On Saturday we went to a lovely birthday party at our neighbor’s place – she’s the one who creates those beautiful YouTube clips for small children, educational and playful. As always, there was joy, laughter, and a warm atmosphere.
Gothenburg visit to our youngest son
Yesterday we headed to Gothenburg to visit our youngest son, who moved there last autumn. He and his girlfriend had just returned from Greece, sun-kissed and full of stories. We had coffee, checked out their now fully furnished apartment, and admired the cozy sofa he had built on their balcony. Honestly, I could imagine living out there myself! They had also reupholstered the headboard of their bed with a beautiful fabric – so creative and personal.
The plan was to have dinner at their place, but since we were quite a few, we decided to go out instead. Pizzas were ordered, and I chose a kebab salad – which, I must say, had very little salad in it. And when you choose a salad, you actually expect it to be filled with salad and the fresh things that belong there.
Blogging work and the Oskar series
This weekend was a reminder of how valuable both small and big moments can be. A birthday party or a balcony conversation in Gothenburg can bring just as much energy as a long trip. It’s the ordinary everyday memories that shape our lives.
Right now, I’m also working here on the blog, especially with the Oskar series, where I write about children, neurodivergence, and school life. This week we’ve been focusing on the post Motivating circumstances and invisible support. At the same time, I’m optimizing the blog to make it easier for both me and you as readers to find your way through all the posts.
A lot is happening – in everyday life and here on the blog.
Live today, right now. Yesterday is history, and tomorrow lies out there in the distance. Right now is what we can influence. – Carina Ikonen Nilsson
Reflection
This weekend reminded me that strength is often found in the simple things – in the laughter of a child’s party, in a chat on a balcony, in the ordinary meals we share. Life doesn’t have to be grand to be deeply meaningful.
Your Voice: Between the Lines
Between the lines, this post carries a sense of gratitude. To be present – in both small and big ways – is a gift I do not take for granted.
New glasses again. Hello and welcome to all of you who read my posts here on Malix.se. Today I’m sharing a post about something as ordinary as glasses. You might wonder: can you really write a whole post about glasses? Oh yes – at least I can.
Here I am again, sitting on the sofa. Yesterday was a slow day – no surprise, since we came home late after a magical evening with Thåström in Karlstad. The concert was larger than life, and the tiredness the day after almost felt like part of the memory. If you want to read more about that night, you’ll find it here: Thåström concert Karlstad – a magical night in the spirit of music.
Still, despite the tiredness, we managed to get a few things done. One of them was picking up my new glasses at Synsam. I have a subscription where I rent glasses for a monthly fee, and when my husband was there last time it suddenly became very favorable for me to add a fourth pair. Yesterday was the day I picked them up.
As happy as can be
I was really happy! The glasses feel light, sit perfectly, and they’re stylish too. While I tried them on, I joked with the assistant: “Now I have so many glasses I feel like Elton John.” She smiled and replied: “It’s wonderful to feel that way.” And yes, it really is. Even though I only have four pairs, it’s such a joy to be able to switch depending on mood and situation.
Synsam subscription – smart for me
Synsam has a concept I really like. You rent your glasses and can update them year after year. I pay monthly for one pair of sunglasses, one pair of regular glasses, and one pair of reading glasses – that’s the foundation. A few weeks ago, they had a special offer, and that’s when I decided to get a fourth pair.
An everyday moment from the sofa where my new glasses rest on the laptop, with the blog post open on the screen.
These new ones sit so comfortably that I barely notice I’m wearing them. And while it’s fun that they look good, the most important thing is of course how I see with them. The world is suddenly clearer – what used to be blurry is now sharp and full of detail. If you sign up for a Synsam subscription through my referral, you actually get two months for free. I get one month as a thank you, but you benefit even more. Worth knowing if you’re considering new glasses yourself.
