There’s something surreal about waking up one morning and realizing: This is my life now.
The transition from visitor to resident is a quiet shift, one that happens in the details. At first, everything feels temporary, like I’m just on an extended adventure. But then, little by little, Sweden starts feeling like home.
Maybe it’s the way I no longer need to check Google Maps every time I drive into town.
Or the way I instinctively grab a knäckebröd (Swedish crispbread) instead of regular bread.
Or how my brain no longer translates Swedish signs into German—I just understand them now.
It’s a slow process, but it’s happening.
The Emotional Landscape of Starting Over
Moving abroad isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s an emotional rollercoaster. There are days when everything feels like an exciting adventure, and then there are days when the weight of everything being new feels exhausting.
Some days, I miss the ease of knowing exactly how things work.
Other days, I love the challenge of figuring things out from scratch.
Some days, I feel deeply connected to my new home.
Other days, I feel like an outsider, unsure if I’ll ever fully belong.
And that’s okay.
I remind myself that belonging isn’t instant—it’s built through experiences, connections, and time.
Cultural Differences That Surprise Me
Every country has its quirks, and Sweden is no exception. Some things I expected, but others caught me off guard.
🇸🇪 People are incredibly polite but also very private. Small talk isn’t common, and conversations are purposeful. Once you form a connection, though, it’s deep and meaningful.
☕ Fika is sacred. It’s not just about coffee and cake—it’s about slowing down, taking a break, and being present. No one rushes through fika.
🌙 Winters are dark—but also magical. I worried about the long nights, but the way Swedes embrace coziness (mysig) with candles, warm drinks, and soft lighting makes the darkness feel less overwhelming.
🚗 Speeding isn’t a thing. In Germany, it’s normal to drive slightly over the speed limit. Here? Not a chance. Everyone follows the speed limits exactly, and cameras are everywhere.
🐻 Nature is respected in a way I’ve never seen before. There’s a quiet understanding that humans and nature coexist. The Allemansrätten (the right to roam) means you can hike, camp, and explore almost anywhere—but always with responsibility and care.
What’s Next?
Right now, I’m in a season of settling. The big move is behind me, and the deep work of integration has begun.
🌲 Learning more Swedish, not just for practical reasons, but to truly connect with people.
🏡 Creating a true sense of home, beyond just a place to live.
✨ Finding my community—both online and in real life.
I don’t have everything figured out yet, and maybe I never will. But for the first time in a long time, I’m okay with that.
Because the beauty of this journey isn’t in knowing—it’s in discovering.
More soon. 💙✨ #LifeInSweden #Resilience #NewBeginnings #ExpatLife
!BBH