
if we’re lucky enough to see it. – Carina Ikonen Nilsson.

A New Day to Breathe and Live In

Av Carina Ikonen Nilsson

den 2 juli 2025

i Resor & husbilsliv Camping, husbil, ställplatser, naturupplevelser., Skapande & kreativitet

SV version here.

Foreword

Writing is my way of breathing. And today, I breathe gratitude – for the night, the morning, and the journey we’ve been on. Here are a few words from our moment in Vilhelmina, before we begin our way home again.

Gratitude as a Way of Life

A new day to live. A new day to breathe.
I often feel gratitude just for waking up – simply opening my eyes and starting over is something I no longer take for granted. The more years that pass, the more I live in thoughts of thankfulness. It’s as if growing older peels away the noise and makes space for what truly matters.

Morning in Vilhelmina – Fully Charged

Today, I live inside my gratitudes.
Grateful for a good night’s sleep.
Grateful that we arrived here in Vilhelmina.
And grateful that we begin our journey home today.

I don’t know how far we’ll go – maybe all the way to Mora, or perhaps we’ll stop in Östersund for the night. There are many miles to travel, but we’ll take them at our own pace.

All the Miles Behind Us

What a journey we’ve had!
So many experiences, so many miles – and most of all: so much we’ve shared. Me, my husband, and the little one. Yesterday, when we arrived here, it was time to recharge – both body and devices. Vacuum cleaner, toothbrush, laptops – everything needed a boost before the new day.

We mostly camp to enjoy a warm shower and recharge everything. Others at the campgrounds sit outside, socialize, grill, and enjoy the camping life. We do the other things – prepare food, shower, tidy up for the night. Then we curl up with our phones or computers for a little while, before sleep takes us. I don’t think we’ve stayed up late even once. All those miles and moments make us tired by nightfall.

A Tiredness You Feel in Your Bones

Last night, I was writing a blog post, yawning through every sentence. Tears streamed down my cheeks from all the yawning. And the moment my head hit the pillow, I was gone.

Långfil – A Northern Breakfast Love

At our stop in Blåsjön, I found something I’d been longing for – långfil!

Långfil is a traditional northern Swedish fermented milk product – thicker than regular yogurt and with a soft, tangy taste. It forms long, silky threads when stirred – hence the name. For many, it’s a childhood favorite and a true symbol of northern Swedish breakfast culture. Sometimes, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon, ginger, or sugar on top – and it becomes pure delight.

So today, I’m treating myself to a proper northern breakfast with långfil. And a quiet smile – because this morning feels exactly as it should.

Stekenjokk – A Mountain Landscape to Carry with You

During our journey, we passed Stekenjokk, a place you can’t describe without pausing to take a deeper breath.

Stekenjokk is one of Sweden’s highest roads, stretching across a mountain plateau in the borderlands between Jämtland and Lapland. The landscape opens like a skyward roof. Rugged mountains, melting snow streams, and patches of snow that linger well into summer. The nature here is powerful – wild and wind-worn, yet calming.

For the little one, it was the snow in June that stood out. For us, it was the silence, the vastness, and the feeling of being just a tiny dot in something so much greater.

A Journey for the Memory Bank

The little one may have spent a lot of time with his phone or laptop, but he still got to experience the landscapes of Norway and northern Sweden. Now he can say “I’ve been there” – and truly know what it looks like. He knows now how quickly the weather changes here – from sun to storm in a snap.

He can say, “Yes, I remember – the wind up there really can blow!”
And we’ve felt that – not once, but twice. Winds so strong you could barely walk forward. A force you have to both respect and remember.

Heading Home – With a Heart Full

Now we’re packing up, charging the last devices, and slowly heading home.
A journey is never just roads and rest stops – it’s memories, emotions, and lessons.
And I’m truly grateful for every step.

Writing Time Among Fjäll and Fil

Something else I’ve carried with me on this trip is words.
I’ve had time to write – and more importantly, time to listen. To my own thoughts. To the wind in the mountains. To the silence.

It was here, during this journey, that a new title for a future story arrived. It’s still just a seed. But The Winged Horse – that tale is growing.

Right now, I’m actively working on writing the full story of The Winged Horse, Alfred, and Tom. It’s a tale that has grown slowly over time – piece by piece, image by image – and now it’s taking shape as a real book. A book I plan to publish when it’s ready.

The illustrations are created with help from AI, but the story, the voice, the emotion – that’s all mine. It’s my story – born in a camper van, carried by forest stillness, silence, and imagination. And maybe the mountain winds have whispered a few extra lines along the way.

Would you like to follow the journey as I work on the book? You can read more here on my blog, under the tag The Winged Horse.

Would you like to get a message when the book is ready?
Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email – I’d love that.

Thank you for reading.
If you’d like to follow more of our travels and everyday moments, feel free to comment or share your own stories.
And if you’d like to support my writing – donate a small gift via PayPal.

Live well. And don’t forget to breathe.
/Carina – malix.se