Healing through art, nature & heritage - Life on the Northwest Coast of Sweden
Healing through art, nature & heritage - Life on the Northwest Coast of Sweden
Hello loves!
I just wanted to pop in here and spread some positive energy. I hope you have a beautiful day. Sending you lots of love and creative inspiration. I'm also editing a little vlog from my weekend that will go live on Friday. I hope you find it inspiring.
Speak to you soon ♥︎
Good evening to you!
This weekend, I experienced a new kind of creative energy, one that resonated deeply with the changing nature around me. As Autumn settles in with its beautiful mix of warm colors and crisp air, I spent time both in nature and in my art studio, reconnecting with my soul. It felt grounding and transformative, as if the scenery mirrored an inner warmth and an inner fire. A renewed passion for painting and a drive to create that I haven’t felt in months.
I hadn't touched a canvas since January, but returning to it now felt like picking up a long-lost conversation with an old friend. Back then, that last painting brought me clarity and led me to Sweden, a move that’s reshaped my world. Standing before the blank canvas again this weekend, with paintbrush in hand, I felt both a twinge of hesitation and an overwhelming sense of excitement. The fear that I’d somehow “lost it” lingered, yet the desire to create intuitively burned even stronger. And it turns out that’s the beauty of passion—it grows fiercer, overcoming the small doubts that hold us back.
As I worked on setting up my art studio, something magical happened. I’d been meaning to give this space some love for a while, organizing brushes, mixing palettes, putting up inspiring pictures, and arranging the colors I want to use in my next pieces. The studio felt like a metaphor for what’s happening within me: a need to clear the way, to create a nurturing space where I can freely express myself, letting go of distractions and anxieties. Each small step I took to set up this creative sanctuary felt affirming, as if preparing the ground for something beautiful to emerge. My vision for this space is to create an environment that feels like a true reflection of where I am now.
The air outside this weekend was chilly but refreshing, with fog lingering in the mornings and the earthy scent of leaves filling the air. It’s as if Autumn itself is a lesson in transformation, a reminder that things need to shed their old layers before they can grow again. And in that stillness, I felt my own growth, my own readiness to dive deeper into my creativity, knowing that the uncertainty is just part of the process.
Painting that first stroke on canvas brought a flood of memories from my last painting back in January. How much has changed since then! That piece helped me see that moving to Sweden was right for me. I can almost feel how my inner and outer journey this year has changed my approach to art. Each brushstroke this weekend felt rooted in something deeper—a new sense of belonging, a renewed commitment to my creative voice. I know there’s still so much to explore, and that feels wonderful.
This weekend, I carved out that time, making space not only for painting but also for reconnecting with the joy of creating. That choice felt like a small victory, a statement to myself that my artist soul deserves time and space. And as I painted, the fear I’d carried—fear that I might have lost my touch or that my creativity wouldn’t flow as it once did—slowly began to melt away. Each color I chose, each line and layer, reminded me that creativity isn’t something that disappears; it stays with us. It's a voice that deserves to be heard in each moment.
After setting up my studio, I sat for a moment, looking around and feeling grateful for this small but cherished space that reflects my current journey. There’s an undeniable peace in having a sanctuary like this, a place I can return to whenever I feel the need to express, explore, experiment, and heal from life's unexpected events. It’s where I can let the changing natural world outside inspire me, and where I can bring my own feelings to life on the canvas.
After this weekend, I feel more confident to approach my art with more curiosity and playfulness. Autumn, with its vibrant colours and promise of a quiet winter, reminds me that embracing change is essential, even if it feels daunting. My passion for painting, for creating something new and meaningful, continues to grow stronger—like the roots of a tree that sink deeper as the old leaves fall away.
Thank you for reading about my journey as I find my way forward in both my art and my life ♥︎
Good evening sweet hearts!
What a cozy day it has been. A whole day cozy at home with the fire burning all afternoon while it rained and howled outside. It was a real Autumn day, cold outside but warm inside.
It's currently 23:30 and I'm about to tidy up and get ready for bed. I spent most of yesterday cleaning and today was spent by the computer getting on top of admin. I feel like admin is one of those unwanted but needed projects. I've decided to dedicate one hour a day for admin so I can spend the rest of the day on creating. Without no art there is no business admin, so it's important that I find a balance. There will always be admin to do, so one hour a day will be a good shift in my work flow.
