Why I Live a Simple Life: My Story

The whole story of why I live a simple life, why I moved to North of Finland, and what I was doing before. It’s quite scary to share something really personal to internet, but I feel this story might give you something. Maybe a spark of inspiration or courage to begin your own story.

Hello, my name is Sanna Vera. I live in the far north of Finland, in an old farmhouse located in a small countryside village with just 25 people. Here, I create photographs, videos, and music, all inspired by the wild Nordic nature that surrounds me. In this video, I want to share my personal story about how I chose to live this simple life in the north of Finland. It’s a bit nerve-wracking to share, but I truly hope that some of you will resonate with my journey, perhaps even recognize yourselves in it. I hope my story brings you peace, inspiration, or courage to live a life that feels authentic to you rather than one you feel obligated to follow.

I once lived in a city in southern Finland, pursuing what I thought was my dream career at university. I excelled in my studies, but city life never quite fit me. The hustle and bustle of the environment, along with the pressures of work, left me feeling overwhelmed in situations that seemed normal to everyone else. Soon, I began to feel unwell—my chest ached, and my heart felt heavy. Doctors diagnosed me with depression and anxiety and prescribed medication. However, I found relief only in nature. On weekends, I would escape to the outdoors, where my pain would momentarily disappear, but the stress of city life always returned during the week.

During this period, I traveled extensively, spending all my earnings on trips to faraway places. Traveling became my escape—from work, from the city, and perhaps even from myself. I believed I was searching for new experiences, cultures, and people, hoping to find something fulfilling the further I went. But in reality, I was running away from the life that wasn’t meant for me. Despite my efforts, no amount of travel could make me happy. I was forcing myself into a mold that didn’t fit—pursuing a life in the city, with a good job and travel as a hobby—when deep down, it wasn’t what I truly wanted. It made me physically sick.

After struggling for years, I made a spontaneous decision to leave my job, family, and friends behind. I moved alone to a small cabin in the far north of Finland, in Lapland—a place I had never been before. It all happened so quickly, I barely realized what I was doing until I found myself alone in the North. Life there was drastically different from the easy, comfortable city apartment life I had known. There were no conveniences like central heating or nearby supermarkets. Everyday tasks became much harder, and I had no one to rely on. Yet, through the challenges, I learned how to manage on my own.

The harsh conditions of the North, with its long, dark winters, initially seemed daunting, but to my surprise, I fell in love with the difficulty. I found solace in the physical work—plowing snow, maintaining the cabin, and spending hours outdoors in nature, which now surrounded me completely. With the challenges came an unexpected reward: I discovered a new side of myself. I had always been told I was shy, sensitive, and overly emotional, but I realized that I was simply a highly sensitive person. Life in the city had overwhelmed me because I felt everything so deeply, and it had eventually made me sick.

In the vast, quiet nature of the North, I found my creativity again, something I hadn’t felt since childhood. Without anyone around to judge or disapprove, I felt free to express myself. I began writing about nature and my life in it, photographing the beauty around me, and eventually showcasing my work in exhibitions and selling prints through my online shop. I also started filming videos—finally finding my voice in a quiet world where I could be heard, allowing my creativity to flourish.

I found out that I wasn’t shy or timid. In the North, I made friends who shared the same values, and we formed a close-knit community we call the “Lapland Family.” Together, we overcame the same challenges and found strength in the natural environment around us. I also met my soulmate here—my best friend and the love of my life. With him, I felt truly understood, emotions and all. We bought a dream house together and are set to be married next summer. Together, we share a commitment to a simpler life, where we can live authentically.

For so long, I had felt rootless, trying to fit in and searching for a place to belong. But I realized that roots can grow wherever you nurture them. I had to leave behind the life I thought I was supposed to live and, instead, build a life that felt right for me. Here in the North, I’ve found peace, nature, and creativity.

Of course, life isn’t perfect. I still have to work, do laundry, and deal with overwhelming situations, but now I have the space and quiet around me to balance it all. I’ve learned that I need this space for my mental and physical well-being. I may have less money, but I also have fewer things to spend it on, and in exchange, I gain time—time to feel, reflect, and heal.

This is my story of how I chose to live this simple life in the North. It may not be your story, but I hope it inspires you to listen to your inner voice and take steps toward a life that truly reflects who you are.