Between Everywhere and Nowhere

Between Everywhere and Nowhere

  • How I Realized I Was a Workaholic

    How I Realized I Was a Workaholic

    One delay. One pause. One cup of coffee. That’s how it began.

    I started actively working shortly after graduation. I loved being productive in my field, seeing the results, and earning money for what I truly enjoyed doing. When the Covid pandemic broke out, I somehow turned that crisis into an advantage, as I was working in the field of medicine and medical devices. Before long, I realized I was becoming “successful.” The more projects I submitted, the more “known” I became. Soon, job offers started arriving—project-based, part-time, everything.

    Gradually, I became a person whose brain couldn’t grasp the concept of “enough.” I just kept eating and eating, only my food was work. My schedule grew so tight that I was spending entire days without sleep just to keep up with deadlines. The projects were always delivered on time, but I was never sleeping on time. The world was in an economic crisis, yet I was earning well, especially compared to my peers. That was deeply satisfying. It felt as if I was taking my life under guarantee—or maybe it was just the routine taking control of me.

    Then one day, one of my projects was delayed. My teammate sent me an email: â€œThe project was postponed this week. Next week we’ll discuss the details and the new project. Sincerely.” That project had been swallowing my entire afternoon and night. Suddenly, that time was mine. I didn’t have to rush. I didn’t feel the invisible pressure I had been carrying for so long.

    And then it happened: I realized I wanted coffee. I walked to the kitchen, started brewing, and froze. I couldn’t remember the last time I had made myself coffee without feeling stressed or trapped. That cup was a turning point, an illumination. I wasn’t going with the flow of work—I was drowning in a tsunami I had chosen. And it was not easy to admit to myself that I was ruining my young adulthood like this, especially after years of being applauded for all my professional efforts.

    I was becoming experience-rich and financially rich, but livelihood-poor and timely-poor. That evening, I looked at the sunset, and for the first time in a long while, I felt human. And it all began with just one project being postponed.

    When we talk about addiction, people usually think of drugs, alcohol, shopping, maybe hoarding. But anything taken beyond its natural limit is poison. For me, that poison was work. It was my addiction. After this realization, I decided I needed to turn back into a normal human being. I wasn’t saving the world—I was just ruining mine.

    So, in a â€œthis is the first day of the rest of my life” kind of mood, I booked a trip along the coasts of my country. During that trip, I also started watching movies (I’d never had much of a movie culture, unfortunately). To my surprise, I realized I felt overly empathetic toward robotic, workaholic characters—and I always found excuses for their mechanical behavior.

    By constantly working and selling my labor, I was actually exploiting my humane side. I had turned myself into a machine: calculating, planning, organizing, submitting. At some point, I even noticed something more subtle: as a language worker, I was so consumed by my projects that I had become fluent only in professional terminology—yet I struggled to find words in daily conversations. Work hadn’t just claimed my time; it had started eroding my language.

    When I returned, I cut down my work schedule. I started working normal hours, like most people. And slowly, I began rediscovering what I truly loved doing. I even started building a reading habit again. But that wasn’t all. Now it was time for my body to react to what I had put it through for years.

    Since I wasn’t used to sleeping, my body struggled to adjust. Even months after switching to normal hours, I tossed and turned in bed for nights, unable to sleep more than a few hours. Still, I didn’t give up. I told myself: â€œI found a way to ruin it; now I’ll find a way to fix it.”

    Charles François Daubigny, La Mer, Temps Gris

    And you know what? I ended up spending almost half of the money I had earned—the money that had made me feel so “secure”—on healing from the damage of working too much. Whenever I put on my glasses, I’m reminded not just of my sight, but of what I let this addiction do to me.

    We are not just what we “provide” at work. We are also what we feel, what we love, and how we live. Sometimes, it’s worth pausing to ask ourselves: what are we doing, where are we going, and with whom are we spending our most valuable asset—time? Because going with the flow isn’t always safe. If we don’t stop to notice, that “flow” might carry us somewhere we never meant to be.