How has your week been? Any fun plans for the weekend?
In my effort to overcome perfectionism, I am pushing myself to post a blog post every day. Even if in my mind I don't have the best photos. There will come a time and place to showcase that work, but for now, like I've said before, this is more of a daily artist/human diary of this phase of my life 🙂 Who knows where it might lead. I have a dream vision but I'm open to what comes to me. I'm ready to receive and fulfill my soul purpose in this life. It's never too late.
One exciting thing that I did today was to finally unbox my new camera. I talked about it in a previous YouTube video and thought it was time. Today was the day I unleashed my new friend. I can't wait to take it out on adventures. I hope it's a nice day tomorrow so I can take photos and film for my next vlog. This camera is really good in low light conditions, so with the darkness coming now this camera will be perfect for capturing moments at home and outside when the light conditions are not so good.
If it's another rainy day then I plan on filming setting up my art studio and getting back to my childhood passion, painting. I have felt really inspired by the rocky landscape here on the Northwest coast of Sweden, and recently thought about creating a rock inspired photo and painting series. I have always felt that these ancient rocks are alive and have a powerful spirit of their own. I wrote on my recent Instagram post that I feel that they carry wisdom. I always go to the rocks and lie on them to feel grounded, to seek answers, and to feel their strength. I've done it for years. Since I have a tendency to overthink, I need to find ways to ground myself to the earth, and connect to the strength I know I have within. These ancient rocks help me feel grounded and connect back to my heart. I see how the rocks can help reflect the inner strength and calm that we all have.
As a child I was fascinated by rocks and would collect them. I have a whole collection on my window sill by the dining table that I'll show you in a future post. Right now I'm too tired to photograph it hehe
I took a few rocks back with me from Mallorca where I went on my meditation retreat. A suitcase full of rocks haha Just kidding, it was two or three really beautiful warm brown rocks and one that was white. It looked like a quartz crystal. I found them when we were out on our silent nature gazing hike. What a beautiful experience. I still need to tell you about it! I mentioned some things on my latest YouTube video but I feel I could talk about this experience for hours. The moment that really stood out to me was when I looked up at the sky during a grounding ceremony in nature, and I saw not one heart shaped cloud but a heart shaped cloud in a bigger heart shaped cloud! Amazing! I felt the magic and faith return to my heart, like my soul came back to me that night.
I better get to sleep so I don't miss the beautiful morning light. Plus it's getting close to "witching hour" as my Grandmother used to say.
Goodnight and sweet dreams ♥︎
This is something I have always said. It means Smögen is in my heart. I remember when I was in middle school school, it was always during the most nerve-recking period, summer exams where I would long for Smögen the most! I could almost taste the salty winds from the exam hall. During the exams, on my desk I would have a picture of the view outside my Dad's house on the island. Going to Smögen every Summer was the highlight of the year. Each year, I pushed through school only to have another magical Summer on the island. It was there I felt most creative and most free. And after 20 years, I still feel that way.
When I was 14 years, old I was out for a walk on the rocks on the magical island of Smögen. The answer came to me so clearly. I knew it then and I remember the day and the feeling like yesterday. It was so clear to me in that moment that I wanted to be an artist and live on this island when I finished high school.
I wanted to study art at a UK University remote, and live on this island while I studied. I believe the only school that was offering a BA art program was Hertfordshire University. Of course, it was possible back then and looking back, it would have worked out. But from a spiritual perspective, it wasn't my path then. On the other hand, if I had the support and encouragement to do what I wanted to do back then, it would have been possible. But that thinking puts me in a very negative emotional state. It makes me angry to think about. It's a waste of energy because I can't change the past, I can only learn from it. And these low frequency emotions aren't good for the planet. So I focus on the positive lesson instead and apply it in my life today.
