A lot has been happening in the world of politics these days. And it is always us – ordinary people, citizens, commoners, whatever name you give it – who end up carrying the burden of it all.
Although the name of my blog is Between Everywhere and Nowhere, my country currently feels stuck in the Middle of a Politically Charged Everywhere. So, I didn’t want to scroll past current affairs this week.
You’ve probably heard the saying: ‘Hard times create stronger people.‘
I’d rather see this time as an opportunity for us to become truer humans. Not just stronger, not just survivors, but simply and fully human.
But what is a human being, anyway? The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines us as ‘culture-bearing primates.’ I like that definition. I’d also add: a culture-bearing primate with free will.
These days, we’re constantly bombarded with negativity. And no, I’m not saying it’s exaggerated.
Especially for us young adults, this ‘new world’ feels like a place where we work endlessly just to make it through another month. The future looks blurry. Sometimes, just having one meal a day feels like a blessing. And this harsh reality is what those in power expect us to normalize.
Yet, through our virtual screens, we continue to witness each other’s lives, no matter where we’re from.
One way or another, we’re all human, and we’re all in the same boat, even if the journey is different for each of us.
But it’s easy to forget that. When you have no face, voice or name – when you’re just an anonymous user – it becomes easier for others to hate and judge you.
Still, I don’t recommend hatred. It’s a very heavy, invasive feeling. It sits in your chest and grows like a weed. And it poisons the way we think. It disconnects us.
These times offer us rare opportunities to prove our humanity, not through grand acts of philanthropy, but simply by staying close to our nature.
This doesn’t mean acting on our instincts blindly. It means remembering that we’re primates with free will and that we can choose: not to join the noise, not to dehumanize others, and not to give up.
While we shouldn’t forget our instincts – our need for safety, connection and survival – we must also not switch off the part that makes us truly human: the ability to pause, to reflect, and to act with intention.
As Schopenhauer quotes from Voltaire in The Wisdom of Life:
‘We have only two days to live; it is not worth our while to spend them in cringing to contemptible rascals.’
They say hard times create strong people. I believe hard times also reveal real people, those who choose dignity over indifference.
Pause before judging. Evaluate before embracing. Question before believing. Be determined not to become a prey to manipulative propaganda. Nurture logical tolerance and water the roots of your human side.
We don’t need to save the world to stay human. But we can refuse to let it take our humanity away.
And that, I truly believe, is what really matters.
What I Learned from Margareta Magnusson’s Döstädning
Warm.
When I first started reading this book, this was the first feeling that overwhelmed me. It was exactly one week after finishing writing my affordable allergy guide when I randomly bumped into this book at a bookstore. It was resting on the lowest shelf, quiet, humble… But somehow it blinked at me. As if it whispered: You might need me.
Döstädning, literally Death Cleaning, or the gentle art of Swedish death cleaning.
You might say: Wait, this is about death, and you started your writing with warm!?
Ja, absolut.
We often associate death with someone we love, with flesh and bone. But death doesn’t only visit people, or animals. A habit can die. A routine can die. A mindset, a place, a phase can come to its end. As the author says:
This visual excerpt from Döstädning by Margareta Magnusson is used solely for personal reflection. The text content has been intentionally blurred. All rights reserved.
That’s how I read this book.
Döstädning is the Swedish practice of cleaning, particularly when you feel your journey on this planet is approaching its expiration date.
But it’s not dark. It’s filled with kindness. The whole idea is about not leaving a material burden to your loved ones, knowing your absence will already be heavy enough.
As someone who knows it’s impossible to experience or know everything, I have always sought out people who could inspire me, give me more will to live or offer life advice, or simply chat about a new knitting trend, for example. This book by Margareta Magnusson has given me that energy. Reading this book was like receiving life advice from a wise person you have trusted for years while enjoying coffee together on a relaxed Sunday morning.
It’s not loud or moralistic. It’s humble, like the shelf it came from.