    Header: Vilhelm Hammershøi, Les quatre pièces

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  • How to Be a Tourist in Your Own City

    How to Be a Tourist in Your Own City

    Can’t take time off? Exams, work, health, or budget holding you back? Or maybe you simply don’t feel like leaving the city. That’s okay. There’s always a way to reset your mind.

    What if you didn’t need to go far at all? Sometimes, all it takes is to shift your mindset—from a local to a curious tourist. And then? Just hit the road.

    As someone who grew up in a coastal Mediterranean city but is currently stuck in a continental climate because of a busy work schedule, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep my sanity intact when staying in one place feels a little too much.

    First- If you were a tourist, what would be your priority?

    Trick your brain and have some fun with your life. From this moment on, you are a tourist. Think like a first-time visitor—what would you look for? Where would you go first? What would surprise you? Which feeling would you like to get from your holiday?

    Promenade near Argenteuil by Claude Monet

    Leave your “local” identity at home and wear your shiny new “tourist” identity. You can make a list if you like planning routes, or you can hop on a random bus without checking its destination or simply start walking without a plan. This is your  tourist experience—do it your way.

    Second – Pace yourself—don’t consume everything at once.

    This part is important. How long would you like your “holiday” to last? Give your body and mind the space to feel excitement and joy.

    Summertime by Mary Cassatt

    I suggest planning different kinds of days—some for cultural activities, some for nature, and others for simply “living like a local.” Get into the true holiday mindset. Everything starts with perspective—never forget that.

    Third – Have some walks enjoying the roads, people around you.

    Boulevard Montmartre, morning by Camille Pissarro

    Take a walk, not just to move your feet but to see the roads and the people around you. Give yourself some time to slip into another personality and look at your environment as if you’ve just arrived. Notice the buildings. See what animals people choose to keep as pets. Observe their clothing — does it all blend into a certain harmony, or clash in unexpected ways? Do people rush? Do animals seem safe here? Do faces look happy? What feeling does this place give off? Even the shop windows tell a story: what do they choose to display? At some point, it may hit you — a small, quiet realization about the life you’re living here.

    P.S.: Walking isn’t just a physical act — it’s the art of noticing, of connecting the dots between where you are and what surrounds you. Even if you can’t physically walk, the act of ‘walking’ can mean navigating the world through observation, reflection, and awareness. You might see the cracks in the pavement, the forgotten bench, the neighbor’s plant that bloomed overnight. These small discoveries give you a sense of place — and of yourself within it.

    Fourth – Visit some museum, sightseeing places.

    Édouard Manet – View of the 1867 Exposition Universelle

    Even if you’ve been there before, go again—with different eyes. This time, read the plaques, observe the visitors, and let the stories sink in. One way or another, we all make a living in the place we currently inhabit. Visiting a museum is a way to honor the generations, civilizations, and heroes who made it possible for us to live here today. Strangely, many of us know more about faraway cultures and works of art than about our own heritage. Perhaps it’s because of the quiet comfort of thinking, â€œI have plenty of time to see it; I live here, after all.”

    Fifth – Blend in with other tourists.

    Rue de Paris, temps de pluie by Gustave Caillebotte

    Sometimes the best way to see your city with fresh eyes is to borrow the perspective of actual visitors. Get around other tourists—watch where they go, what they photograph, what excites them about your city. Why did they choose this place for their holiday? What stories do they tell when they send postcards or post online?

    You might be surprised to notice attractions you’ve long ignored or details you’ve taken for granted. Tourists often see magic where locals only see routine. By blending in—even just for an hour—you give yourself the chance to rediscover your city’s charm through their lens.

    Sixth – Slow down with a drink- coffee, beer, or whatever you love.