The biggest lesson I've learned from this experience is to not doubt myself and surround myself with people who support me unconditionally. I knew deep down within myself what my heart wanted. I forgive those who didn't support me the way I needed. They only did what they thought was right at the time. Since I was a child, I've always been a very innovative thinker. When I was 12 I remember telling my Grandmother that one day we will have mini televisions in our pocket. And don't we with smartphones? Even wanting to study remote for University back in 2009, and now everything is remote. Working and studying remote is now considered normal. If anything, this reflection has given me so much confidence that anything is possible if you have faith and commitment. And also to embrace my forward thinking despite the fearful thoughts of others. Eventually it will become the new normal. I think most people are afraid of change and uncertainty, it's just having the courage to push through. To think and live differently. To be a dare devil, a free-spirit, and let your heart lead the way. And then let your brain figure out the details to make your dreams come true. Never let your brain talk you out of your dreams. I recently read that practicality is a mask of fear. Don't let fear run your life.
If the self-trust isn't there, then it's very easy to follow the opinions of others. At the time I was told that it was not possible to live on the island. I heard things like, "there are no jobs during the winter," "you are a young girl who deserves a real university experience," "remote studying is not real studying," "you need a job," bla bla bla
Everyone is a teacher but you are also your best teacher. It's an inner knowing and a destined path that I believe we are all on. There is a verse in the Poetic Edda about this, which I will tell you about later. In 2017, when I read it, it spoke to me deeply. But at that phase in my life, I was filled with self-doubt, and I let the opinion of someone talk me out of it. But now I'm ready to live these words. And I have been wanting to get it as a tattoo for 7 years now! No more waiting.
I believe in the spiritual timing of everything. This thinking brings peace in my heart. So now, after years of emotional maturing and living life's hardships, I am now able to offer a healing quality to my work.
I've seen the other side of life: the city life, the heartbreak, the career grinding, the superficial, the betrayal, the inauthenticity, the sickness, the grief, etc. Despite me feeling ungrounded for over 10 years, I can see the beauty in the hardship and in a strange way it's helped build my self-esteem. It was a challenging time, like I wasn't in my body. Like my soul kept begging to set it free, and eventually it had enough and left me. I feel like I sleep walked my entire 20s. Of course, there were moments of thrill but looking back, they were all dopamine hits. All chemical feelings to distract me from what I really needed. Self trust. Self love. Now that I found it and staying true to that 14 year old girl, I'm here pursuing my dream as an artist. And my soul is back!!! I can feel it.
I hope to offer something beautiful to this world that can be a very stormy and very beautiful place at times. And if you are ever in need of some peaceful and healing energy, this island awaits your arrival. And me too! ♥︎
Smögen is my paradise destination! Many think of paradise as sandy beaches, palm trees, and warm nights by the pool. For me, paradise is this ancient raw rocky landscape, the icy North winds, and the cold Skagerrak Sea. That's where my heart wants to be. If I was a princess in a Disney movie, this would be my kingdom. After reading my story so far, what do you think the movie would be called?
Hello you beautiful shining suns!
I woke up to the most beautiful colours of pink and blue in the sky. My favourite combination. It was so soft and quiet this morning. I spent all day at the computer but I enjoyed it because I finally got to give my blog some love and attention. Can you believe I've been here for 9 months already? It's like making a baby haha It's been so fun to read back on old posts. And this is a big reason why I started my blog, to have it like a diary to look back on and a way to connect with you. I want to thank all the new loyal readers and subscribers on my YouTube channel. Without you I would not have the motivation to continue.
It's just gone 6pm and it's already dark outside. It's getting darker and colder with each passing day. It might be time to get some curtains installed. I can feel the forest trolls peeking in.
Leiana is outside doing her business. Let's see if she stays out all night. She doesn't seem to like the cold too much. It will be our first Winter together. I also feel less safe now that she's outside. I know that if something was to happen, even if she was here, I'm not sure it's in her instinct to defend me. More and more I think about getting a dog. I've wanted one for 10 years now but life happened and that dream was shelved to prioritise other things in life.
Like I mentioned, my blog got a little makeover today. So if you want to go all the way back to the beginning, you can follow my story in depth. I read a lot of it again today and it was like reading a novel. Enough time has passed where I was really able to read it as a reader would, objectively. I learned a lot from this experience. Mostly how much I've grown. And this makes me excited to keep going. I'm curious about what is possible in this lifetime. I feel so good right now. Motivated and inspired. Just need more hours in the day haha Can you relate? 🙂
Never forget you are the leading character of your life! Now go write your beautiful story and be open to all the twists and turns in the road.