The Oskar series – next chapter
Today I’ll continue working on the next post in my little Oskar series. Tomorrow I’ll publish part two, and there will also be a part three and four. This subject is close to my heart, so I want to take my time and include as much as possible in each post.
The text itself was written many years ago, but the thoughts are still alive and relevant. The series gives me a way to gather them once again. If you haven’t read the first part yet, you’ll find it here: The Oskar series – meeting children with neurodivergence in school.
Between the lines
What does this post say about me? Maybe that I like glasses and that I enjoy variation. Maybe also that I tend to write long posts, so long that I sometimes have to turn them into a series. But perhaps it also says something about care – I want you as a reader to actually have the energy to follow along.
Reflection
Sometimes it’s clarity that makes all the difference. The right glasses can change everything – suddenly details that were blurry come into focus. Life works the same way. When we pause and adjust our view, we can notice things we’d otherwise miss: small joys, a new tone in a conversation, or a feeling waiting to be seen.
What becomes clearer for you if you look with fresh eyes today?
Afterword
Thank you for joining me in today’s post, even though it was about something as ordinary as glasses. Everyday life often contains more than meets the eye.
“Yesterday has already settled into history, tomorrow is waiting further ahead. But right now – this is where life happens.” -Carina Ikonen Nilsson
Sometimes a motorhome weekend in Sweden begins long before the engine starts. That’s the case this time – with freshly washed curtains, a living room that suddenly feels more harmonious, and a weekend waiting to be filled with both stillness and small adventures.
Even though we haven’t left the driveway yet, the motorhome weekend in Sweden really began yesterday. Not with driving away, but with those small preparations that set the tone. I put a few things into the motorhome – nothing big, but still the bits that needed to be in place.
Then I decided to buy curtains. Fresh, new curtains. And not only that – I also decided to wash them before they had even been hung. My poor husband had to help, even though he was tired after work. But now they’re up in the living room, and the whole space feels different.
New curtains – hung straight from the washing machine. Damp curtains dry neatly and let in just the right amount of light.
Grandma’s table now stands neatly with a cloth in the same fabric. No piles, no sketchpads – just a bare, beautiful table. It’s a rare feeling, as that table is usually both a dumping ground and an art desk. But today I decided: if I want to draw, I’ll go down to the basement and bring up my art supplies. This way, we won’t have corners of the house turning into workspaces whenever the mood strikes.
Clean table before the motorhome weekendGrandma’s table – for once without piles or sketchpads. Ready for a weekend with more calm than clutter.This is how the table usually looks – full of everyday life and ongoing projects.
New Curtains, New Calm
We even got new curtains in the bedroom. Freshly washed and still damp when I hung them – my trick to avoid ironing. They dry straight and smooth in place, and the room suddenly feels both lighter and fresher.
However, this post isn’t really about curtains – it’s about the fact that we’re heading off today.
Back to Hanatorp
We simply couldn’t get enough of Hanatorp, so we’re taking another trip there. My husband’s brother is there, and they wanted to spend some time together. I don’t know what “cousin vitamin” has planned for the weekend, but if they’re there, they’ll definitely get a hello.
Since this is the last weekend before school starts, it feels extra special to get away. After this, it’ll just be Fridays or Saturdays, depending on how tired everyone is.
The Weekend Plan
This weekend, I intend to enjoy myself. Relax. Blog. And, of course, keep developing the Oskar Series. Perhaps I’ll add a few lines here and there, somewhere between my coffee cup and the evening sunset.
Where do you find your stillness? By the sea, at a campsite, on the sofa with a cup of tea – or perhaps when you give yourself permission to simply be? Share in the comments; I’d love to hear from you.
Reflection
It’s strange how small things can change the feeling of an entire home. A pair of new curtains, a clear table – and suddenly it feels like I’ve made more space, not just in the room but in my mind as well. This weekend, I want to take that feeling with me on the road. To let it remind me that sometimes it only takes small changes to set life in a new direction.