    At the Cafe by Édouard Manet

    Don’t rush. Don’t scroll. Just sip and observe. Notice the flavor, the atmosphere, the people around you. If you’re a coffee lover, pay attention to which beans, brewing styles, or even types of milk are popular in your city. If beer is your thing, see what local breweries or pubs offer. Treat it as part of your “tourist identity”—evaluating not just the drink but also the culture that comes with it. And of course, in most cases, â€œyou have better at home.” That won’t be surprising at all. What matters is giving yourself permission to pause, to taste, and to notice.

    Seventh – Explore local bookstores and kiosks.

    Der BĂźcherwurm by Carl Spitzweg

    Step into a bookstore or a newspaper stand, not just to buy something but to observe. What are the bestsellers right now? Which genres take the front row, and which ones are pushed aside? Are there big discounts on certain categories? From which cultures or languages are books being translated into your own? These little details tell you what stories and voices are shaping your city at this very moment.


    And don’t skip the kiosks—look at the headlines. What are the “big” news items today? How are they framed and described in your local style and language? Do they match what you experience in daily life, or what you hear and read online? Sometimes, the differences can be as revealing as the similarities. Maybe you’ll realize there are narratives, concerns, or trends you hadn’t noticed before. It’s like holding up a mirror to your own culture. And reality.

    Eighth – Don’t forget to look at the sky.

    Starry Night Over the Rhone by Vincent Van Gogh

    It sounds simple, almost silly, but when was the last time you really paid attention to the sky above your city? The way the light falls, the way the clouds move, the colors at sunset—these are part of your place’s identity too.

    Our equatorial position matters: closer to the equator, the sky feels flatter, the sun rises and sets almost in a straight line. The further north you go, the sky curves more like a dome, stars and constellations moving in circular paths. It’s like the atmosphere itself is drawing a map of where you stand on Earth.


    So take a moment. Look up. Notice the patterns, the shades, the rhythm of the sky where you are. Sometimes that alone is enough to remind you: you are already traveling, just in your own coordinates.

    If it feels flat, I let myself flow with that flatness; if it feels round, I simply enjoy being held inside that vast dome. 🌬️

    Ninth – Get involved in the parts of your city for which you are truly “a tourist”.

    La Grenouillère by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

    Take this opportunity to explore areas or experiences that you wouldn’t usually explore. Which feels more unfamiliar or unexpected to you: attending a rock concert, an artsy workshop, or observing a religious ritual you don’t participate in? By stepping into these moments, you will encounter your own “inner tourist,” the part of you that sees your everyday surroundings with fresh, curious eyes.

    Tenth – Feel however you like, do not force yourself to be the “perfect tourist”.

    We’re all human, and we all need time off at some point—especially when everyone around us seems to be taking a break. Even if you feel like your mind doesn’t need it, trust me, your body probably does.

    Summer Night by Harald Oskar Sohlberg

    Everything I’ve shared in this post— “do this, look at that, go here, try that”—are just ideas, not obligations. Please don’t neglect yourself in the process of trying to do everything “right.” What matters is finding ways, big or small, to stay connected, calm, and present.

    If for you, a holiday simply means lying on your bed and staring at the ceiling, then that’s your absolute alternative holiday plan. If it means long walks, museum visits, or sipping a slow coffee, that’s your absolute alternative holiday plan too. What matters is that it feels right for you.

    There’s nothing wrong with wanting more—I do too. But learning to honor our limits is its own kind of strength. If you can’t go on holiday right now, don’t close the door on your spirit. Keep it open. Stay curious. Let yourself feel like a traveler, even if it’s just a few streets away from home.

    Header: Les Grands Boulevards, Pierre-Auguste Renoir

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  • You Won’t Live for a Thousand Years, So Why Carry the Anxiety of a Thousand?

    You Won’t Live for a Thousand Years, So Why Carry the Anxiety of a Thousand?

    Anxiety. Overthinking. Worry. Depression. “Breaking the chain.”
    Words we hear more often than our own names these days.

    I see so many of us—me included—caught in the tangle of inner noise, pressure, and quiet despair.
    But you, modern human, do you really have the luxury of carrying all that emotional weight while you’re already haunted by the fear that time is slipping through your fingers?