Enjoy the rest of your day ♥︎
LOTS OF LOVE,
Annika
As some of you already know, I recently lost my Grandmother. It's been nearly two weeks ago that her spirit crossed over. I hope she is having the time of her life! Reunited with my Grandfather, her parents, her Sisters, and friends. She was 88 years old. I miss her dearly but death teaches us a valuable lesson. It's okay to let go. It's the eternal balance of life.
Autumn can be a heavy time but it can be a joyous time. It's about our perspective. So when I think about letting go from this perspective, death no longer frightens me in the way it once did. It teaches me to be present in my own life. To be in the here and now of every moment. All I can do is the best with what I have while I'm alive on this planet. To help inspire others to also follow their sparks of inspiration, their soul path in life, and to feel joy every day.
Sending you so much love and warmth this Season. And if you are also going through a time of loss and grief. My heart goes out to you ♥︎
This is my first Autumn in Sweden since I was a child. Now with each passing day I notice all the subtle changes and shifts in nature. It is a beautiful feeling to witness nature letting go, gently reminding me to let go with it. And in that, I no longer feel alone. In those moments I realise I'm not separate from nature, but one with it.
To me, Autumn feels like the ultimate fresh start. Similar to the feeling that a New Year brings. I've learned in my time here in Sweden this year that each Season brings a feeling of a clean slate. A new beginning. An opportunity to reflect, redirect and grow.
It has nearly been 9 months since I moved to Sweden. I arrived in the middle of Winter, the darkest time of year. I know this dark time is coming with each passing day. I welcome it! Right now, I allow the warmth to build in my heart. I absorb all of nature's warm Autumn colours and breathe in this warm energy to keep the fire in my heart alive during the dark winter months. Then, when the Summer comes, all that inner love and light that I've built up inside my heart can burst out of me and spread to others around me. An abundance of light and love. But in many ways I feel it now more than ever. So I won't let that stop me from sharing my healing light and love with you all around the world. After the soul retreat I learned this is my soul purpose. To heal through my art and presence.
For the first time in my life, I'm starting to experience the beauty in living with the cycle of nature. I've longed to experience living with the Seasons in a remote part of the world. That remote place is here, Bohuslän! A place my heart has longed for each year since I was eleven years old. And with every Summer spent here as a young girl, my love for this place has grown more and more intensely over the years. After bursting through my barriers and letting go of other people's expectations of me, I am now here in my paradise! I have to pinch myself that I'm here. Then the gratitude flows in. I'm here! I'm really here! My dream came true!
After returning home from the meditation retreat I attended in Mallorca, Spain, I revisited the nature reserve that is only a few minutes from my homestead. I spent time taking pictures, dancing in the sunlight, and getting lost in the moment. My favourite way to spend my time on earth. So many creative ideas came flooding in. I've made a habit to carry a notebook around so I can capture the ideas like capturing fire flies in a mason jar. For me, writing it down means the idea is mine and ready to be given life. And wow do the ideas come flooding in when I release tension, let go of control, and just breathe in the beautiful nature, sounds and smells around me. The air is so fresh here. And the sea brings a saltiness to the air that I love.
I hope with each passing Season, I gain a deeper awareness of myself as I embrace the knowing that I am part of nature's changes because I am nature. Something I connected with deeply at the meditation retreat.
Which part of this beautiful earth do you call home in your heart? Do you also get to be part of nature's magical changes? What's that feel like to you? And if you are not where you want to be in life, where would you like to be? And what part of you is stopping you? Often it's our fearful thoughts. Accept them with love and say "I know you are afraid, but I'm going to take the action anyway." I hope this helps ♥︎ Remember that the answers are not always clear at first. Often we have the feeling in our heart but thoughts about not knowing how to go about it can stop us. One small step forward matters. And keep repeating that every day. The journey is more important anyway. Trust that the answers will come along the way. That has been my experience this year as I've embarked on my journey back to self. Lots of uncertainty, tears, worry. But in the end, it all worked out. It always does.
Here come some pictures of beautiful Ramsvik. Did you know that Vik is where the Vikings got their name from. It's because they lived on these Viks. I believe they are called inlets in English.