Between the Lines – My Voice
This isn’t really about curtains, Hanatorp, or even the motorhome. It’s about creating space for what matters. About choosing less clutter so I can enjoy the present more. And about giving myself time – both at home and while traveling – to simply breathe.
”Yesterday has already settled into history, tomorrow waits further ahead. But right now – this is where life happens.” – Carina Ikonen Nilsson
Foreword This post is about coming home, about unpacking the motorhome after another weekend on the road. It is also about the small moments that linger and stay in your heart. Finally, it is a post about ADHD – about jumpy thoughts that want too much all at once, and about the encounters that leave deep marks in the heart.
Back on the Couch – Motorhome Ready for Autumn
I’m sitting here on the couch, writing. Yesterday, we unpacked the motorhome. The fridge is now empty, ready to be restocked for the next weekend trip. The laundry is done, and only the bedding from the motorhome remains. Once that is washed, our LVL² will officially be ready for autumn.
From now on, our trips will be shorter. Instead of long journeys, it will be small weekend escapes – just enough to capture the last breath of freedom that only motorhome life can give.
Our little one has truly become a camper. I already knew that, but yesterday gave me the final proof – the dot over the “i.” While unpacking, he said: ”The clothes can stay – we’re going out again soon.”
On the way home, we stopped at Överby. First, we bought gas for the Thermacell – that little device I love on mosquito-filled evenings. Then, something else caught our attention. He found a microphone he wanted for his computer. He said he would save up for it himself. However, we decided to surprise him and bought it.
Usually, he waits in the motorhome when we go shopping. But yesterday was different – he came along. And he learned that sometimes, stepping into the store actually pays off.
The Blog – A Timeline of My Life After Learning I Have ADHD
When I was on ADHD medication, I felt my thoughts line up for the very first time. It was as if they became little train wagons, following each other in perfect order. Now, without medication, my mind is more like a ball of yarn – loose threads bouncing in every direction.
I had to stop taking the medication. At first, it helped me. However, after a while, my body began to protest – tight muscles, aching jaws, poor sleep, and creeping anxiety.
Today, I live with my jumpy thoughts again. Sometimes they irritate me – but other times, they make life rich. And sometimes, they turn into blog posts like this one.
Fact Box: ADHD in Everyday Life
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Core symptoms include attention difficulties, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity.
Thoughts often “jump” because of executive function challenges, where the brain struggles to sort what’s most important right now.
While medication can help create mental structure, side effects are common, and many people develop their own strategies instead.
Most importantly, understanding, routines, and a supportive environment can make the biggest difference – especially in school.
A Meeting That Stayed with Me
In my work, I have met many children who couldn’t fit into the school system. Children who had already lost faith in themselves, who carried the feeling of being “wrong.”
I remember one meeting especially clearly. I described the feeling of worthlessness, of constantly having to hide your quirks. The young person began to cry.
”How do you know all this?” they asked. ”I’ve been there before. You’re not alone,” I replied.
Later, I went to our psychologist, because I was worried that my words might have done harm. Instead, he said something that has stayed with me ever since: ”Would you have wanted to meet someone like you when you were a child?” Yes, I said. ”Then you are that person now. Give what you once needed, and you do it so well. You see the kids and say the things they don’t even dare whisper. You let them see themselves as they are – and make them feel good enough as they are.”
Those words stayed. They made me better at my work. And they made me softer as a human being.
Reflection
Oh, how jumpy this post became. But that’s how my brain works – the threads crisscross, and in the end, they land somewhere that truly matters.
Today’s AHA: The psychologist’s words are still with me. I get to be the person I once needed.
Now I’m curious about you…
Have you ever met someone who truly left a mark on you? Which words stayed in your heart?
AHA – Between the Lines
Between the lines, I reveal a person who seeks both stillness and movement. I find joy in the small moments of everyday life – an unpacked motorhome, a little boy’s words, a new microphone. Yet I also carry a deep understanding of life’s fragility, of what it feels like to be small and not quite fit in.