When My Body Screamed What My Soul Couldn’t Say
As I mentioned before, I was recently diagnosed with an allergy. It may sound dramatic, or odd, but I always look for a meaning in the things that happen to me. In my case, nothing should happen in vain.
If you resist transforming yourself after something significant happens, what would be the point of the suffering?
So yes, while reading this book, I couldn’t stop thinking about my situation.
And then I remembered something my high school philosophy teacher once said:
‘At first, our soul gets ill. It tries to find a way. If it can’t, it starts screaming through the body.‘
I think this is exactly what happened to me. And this book gently held my hand during that realization.
I was (maybe still am) a hardcore hoarder. I used to keep even the plastic packaging of a bookmark I bought during my trip to Norway. Why? Because I attached so many meanings to a tiny piece of plastic. But the truth is: it wasn’t about the packaging. It was about the version of me who bought that bookmark. I wasn’t keeping the object; I was freezing the moment.
I hoarded and hoarded. Until my body finally gave me a pathological message: ‘You must stop, now.‘
And I had to accept the challenge.
What started as an obligation turned into a quiet awakening. I saw how easy it could be to let go, when necessary or when your soul is finally ready.
When survival becomes your reason, your mind finds the way. It always does.
More Than a Book Recommendation
All book cover photos were personally taken for non-commercial, review purposes. All rights belong to the publisher and author.
If you’re looking for warm and honest advice about hoarding, material attachments, or even just feeling ‘off’ in your space, but don’t know where to start, I genuinely recommend this book. Not as a manual. As a conversation.
Of course, maybe you’re content with your hoarding habits, or you have the philosophy of ‘après moi, le déluge.‘
Totally fair.
But even with that mindset, would you be open to a different way of seeing things?
Would you let a serene, kind Swedish woman tell you about a few things over coffee? Then you may want to welcome this book into your home, until the time comes to part with it, of course. 📚
Living with Dust-Mite Allergy: How I Manage Dust-Mite Allergy on a Budget
Do you have a dust-mite allergy?Are you constantly sneezing, itching, or feeling tired in your own home? You might be living with a dust-mite allergy—just like I was.So, welcome to the club!
Golden Rule: Don’t fight your immune system; work with it instead.
That mindset shift was the starting point. Then came the real work: reshaping my environment, especially my bedroom, to support healing instead of irritation. Here’s how I did it, step-by-step, without blowing my budget.
P.S. I paid for all the products mentioned here myself, so this isn’t an ad.
🛏️ Step 1. Clean Up Where You Sleep Most
When you find out your own home is making you sick, the first reaction is confusion. “How can the place I rest be the culprit?” I thought the same until I discovered that dust mites love the same things I do: warmth, softness, and still fabrics.
Research by Adnan Custovic highlights indoor allergens as major allergy and asthma triggers, so your bedroom seems to be the main battlefield. Take it easy. Just take a look around and identify the potential allergens. I examined mine as if it were a crime scene: the bed, the curtains, the wool carpet, the books stacked on my desk, and even the plush toy I’d never thrown away. All of these had quietly collected dust.
So, I made a simple rule for all my belongings: Easy to clean. Hard for dust to settle.
This filter guided every decision and became my first act of self-protection.
🛌 Step 2. Upgrade Your Bed Without Buying a New One
Buying a new mattress is usually the first advice you hear. But honestly, I didn’t want to put a big chunk of my budget into just one thing, as this allergy calls for a more holistic approach.So, I worked with what I had. I aired out my mattress for a few days. Then, I sprayed it with anti-mite spray.
And zipped it into a high-quality, tightly-woven anti-mite cover from Velfont.
Instant upgrade—no new mattress needed. That cover was my biggest investment, and I still think it’s money well spent.
For sheets, I chose Ikea’s Luktjasmin duvet cover and Nattjasmin fitted sheet—soft, affordable, and with a thread count of 310. Why does that matter? Because fabrics with thread counts between 200 and 600 block dust-mite allergens effectively.
