My Journey Towards Inner Peace and Purpose
A New Beginning
Eight years ago, I made a decision I will never regret. When the opportunity came to retire, I chose to step away from my business, sell my home, let go of most of my belongings and say goodbye to family and friends.
I left behind what looked like a comfortable life in Stockholm, Sweden, to begin a completely new and unpredictable chapter on the other side of the world - in Bali, a tropical island where life unfolds at a very different rhythm. Some people called it courageous and inspiring, while others found it unusual, risky and difficult to understand.
For me, it was simply about choosing freedom and creating a life that truly reflected who I am and what I value.
The Trap of False Satisfaction
I am a woman now in my late sixties who spent most of her life devoted to work, striving to be successful and significant. Born into an entrepreneurial family - with my father and three siblings all running their own businesses - it felt natural for me to do the same.
For over 20 years, I ran a marketing and advertising agency in healthcare communication, a career filled with challenges, exciting assignments and notable achievements. Yet my real motivation was never just profitable entrepreneurship. What drove me was the longing for independence, freedom and to break away from a middle-management role in a pharmaceutical company.
Looking back, I realize that while my career gave me much, I seldom felt truly fulfilled. Instead, I had fallen into what I now call a state of “false satisfaction.”
Signs of Change
Life gave me two powerful wake-up calls that reshaped my path.
The first came in 2000, when a sudden burnout struck - completely unexpected, as I had always seen myself as strong and untouchable. It was a hard blow, yet it also became a turning point. Forced to slow down, I learned to prioritize my health, reflect on what truly matters, and explore my inner world. This was the beginning of my personal growth journey and the first steps of a spiritual awakening.
The second came five years later, when I had to file my company for bankruptcy after several financially challenging years. While the closure brought relief, it also came with deep personal losses, both financial and relational. Yet, within this ending, a new desire was born - to connect more deeply with people and support others in meaningful ways.
I trained as a life coach and in energy work, discovering new dimensions of purpose. But I soon realized that leaping directly from a commercial career into this was too abrupt. Instead, I chose to rebuild, continuing for another ten years with the business I knew best - but now with a clearer sense of who I was becoming and where I was heading.
Courage Through Inspiration
As the years passed, I felt increasingly unsatisfied and unfulfilled - until a friend encouraged me to attend a camp in Thailand called the “Life Design Retreat.” It was hosted by Camilla Lebert Hirvi, a Swedish woman who, with her family, had courageously left their jobs and belongings behind to build a new life in Thailand.
The retreat was transformative. It showed me that change was truly possible - even for me and that I could design a more fulfilling life in a warmer, more vibrant climate.
It wasn’t an overnight decision. Over the next three years, I balanced partial remote work, attended two more retreats in Thailand, fell in love with Bali, returned several times, and even experienced a life-changing astrology reading. Gradually, I prepared, planned and organized the dismantling of my business and work life.
Finally, I was ready to begin a completely new chapter - a happily retired life in Bali, filled with infinite possibilities.
Finding My Inner Balance
My first years in Bali were wonderful, though I arrived completely exhausted from leaving behind years of struggle. I focused on rest, recovery and savoring my freedom, spending time alone to adjust to this vibrant new world - its stunning nature, rich culture and warm-hearted people - while nurturing my body, mind and soul.
Most mornings, I woke up happy, sometimes pinching myself to believe I was truly a free spirit with no obligations. This time also became a profound inner journey, full of reflection, insights and personal and spiritual growth.
Today, I feel more grounded and balanced than ever, living in harmony with the Eastern philosophy Yin and Yang - embracing both the feminine quality of “being” and the masculine quality of “doing.”
Discovering My Purpose
Almost immediately after settling in Bali, I discovered a hidden artistic side - creating flower mandalas and floral decorations for ceremonies and events. This journey is explored in more detail in Mandala Art.
The Beauty Way became my path, one I feel called to share, including the beauty and healing that Mama Bali offers through her soothing nature and awe-inspiring wonders, featured in Bali Magic.
My love for animals, along with practical considerations, led me to three years of pet sitting, exchanging care of furry companions for accommodation. These wonderful creatures inspired my book, Pet Sit Love, which celebrates their unique characters and stories, honoring all Bali street dogs and cats.
My life purpose now also includes inspiring others toward fulfilling change. Through my Blog, I share insights from my journey, wisdom gained and glimpses of my Bali life - with all its blessings, challenges and beauty.
Love and Gratitude
Finally I want to express my deep gratitude to Life itself, to the infinite higher power I choose to call Source,
to those who have inspired me, to those who have supported me and to those who have challenged me.
You have all helped me to grow as a sovereign human being, to become more aligned with my heart, my guidance and my purpose.
Namaste.