    We are not sterile beings.
    We’ve been shaped by our surroundings, molded by expectations, and born into inherited concepts long before we had the chance to question them. Now, those concepts rule us silently- disguised as goals, values, and identities.

    But what makes us forget how temporary our existence truly is?
    Yes, our actions might outlive us—our creations, our words, our love.
    But if we can’t witness the ripple, does it really offer us peace in the present moment?

    Sometimes, I wonder whether a more Aurelian approach—stoic, detached, mindful—might actually serve us better.

    We lose sight of who we are under the pressure of modern ideals:
    Deadlines. Filtered perfection. Curated selves.
    We’re all trying to become the best version of ourselves. But let’s ask: best by whose definition?

    Are we building a self that’s truly ours—or merely mimicking a digital persona we believe society will applaud?

    Maybe we chase aesthetics, attend the “right” events, or even rebel in ways that still aim for uniqueness rather than authenticity. While I write this, I ask myself: Is it that deep?
    Maybe not.
    But this is how I think—messy, layered, searching.

    And no, this isn’t criticism for the sake of critique (though I admit, criticism is my hobby). It’s an attempt to understand my own urges too.

    So here’s the question I gently place on the table:
    How do we truly live a life we intend—not perform, not survive, but intend?

    And yes— â€œbreak the chain.”
    Another concept we all keep hearing.

    But before you try to shatter it, remember:

    You didn’t forge that chain.
    You are not defined by it.
    You are not all about that “chain.”

    Give yourself time.
    Maybe your awareness is the first step—and that’s enough for now.
    You don’t have to leap into liberation overnight.
    Maybe you can simply step away without smashing it to pieces.
    That chain is not your identity.
    You may choose to learn what you can, put it aside, and walk away.

    Or rather than seeing that chain as a burden, maybe you can turn it into an accessory that goes well with your outfit.
    The choice is yours.

    Let the anxiety simmer down.
    Let your logic—not a temporary need to be heroic—guide your next move.
    Perhaps you’ll never need to “break” anything.
    Perhaps liberation is simply knowing this chain isn’t yours to carry.

    Each day, we perform a life: successful, productive, composed.
    But we rarely stop to ask:

    What do I truly need?
    Who am I beneath all this noise?

    Take your time.
    Breathe deeply.
    Be gentle with yourself.

    Sometimes, we just want to be understood. This need for resonance, this longing to feel less alone in our inner storms, can lead us into many different situations.

    Ironically, those who try to support us sometimes end up binding us tighter with their version of what’s right.
    They offer comfort, yes—but sometimes at the cost of our autonomy.
    They mean well, but they deepen the maze.

    Perhaps instead of asking â€œWhat do I want?” or â€œWhat do I need?”, we should turn to deeper questions like:

    “What might God mean by this riddle?”
    “What is the purpose of my existence?”

    So here is what I’ve come to believe among my messy thoughts and writing:

    Live your life at your own pace.
    Be a decent human.
    Stay gently honest with yourself.
    Don’t overlook your own necessities.

    And if you feel like you’ve messed things up—it’s okay. Really.
    Let go of blame—of others, the past, yourself.
    I know I’m neither the first nor the last person to say this, but:
    what’s done is done.

    What matters now is this:
    Cultivate your inner world.
    Live what’s left of this beautifully uncertain journey as your own.
    Not as a reaction.
    Not as a duty.
    But as a quiet reclaiming of your one wild and temporary life.

    Do not let uneasiness in your soul find a form as a pathological problem in your body or mind.

    As we navigate the tangled emotions and endless questions of our existence, it helps to remember the simple yet powerful passions that have guided some of the greatest minds before us. Bertrand Russell once wrote:

    “Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life:
    the longing for love,
    the search for knowledge,
    and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind.
    These passions, like great winds, have blown me hither and thither,
    in a wayward course, over a great ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair.”

    Like Russell, we too are carried by deep, sometimes turbulent currents—passions that define us beyond our anxieties and fears. And yet, our time here is finite. We won’t live for a thousand years. So why carry the anxiety of a thousand?