I also looked for breathable, gentle fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, or Tencel—easy to wash regularly at high temperatures.
Healing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it has to be intentional.
💧 Step 3. Washable Pillows Are the Key
At first, I thought anti-mite pillows were the solution. But real power comes from washing—and washing well.
I switched my existing pillows to Ikea’s Skogsfräken pillows with Ängskorn pillow protectors, all washable at 60°C. That temperature is a secret weapon against dust mites. Washing bedding weekly at this heat has become a little ritual I actually enjoy.
Knowing my pillows are fresh and allergen-free gives me peace at night. It’s simple, but for me, it’s a cornerstone of daily allergy management.
🧹 Step 4. Clean Surfaces Save Your Skin
I loved having a cozy, book-filled desk—it felt like my safe haven. But honestly, it was a nightmare for my allergy. Papers, books, plants, decorative ornaments, even my laptop collected dust fast. I was lucky that my bookcase is outside my bedroom. May God protect you if you have one in your room! 🙈
Minimalism was tough for a natural collector like me. But health comes first. I moved my books into a storage case and kept only my laptop and mouse on the desk.
Every day, I wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth. This little ritual feels calming, like I’m protecting myself without turning my home into a sterile lab. It’s a balance, and it works.
🪟 Step 5. Cut Out Hidden Triggers
Heavy curtains and thick carpets add warmth and style—but for dust-mite allergy sufferers, they can be silent troublemakers. I learned this the hard way, after realizing these cozy fabrics quietly collected dust and allergens.
So, I swapped heavy curtains for lighter, easy-to-clean ones. Cleaning became easier and more effective. I gave up on carpets altogether in my bedroom. But if you can’t part with yours, make a strict rule: vacuum daily with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
I use the Miele Guard L1 Allergy, and it’s a game changer! Finally, I feel like I’m fighting back, not just reacting. 💪🏻
I also spray anti-mite treatment on mattresses and carpets every few months. Small, simple steps that help keep symptoms at bay, especially in tough seasons.
👚 Step 6: Seal Off Allergens in Clothing
Wool and fuzzy clothes feel comforting, especially in colder months. But for me, they were secret carriers of dust mites—and all the itch and irritation that follow.
Vacuum-sealed bags became my best friends for storing these clothes.
Even my nightwear has its own zipped sanctuary. It might sound over the top, but these small habits make a real difference.
Also, you may use a lint roller before and after wearing your clothes.
I want my bed to be a safe, allergen-free zone, not a trap.
🧤 Step 7. Gear Up for Cleaning
Cleaning feels like a battlefield with dust-mite allergy. Every sweep stirs up microscopic enemies ready to irritate skin and lungs.
My mask and gloves became non-negotiable armor. I wear a medical-grade mask that filters invisible irritants and nitrile gloves to protect my hands from allergens and harsh cleaning agents.
At first, it felt awkward—like prepping for surgery. But now, it’s a self-care ritual disguised as a chore. And honestly? That mindset shift makes all the difference.
🧼 Step8. Cleaning Strategy That Works
Cleaning became a carefully choreographed routine. My best allies: a bagged vacuum withHEPA filter and microfiber cloths.
I vacuum the floors, walls, and furniture daily if I can, otherwise weekly with focus. Laundry is key, too—I wash everything at or above 60°C with hypoallergenic detergents like Frosch, Domol, or Omo Sensitive. Adding anti-mite additives helps, too.
Here’s a surprise: dust mites can jump from dirty to clean clothes during washing. So, I separate laundry carefully—a small habit that matters.
🌿Step 9. Care for Your Skin Barrier, and Eyes
With dust-mite allergy, skin feels like the frontline soldier—raw, sensitive, sometimes angry.
Heavy creams suffocated my skin. So, I switched to gentle products focused on calming and protecting the skin barrier.
Avène Tolérance Control and Dermalogica Calm Water Gel became my trusted companions, soothing redness and itch.
