Sol

Sol is the Swedish word for sun and I know it`s not really related but somehow it always reminds me of the English word soul. I love the sun – during winter and summer – and this connection makes it even more special and beautiful for me. Enjoying Sweden’s weather with sun and blue sky almost every day, makes me realize how much impact this natural light has on us. It gives energy, motivation and a good mood, and with that heals our soul!

I have to be honest. This is my first post on Youth Reporter that I write without any deeper intention, I just have a lot of time and want to use it to sort my thoughts. And that I can do best by writing them down.

For the last two weeks I had a cast and I have to say it`s a quite challenging experience not being able to move properly, do sports, other kinds of activities, or at least be as productive as I used to be. I`m just so glad I have such a supportive and varied workplace, in which I can be helpful and find many tasks to take over. Besides doing my courses I focus more on planning, organizing and computer work what is a lot of fun as well and a nice experience. At Rapatac I`m distracted from my injury and there is always something useful to do what makes me appreciate work even more than before. Since there are many special events happening right now, there is no time to be bored. Starting with welcoming an Olympic gold medalist home in Sandviken, to participating in a democracy discussion, planning a memorial evening, or preparing different Easter challenges. There is always lots going on!

But when I`m not at work, it`s more difficult. I found a few things to do, like writing even more for this platform, organizing pictures, or catching up with friends and family in Germany. But still, at some point I just want to move or explore or do something else – and it`s only been less than two weeks! Well, I think this is now my personal challenge and it`s good to practice being more patient.

Next to the things mentioned above I used a lot of my time during the weekends for planning the next months. Also my roommates and I spent a lot of time together at home or outside and more than ever we talk about our future. What comes after this year? I feel like with the beginning of April there was kind of a switch. Now, there are only a few months left and not only in our free time, but also at work we are starting to plan for next year. It`s crazy and scary but also fun.

We went through so many different chapters during the last 7 months, and new ones still lay in front of us, and here we are, somewhere in between. It`s a strange feeling and having even more time to think about how to use the remaining time wisely doesn`t make it easier.

I feel like I just want to enjoy the moment and don`t want to think about afterwards, but then at the same time I love to spend time looking into different plans for the time after Sweden. It`s changing all the time and I have so many ideas on my mind. It`s crazy – just as the weather here right now. April means it can be sunny and spring in the morning and then a snow storm just a few hours later. But it really fits my thoughts right now: pretty random.

But I already feel my leg getting better and I`m ready for this new journey of recovery. At the same time I soon can start with some activities and exploring again, so life keeps being thrilling! Until then I will enjoy my forced rest and continue writing lots of posts, because that is my way of reflecting and feeling productive.

I don`t know if anyone even reads this but it helps me to sort my thoughts and maybe some of you to know they are not alone. It`s okay to be lost or uncertain or have mixed feelings, especially when it comes to planning the future and ending a chapter in life you really enjoy. There will always be something else waiting for you out there!

Now, I will go for a little walk and enjoy the sun, or the snow. We will see what Sweden holds for us.