I come from a family deeply immersed in the world of sports-traditions. My mother played a key role in bringing field hockey to Sweden, having competed from a little girl living in East Africa, and later at a higher level while studying in India. Growing up, sports were just part of everyday life; I travelled with her as a little girl, and joined her men’s and women’s teams across Europe, where they would call me their mascot. As a smaller child, I always thought “mascot” meant substitute, so I would eagerly wait for someone to tell me it was my turn to play. I should have been worried about being called onto the field to play – since i never practised, but I was disappointed at the end of each game. My father, who was an amazing chef, loved cricket and table tennis, while my older brother was passionate about fotball (soccer). Basically everyone in our household participated in sports a few times a week. My parents went on to play mostley tennis, and then later even golf. No matter what happened or how long hours my parents had to work or if they where tired, rain or shine, they would never skip their training sessions. For them it was one of the best ways to socialize and feel good through the week. If they where down with a cold or sick, yes, but other than that. Never. I was always very active but apart from often being with my family members at their practises I wasn’t interested in playing any sports; for me dancing, singing, storytelling, and writing was on my mind. Up Until my early twenties, when I feel in love with martial arts and from there everything moved very fast, as things do with me when I decide I’m all in. And the rest as they say is history.
Our home was always lively, often filled with the aroma of my father’s cooking, the sounds of laughter, and intense discussions during dinner parties, hosted by my parents. Dinner at our house was never just a meal – it was a friendly battlefield. My father loved challenging guests to see who could handle the spiciest food or win at chess or table tennis. My mother would sigh, wondering why he couldn’t skip the competition for one evening.
It wasn’t until I began studying to become a Health and Lifestyle Coach (in 2016) that I discovered the concept of Blue Zones. As I delved deeper into what they entail—longevity, community, purpose—I realized that much of my upbringing mirrored these principles. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the benefits of staying active, maintaining strong social connections, and embracing life with energy and joy. My parents never used age as an excuse, which is a mindset I deeply appreciate today.
I believe wholeheartedly in the power of the mind and its synergy with intuition (gut feeling) and the heart. These lessons have shaped who I am and how I approach wellness and life itself.