For body care, Excipial Lipo 4% Urea Cream and Avène XeraCalm A.D. Cleansing Oil have been lifesavers.
When flare-ups hit, Bepanthol Sensiderm Itch Relief Cream is my go-to emergency balm.
If your eyes are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions and to make-up, you may use Eye Contour Shampooand Eye Drops after consulting your ophthalmologist or pharmacist.
Remember, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about respect for your skin’s limits and treating it gently, especially when vulnerable.
Long Story Short: Small, Intentional Changes Matter
Living with dust-mite allergy isn’t about drastic measures or turning your home into a sterile lab. It’s about mindset and small, thoughtful changes that add up.
Start with your bedroom—the place you rest most. Clear obvious dust traps, but don’t stress about perfection. Choose fabrics and materials that help, not hurt. Protect your skin with gentle care. And give yourself patience as you find what works.
This journey taught me managing allergies is deeply personal. If you truly want to make a change, your brain certainly finds a way to adapt.
I wanted to share this two-part series because I haven’t found a single source that covers all the aspects. But remember, what works for one person might not work for another. Listen to your body and doctor. Trust your instincts and create routines that fit your life, not the other way around.
I hope that sharing my experience will bring you some clarity and comfort. What has worked for managing your allergy? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments! 👩🏻
I’d like to add some articles you may want to read further:
[…] was the first feeling that overwhelmed me. It was exactly one week after finishing writing my affordable allergy guide when I randomly bumped into this book at a bookstore. It was resting on the lowest shelf, quiet, […]
(My year-long allergy story that looked like a skincare problem)
Thought your skin was the problem? I did too—until an allergy test changed everything.
For almost a year, I struggled with redness, itchiness, and uneven skin texture—especially around my mouth, on my neck, and on my arms. Being obsessed with skincare (hello, skincare junkies 👋), I tried dozens of products, routines, and miracle ingredients. Guess what? They worked for a microsecond… then boom—back to square one. Only my bank account truly transformed (and not in a good way).
A bag of failed skincare routine.
When skincare becomes a money pit (and a mini addiction)
At first, I was honestly thrilled about trying new skincare products regularly. I loved researching, buying, testing. But somewhere along the way, I realized this was turning into an addiction. I became fixated on clearing up my skin. I wasn’t just chasing a healthy glow—I was desperate to fix something that felt deeper. And nothing worked. Nothing!
Dermatologist #1: “Your skin is healthy, just sensitive.”
I finally saw a dermatologist. To my surprise, he said my skin was actually quite healthy—but prone to sensitivity and rashes. He told me to stop using actives like vitamin C and salicylic acid and diagnosed me with keratosis pilaris on my arms. His prescription? A gentle cleanser,moisturizer, sunscreen, and 0.025% tretinoin for closed comedones.
My prescribed products.
Spoiler alert: Five months on tretinoin = nothing changed. (Backstory: I was also on Accutane as a teen for 8 months—so I wasn’t new to hardcore routines.)
Dermatologist #2: “You’re doing great!”
Me: Are we seeing the same skin?
After the follow-up, I heard the words “you’re improving!” but… I wasn’t. My skin felt even flakier, itchier, and more irritated. I switched doctors—same result. At this point, I felt lost. My loyal companions—red patches, itchy bumps, and emotional burnout—were still with me.
The day everything changed: red, bumpy arms and legs
One day I woke up to a nightmare: my arms, legs, and stomach were covered in red, itchy bumps. It felt like something was hugging me with needles. I ran to my GP, who looked once and said:
“This is an allergy.” Wait, what? Allergy? I explained the whole saga. She listened carefully, then prescribed me 5 mg of levocetirizine dihydrochloride (an antihistamine).
My prescribed antihistamine.
And I’m not exaggerating when I say:
❗ All the redness, bumps, and itching just… vanished.
It wasn’t my skin. It was my immune system.
That moment changed everything. I immediately made an appointment with an allergist/immunologist. After ruling out other causes, my blood tests revealed I was allergic to:
Dust mites
Insects
Household dust
A screenshot from my blood tests.
