7 life lessons learned from 7 months living in Iceland

Iceland: A country where volcanoes and glaciers coexist. Where magical essence fills the air and the power of glorious mountains and mighty cascading waterfalls hold stories of the hidden people. You know the saying, “Leave a piece of you wherever you go”? Well Iceland has my heart.

I. I learned to quiet my mind

Within days upon arriving, I signed up for group workout classes at the local gym, and dance fitness lessons with a couple of Icelandic performers. A few weeks later, Icelandic night classes at the cutest language school in the heart of Reykjavik worked its way into my already packed schedule. And if you don’t think that’s a lot, I then got a membership to World Class (the gym). This was my itinerary on top of the itinerary my husband and in-laws had planned.

I’m a virgo-born perfectionist and with everything I was involved in, came anxiety. DUH. But this motivated me to meditate a lot more. Something I found great pleasure in doing amongst Iceland’s beautiful landscape. I went for walks in nature and often used my alone time to roller-skate to Nauthólsvík (a geothermal beach located in Reykjavik).

Finding articles and videos on relaxing my inner voices and thoughts, also helped me to enjoy the life changing experiences Iceland was about to throw in my direction.

II. The Westfjords taught me that voluntarily surrendering yourself is an art

Picture this… a little town along the west coast of Iceland. Surrounded by the sea and mountains so powerful, you could literally feel the energy of the nature empowering your being. I had the privilege of road tripping to this gem of a town, Flateyri, with my husband and our friends. Something in me clicked that night and for the first time in a long time, I really let go.

“and in releasing, something mightier penetrated my being.”

Being able to release the need to be in control, organized, and perfect is a challenge to me. Jamaicans in a predominantly white neighborhood raised me. The strive for success and perfectionism has always been a part of who I am and only enhanced as I grew up. While living in a foreign country, it’s easy to have boundaries, walls, and shutters put up. Fight/flight mode can kick in when traveling to new places and plans derail. Discovering the power to voluntarily surrender myself to my environment and situations has been a blessing. This has given me a different perspective on myself. It has also increased my feminine energy profoundly.

III. Friendships can be life-changing

I have met some of the most genuine, strong, loving women I know, in Iceland. It was comforting and uplifting being able to talk to women of a different culture and upbringing than the one I’m familiar with. I was able to sit down and eat with Icelandic women who are greatly involved in their city and country. Having conversations about politics, womanhood, feminism, spirituality, and the world that engulfs our daily lives.

IV. Unplugging is good for the mental

The Internet is a great place to go to for inspiration, documenting your life, and researching. I live on Pinterest, so trust me, I know the glory social media offers. But it’s so easy to get caught up in all that technology and screen time, you miss out on reality. My parents’ in-law took my husband and I camping near Husavik. I wish I could place into words how beautiful it was to live this experience. Being one with nature and not having any signal (thanks Sprint), really forced me to unplug in a different way. My mind became more open and accepting. I was able to live in the present moment and take it all in.

 V. Enjoy the present moment

My brain is always on go go go mode. And when it isn’t , then it’s unconsciously holding on to the past. While traveling, a lot of leisure time can set in. For a busy body like myself, it can feel unsettling. I had to shift my focus. Focus on what was happening right now. My favorite memories happened in Iceland because I allowed myself to enjoy the present moment. There’s a strong sense of bliss in when you truly live in your current situation.

VI. Comparison is the thief of joy

I had a conversation with a lovely lady one night while out for dinner in the city. I realized that although she felt very happy and had so much to talk about, whenever she mentioned herself, she spoke a bit down on herself and compared herself constantly to others. We really do that though. We tend to unconsciously compare ourselves to others and to false images of reality.

I learned that I cannot allow myself to compare my progress in life to someone else’s. And someone’s age is honestly insignificant– getting your dream job, owning a home, getting married, having children… Those are boss moves at any age!

VII. There is no harm or shame in playing. Even as an adult

I am very playful. I enjoy being out, going on adventures, having fun, laughing and dancing. I gained a close friend from Serbia in my Icelandic night classes. We planned on working out together at the gym one day. We met up and began our workout, but after some time, we found ourselves playing.

Tension truly releases, and creativity increases. I think sometimes we get burnt out when we avert being human. I had a sense of lightness as energy rampaged throughout my body. It was good for me and as a woman; I have every right to feel good and enjoy myself.

xo,

Shanae