14000 Days In: Finding Balance, Meaning, and Inner Peace


The 21st of January 2026 marks the end of the 14th chapter of my life, which also means that another 1,000 days have passed 😂. This chapter was not only about time moving forward, but also about personal reflection, adjustment, and maturity. During this period, I searched for meaning in life, questioned my values, and learned more about the importance of human connections. It was a phase that helped me better understand who I am and how I relate to others and the world around me.

Learning from Past Challenges

The 13th chapter of my life left a lasting impact on me and strongly shaped the one that followed. The pandemic changed daily life, work routines, and social relationships in ways I had never experienced before. During this time, I also chose to let go of unhealthy habits and distanced myself from certain people. The sudden death of my father was the most difficult experience, forcing me to confront loss, grief, and uncertainty. These events made the 14th chapter a period of reflection, healing, and emotional rebuilding. ♥️

Finding Balance in Work and Identity

Throughout this chapter, I tried to find a balance between being an independent individual and being part of different groups, such as family, friendships, romantic relationships, and the workplace. I changed jobs, and even the workplaces where I had long-term experience changed significantly after 2023. From 2024, I made a conscious effort to reduce night shifts to improve my health and work-life balance. Completing my master’s degree and receiving my special license as a nurse practitioner were major achievements that strengthened both my confidence and professional identity😀🎉.

Taking Care of Body and Mind

I actively worked on improving my lifestyle and overall well-being. I read more books to better understand my experiences and gain perspective on the world. I focused on balancing exercise, nutrition, and sleep, while also accepting that my body is slowly changing and aging. Regular health check-ups became part of my routine. At the same time, I invested in personal growth by learning new languages such as French and Spanish. I went to theater, concerts and museems either alone, with my partner or with friends. Also, I started dating, entered a relationship, and became more comfortable with understanding my needs, values, and sense of self.

Facing Anxiety and Responsibilities

One important realization was that I am not immune to anxiety. I once believed I could handle any change without difficulty, but this chapter taught me otherwise. When my niece permanently moved to Norway in 2023 and my immediate family followed as tourists in 2025, my responsibilities increased significantly. My sister got married in 2025 - that was not emotionally stressful though, but the planning, expectations, and emotional pressure often led to overthinking. Family conflicts added further stress, and I eventually chose to protect my inner peace by limiting contact with some important people. To cope, I learned to use the emotional, professional, and social resources available to me.

Living in a Changing World and Exploring It

This chapter took place during a period of global instability, marked by wars, political tension, climate change, and economic uncertainty. These global events also influenced life in Norway, including local and national elections that affected my work and political awareness. Despite global challenges, I continued to explore the world. I traveled to 14 new countries (Iceland 🇮🇸, Kosovo🇽🇰, North Macedonia🇲🇰, Morocco🇲🇦, Serbia🇷🇸, Albania🇦🇱, Egypt🇪🇬, including the 3 cruises with stopovers in Turkey🇹🇷, Cyprus🇨🇾, the United States of America🇺🇲, Canada🇨🇦, United Arab Emirates🇦🇪, Qatar🇶🇦 and Bahrain🇧🇭) and revisited 13 others (Sweden🇸🇪, Belgium🇧🇪, The Netherlands🇱🇺, United Kingdom🇬🇧, Italy🇮🇹, Vatican City🇻🇦, Greece🇬🇷, Germany🇩🇪, Switzerland🇨🇭, Austria🇦🇹, Spain🇪🇸, Portugal 🇵🇹and France🇫🇷, watching the Summer Olympics in Paris for the first time) experiencing different cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. I also enjoyed meaningful journeys within Norway, including trips with my family, which strengthened our shared memories.

The 14th chapter of my life was a time of learning, growth, and self-acceptance. I discovered that strength includes vulnerability and that personal peace sometimes requires difficult choices. This chapter helped me become more aware of my limits, values, and priorities. As I move into the next phase of my life, I carry these lessons with clarity, resilience, and a deeper understanding of who I am and what truly matters.

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