Mystery solved.
Living with dust mite allergy: a new chapter begins
Now I’m learning to live in harmony with my immune system, not against it. I’ve changed how I clean my home, adjusted my skincare routine to be allergy-friendly, and most importantly—I stopped blaming my skin for a job that belonged to my immune system all along.
Final thoughts: Please don’t ignore your body
If you’ve read this far, thank you—you’re a real one 💛 I wanted to share this because sometimes, what seems like a skin condition, dental or ophthalmologic problem might be something deeper. It might be your immune system trying to talk to you. This journey cost me a year, hundreds of euros, and a lot of mental exhaustion. Don’t wait that long.
If you feel like something’s off, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s through a dermatologist, GP, or allergy test, please advocate for your own health.
And if accessing professional care isn’t financially possible right now, speak to a trusted pharmacist or look for online consultations — many professionals offer accessible services. But whatever you do, don’t ignore it.
Also, to the healthcare professionals trying their best out there: thank you, endlessly.
💬 Your turn: If you’ve had a similar story, or any tips to share, I’d love to hear from you! Got questions? Let me know—maybe my trial-and-error-filled journey can save you a little time (and money). 🤓
Have you ever noticed that your favourite book, your favourite movie, or even the manual for your new air fryer speaks your own language so seamlessly—thanks to someone you’ve likely never thought about?
Meet the translator: an artist disguised as a professional. We exist in your world yet remain unseen—everywhere and nowhere.
Behind closed doors, we race against deadlines, fuelled by coffee and the unspoken power of words. And yes, here I am!
One way or another, translation has been around for millennia. Not that I intend to bore you with a history lecture here. But from ancient diplomacy to modern Netflix subtitles, it has evolved alongside civilisation. And yet, we remain largely invisible—rarely celebrated, often undervalued. Even today, our existence is being questioned, not by irrelevance, but by the rise of machines that aim to replicate our mental gymnastics.
But don’t be fooled by the digital gloss. No digital platform cried over a novel in the end. And let’s not forget—previous generations weren’t praised either.
The system may love the product, but it rarely acknowledges the creator. We’re expected to deliver emotionless perfection, as if we were mere language-processing robots.
Whether literary or technical, we are loyal to the lexical soul entrusted to us. We dance between the lines, from one idea to another, carrying across not just words but intent, culture, and meaning. It’s a craft, not a copy.
So, maybe it’s time we stopped hiding behind our keyboards. We, the translators, need to show up, speak up, and reclaim the value of our invisible labour.
What do you think?
Are we unseen simply because our work hides behind the surface of meaning? Or have we become too accustomed to saying “mission accomplished” and then moving on in silence? Does the harmony we create in words come at the cost of losing our voice? Or are our works simply our voice?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—loud or quiet. Your struggles, your joys, your moments of invisibility or pride. We’ve long translated the voices of others – maybe it’s time to translate our own silence into sound.
As the sun starts to shine brighter and feel warmer, the winds hug us more gently, and clouds just pass by, I thought to myself: I should take notes from the rules of nature and share that shift ignited inside my mind.
Yes, this is a warm greeting to my real friends behind these cyber walls! I welcome you to my blog, as -hopefully- you welcome me to the world of blogging!
This is a new blog, a new platform where we are allowed to exist through our ideas. I assume it would be nice to share what lies beyond our flesh prisons.
It is also a new season – a perfect time to start to shake off and start something fresh.
I would like to take both you and me on a journey through my way of perceiving, the quiet thoughts of a translator, glimpses from my life -if you dare to witness yet another one among billions of online lives of course, hehe-, and anything and everything that can be blogged!
Don’t worry, it will only take the time of a cup of coffee.
If this welcome has sparked even a bit of curiosity, let’s take this journey together.
Many more scrolls, many more thoughts, many more seasons to greet together.
Between Everywhere and Nowhere 
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