How did I end up in the countryside?

I am Taija, and I am a speech therapist by profession. I moved away from Kankaanpää when I was 18 years old to study, and at that time I stated very firmly that I never wanted to live in a small town again, especially not in the country. Gradually, my mind changed, and when we were offered the opportunity to move back to Kankaanpää on the eve of graduation, we took the opportunity. It was only after moving here that I realized that this is exactly the kind of place I needed to live. Life in the country, despite its own demands, is easier for me.

The most wonderful thing about the countryside:

• Silence and lack of irritation – you can listen to silence outside without noise or light pollution. Your mind and body will calm down.
• Nature – you can spot birds, follow animal tracks and pick mushrooms in your own yard.
• Doing things yourself and learning new things – when no one does it for you, you have to take action and learn anything.

The most terrible in the countryside:

• The necessity of a car – when your car breaks down, you're in trouble pretty quickly.
• Distance from services – everyday life requires more planning when travel takes time and services are far away.
• Do it yourself – When a surprise snowfall hits, the only thing you can do is grab a snowplow. No one will do it for you.

Tips for rural life:

You shouldn't be too afraid of the challenges of the countryside! You can learn and get used to many things if you approach them with an open mind. Before moving, I hadn't even touched a lawnmower, let alone tried heating with wood. It's nice in the country!

I spend a lot of time outdoors with my dog. Kankaanpää has absolutely fantastic outdoor terrain, I recommend checking it out! My and my dog's favorite places are the terrains of Kuninkaanlähte and Viidentienristeys. There is enough space so that you can walk very peacefully if you want, which is especially nice with a dog. Of course, you can also enjoy going outdoors in those terrains without a dog.

The resident story is part Ihana kamala maaseutu -project concept produced by the Leader Northern Satakunta municipalities' cooperation project Network of Attraction.