Good morning Sweet Hearts! It's 10:30am. I woke up around 9am to let Leiana in. She was crying in the middle of the night because it started to rain at 3am. I got up at that time to open the door. I called for her but she didn't come. Then for the rest of the night I was in a half sleep half awake state hearing constant cat crying in my head. I'm sure it was her for real, but I just couldn't get out of bed. I was so tired. Now she is safe and sound, snuggled up on the sofa with a warm breakfast in her belly. She looks so cozy it makes me want to jump back into bed. I didn't get the best night's sleep last night. I did go to bed at 1am, which always makes me feel like a zombie when I wake up. I try and go to bed at 10pm.
Here comes the spooky story. This has happened to me before in old houses. We talked about spirits and paranormal activity at the meditation retreat I went on at the beginning of this month because we women seemed to have our unique gifts. I understand now that some people are more sensitive to seeing spirits than others. I believe they are still living in their time. And if you believe in quantum reality, which science is starting to prove, time doesn't exist in the linear way our brain knows it to be. So people really do exist in their time and in our time "at the same time", if that makes sense. If you are interested in learning more I encourage you to read about quantum physics and even quantum leaping. It's a fascinating subject.
With all of that said, last night I woke up to the sound of footsteps in my bedroom. Immediately, I was scared but then I felt the energy in the room and sensed it was nothing to be afraid of. I just said out loud, "hello friendly Spirit, please let me sleep." I then visualised a protective white light around me and fell back asleep.
Another spooky experience happened a few weeks ago where the old clock that was left behind in the house (which no longer works), starting chiming at midnight. I feel goosebumps on my skin just writing this.
Do you believe in ghosts? Have you had any spooky paranormal experiences? Let me know in the comments ❤️👻
Here it is! As promised, a new YouTube video where I share glimpses into my experience at a grounding meditation retreat on the beautiful island of Mallorca. I also share some moments with my Dad in my 200 year old barn (filmed during the Summer this year). It's in "Swe-english". I'm sorry for the non Swedish speakers out there. I will try and add captions. There is a bit of English in there so I hope you get the idea. My Dad and I have always speak a mixture of Swedish and English. It's quite funny and I have no idea where that comes from haha
Here come some moments from October and of course some summer barn footage. I hope you like it ♥︎
Sending you a big warm hug. See you soon ♥︎
Good morning my friend!
How have you been? I hope you had a beautiful week. It's Saturday morning here on the coast. I'm in my beautiful homestead by the fire. I've had my morning coffee and Leiana, my cat, is sleeping next to me on the couch. She has been out all night hunting and exploring. The two nights before she slept at the foot of my bed. This was so cozy and I think I will make this a routine because I slept so well with her next to me. She seemed calmer too. After plenty of sleep she was ready for a night of exploring. It's been raining the past days, and last night was a full night with no rain. So Leiana was eager to get outside.
I sit here with my slippers on and my feet up. It's 9:44am and the morning is flying by. I spent my morning editing a video that I will post later today on my YouTube channel. In the video, I talk about my experience at the meditation retreat I went to at the start of October. It's been such a life changing experience for me. I have a deeper level of acceptance and awareness. I only covered the surface of it in this video and would love to talk more in depth about the experience. I worry that the videos get too long and that I talk too much. But maybe you like that?
The one thing that I forgot to mention in the video was this profound moment of emotional release. The woman who was leading the retreat, Katja, heals with energy. It was during the cocoa ceremony where I had this burst of release from my solar plexus. It is believed that this part of the body governs the fire inside of you. I see it as the sun within. The light within.
There, I had stored a lot of junk that I no longer needed. The solar plexus is tied to your identity. I felt this energy burst out of my stomach. This energy that was no longer helping me grow into my best self. I'm getting goosebumps writing this. It was an incredible experience. I'm forever changed because of it.
Katja said it wasn't so much a blockage but more that my chakra was out of balance. Almost like it needed to be reset back to Annika. This makes sense since so much of my life has been dedicating toward pleasing others. No more of that. I can't wait to see what life will bring me now. Free of pleasing others, committed to my own happiness with the knowing that it's in the highest good of the world. This is your sign to follow your joy. And a gentle reminder that it is not selfish, even though it might feel that way sometimes. What is one thing today you can do for yourself, despite feelings of guilt? Let me hear from you in the comments ♥︎
Time for my second cup of coffee and then I will post this video to YouTube. After that I will spend the rest of my day cleaning and setting up my art studio. Unless the Sun comes out, then I'm outside again with my camera. Speak soon lovely!
