Trains, Planes & Automobiles!
Hej Everyone!
I hope you have had a beautiful start to your day. I am currently sitting on the train from Göteborg to Stockholm. It's a long but very smooth journey. I love Sweden's transportation system. It's so clean, reliable and affordable. I sit here in the world's most comfortable chair. If only every airplane seat could be this comfortable, then I would be more into flying. When I think back I use to love to fly. But now, the thought of getting on a place and going through that airport process horrifies me. I don't know where this has come from. Perhaps burnout? I have flown a lot back in my day. I started as a teenager and flew a great deal in my 20s when I was living in the US. In October 2022, I fainted on a plane from London to Los Angeles. I was flying alone and it was a scary experience. Ever since then, I've been more afraid of flying. The thought of being so high up feels more scary than spectacular. But I don't want that to stop me from flying in the future. I just think I over did it in the past. Now I sit comfortably in my train seat and admire the view from a normal altitude level. Riding trains is now my favourite way to travel, especially in Sweden.
Speaking of flying. Yesterday I rebooked my flight to Åre! A few months ago I posted a YouTube video where I thought I would live in Åre. Perhaps I was influenced by the existing YouTubers who have made a life for themselves in the North. As an aspirating content creator, I thought, "this is what audience members want." But that was a mistake waiting to happen! I'm so glad I took the decision to stay on the coast, close to my roots. Not only is it unique as a creator, but it's a decision that felt more aligned with my true self. As an artist I think it's always important to stay true to your unique story.
This morning I woke up with Big Ben charming. The past few days I have slept through my alarm because the ring tone was too relaxing. I'm glad I woke up but the alarm did put me in an anxious mode all morning. I did press snooze once and Leiana started climbing on me. I moved the duvet over my face, and she took that as an invitation to stand on my face haha I appreciate youm Leiana for getting me out of bed.
My Dad kindly drove me to the bus stop at 7:30am so I didn't have to walk the country road (potentially in the rain). We have had many rainy days. Leiana is an outdoor cat so I'm not too worried about leaving her for a few days. But she HATES the rain. My Dad will check on her every day.
My Dad is such a big inspiration. He spent majority of his professional career working in business consulting. After he retired he threw himself into his childhood passion, which was running. So in many ways, yes, he's retired. But in many ways he changed careers in his 60s! That is pretty cool isn't it. So if you think it's too late in your 20s, 30, 40s, 50, even 60s, or 70s, or 80s. It's NEVER too late! My friend's words stay stuck in my mind, "It could have been sooner, but it could have been later, so start TODAY! 🙂
Before I got on the bus I spotted some rasberries growing wild behind the bus stop. It felt so simply magical eating a berry breakfast direct from nature haha They were tiny but had more flavour and colour than any store bought rasberry that I have bought in England or the US. In my opinion they were always very watery and much bigger.
Now I can hear the conductor announcing that the train will be pulling into Stockholm in 5 minutes, so off I pop!
I would love to continue speaking to you but I need to tidy up my area and pack my bag.
Can't wait to speak to you soon and update you on what I get up to in Stockholm.
Lots of Love!
Annika ♥︎
P.S. This is a reminder to myself to tell you a funny story about what happened to my suitcase.