I have learned to live with jumpy thoughts and with a story that has made me both stronger and softer. And I remind you that human encounters – a single moment of true understanding – can change a life. Perhaps I am now the person giving to others what I once longed for myself.
Afterword Thank you for following me through today’s stream of words.
Yesterday is already resting in history. Tomorrow waits somewhere ahead. But right now – this is where life happens, in what you feel, breathe, and experience. – Carina Ikonen Nilsson
The day started well before five, with a cup of coffee and some bread baking. Since I had prepared the dry ingredients the night before, it only took five minutes to get the dough ready. Baking bread is something I truly enjoy – the little extra effort is always worth it. That smell of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen sets the tone for the entire day.
There was no morning swim today, since we had to leave early. If I had thought ahead, we might have traveled the day before and stayed at a hotel, which would have made the morning easier. But that thought only came to me as I was heading to bed. Well, sometimes you just have to take things as they come.
Along the Road to Stenungsund
In the early hours, after many miles on the road, we finally stopped for a much-needed coffee break in Stenungsund. That cup was essential for keeping my energy up, and with a sandwich in hand, things felt a little lighter. Although, to be fair, the sandwich wasn’t for me but for our little one.
After that, the trip went smoothly, and we arrived on time at our destination. Right now, I’m sitting in a spacious lobby filled with small sofas and lounge chairs – the perfect environment for writing and reflecting. My body is still a bit sore after yesterday’s massage, with small bruises here and there, but that usually fades after a day or two.
Living with Dyslexia and ADHD
Now, I want to share something close to my heart – living with dyslexia and ADHD in everyday life.
You know, that difficulty with reading and writing. Sometimes, I notice that there’s a sense of shame tied to dyslexia. I don’t usually talk about it openly, and I think many others do the same. Reading aloud is something I tend to avoid, but writing – that I still do, in my own way.
I often replace words with others, simply because I don’t know how to spell them. In a way, that has expanded my vocabulary, since I’m always searching for words that are easier to spell but still say exactly what I mean. The computer and its tools have been a lifesaver for me – especially AI programs that help me keep the red thread in my writing. ADHD makes my thoughts jump between topics, and here AI has been a great support.
Dyslexia in Daily Life and Work
For me, dyslexia is a disability – or, if you prefer, a functional impairment. It affects so many situations, like when I’m expected to read aloud or take notes in meetings. That’s when it feels like a real obstacle.
But in some contexts, it can also be a resource. With children who haven’t learned to read yet, I can adapt stories and tailor them to their level. Storytel has also opened a whole new world for me. Listening to books instead of reading them allows me to enjoy literature in a way that works for me – I’ve finally discovered authors and works without feeling left out.
Instructions, however, remain a challenge. Shorter, spoken directions would probably work better – but my high pace often makes me skim past details.
Closing Words: Understanding and Support
Dyslexia isn’t always visible to others, but for those of us living with it, support from the people around us is invaluable. Understanding the challenges and using the tools that exist can make a huge difference in how we manage daily life.
So, as I write these words, I hope more people gain insight into what dyslexia means – and that it’s something you can live with and even find strength in.
Now, the tiredness is starting to catch up with me, and I feel the need to go outside for some fresh air. Thank you for reading – and have a wonderful day!
Between the Lines – My Voice
This post says something deeper: about the courage to show vulnerability. About how shame often hides behind silence – but also how strength can grow when you dare to share.
Reflection
Living with dyslexia and ADHD is not only about struggle. It’s also about finding new ways. Perhaps our challenges hold the seeds of our unexpected strengths.
Afterword
Question for you as a reader: Do you have personal experience with dyslexia or ADHD – and what strategies have helped you manage daily life?
A morning on the move, bread baking, dyslexia and ADHD. Different pieces of daily life – yet together they form a whole.
A day by the water – sunglasses and summer vibes
Yesterday has already settled into history, tomorrow is still waiting. But right now – this is where life happens.
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