    Perhaps liberation isn’t about breaking chains in a dramatic burst, but about gently choosing what burdens to hold and for how long. Carry only what is truly yours.

    Again, why carry the anxiety of a thousand?

    Impression, Sunrise (1872) by Claude Monet

    Header: Nighthawks, Edward Hopper

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  • My Motherhood Is Not for Sale

    My Motherhood Is Not for Sale

    Why financial incentives aren’t enough for a generation with deeper concerns

    Lately, news headlines, political debates, and public reports seem obsessed with one topic: declining birth rates. Governments express concern that shrinking younger populations can no longer support aging pensioners. In response, they’ve begun offering solutions—most of them financial.

    Tax breaks. Cash handouts. Free childcare. Lifelong exemptions.
    The message is clear: â€œHave more babies, and we’ll make it worth your while.”

    I get it. Parenting is expensive. These offers might help some.
    But as a young adult woman, I can’t help but ask:
    Is that all it takes? Just money?
    Because for me, finances aren’t even my first concern.

    More Than an Economic Transaction

    Having a child is not a transaction—it’s a lifelong responsibility.
    And I believe that responsibility begins long before birth.
    It means being willing to prioritize someone else’s life over your own. It means raising a human with love, presence, patience, and values.

    I don’t want to be a parent who kicks their child out the moment they turn legal age. I don’t want to raise someone into a world where I can’t offer at least the basics of security, dignity, and belonging. I want to raise an individual with as few what-ifs as possible.

    And no tax cut can guarantee that.

    What Kind of World Are We Raising Children Into?

    These days, I worry about more than just baby formula and school fees.
    What if my child is harassed on the street, or silenced in a classroom?
    Will they have access to clean food?
    Will they be free to travel, to think, to become whoever they are meant to be?

    What good is financial support if the world they’re born into feels hostile, polluted, or unsafe?

    Also, Let’s Talk About Fairness

    By giving benefits only to women who choose motherhood, what message are we sending to those who deliberately choose a child-free life?

    Will this widen the gap between women in the workplace?
    Will employers exploit these policies, benefiting from tax loopholes while pressuring women on both ends? 

    And what about men? Women don’t conceive by simply germinating on their own. Ignoring a future father’s role and struggle is just another form of injustice, and it reinforces the stigma that raising children is solely a woman’s duty.

    It’s not that I’m against support. I’m against pretending that support should be conditional on reproduction.

    If There’s a Way to Break It, Then There’s a Way to Fix It

    If we’ve found ways to turn people into numbers, to measure women by wombs, and to frame parenting as a productivity issue, then surely, we can also find ways to restore balance.

    Give us safety.
    Give us access to health and education.
    Give us clean food, fair politics, and breathable skies.
    Let us build lives worth living—with or without children.

    And only then—only then—ask us about birth rates.

    Because some of us need more than money to bring a new life into this world.

    Artwork: Mother and Child (A Goodnight Hug), Mary Cassatt

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  • Your Language Learning Journey is More than Memorizing

    Your Language Learning Journey is More than Memorizing

    When you first start learning a language, the easiest part often feels like memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules. Flashcards, drills, lists—it’s straightforward, even satisfying to tick off those boxes. But that’s only the beginning.

    The real challenge lies beyond memorization. It’s about willpower, patience, and the deliberate effort to make that language part of your daily life—your thoughts, your identity, your way of seeing the world.

    Whether you want to reach native-like proficiency or simply shed the feeling of being an outsider to that language, it doesn’t matter. Every learning process requires its own respect and patience.

    To truly succeed in a language, you need to go deeper than words. You must invite it in, let it reshape your mindset, and live with it—not just learn it. That process isn’t quick or easy, but it’s the only way to move from being an outsider to feeling at home in a new language.

    As a translator, I’ve learned that language becomes alive when it stops being just something you study and starts becoming something you live. In this post, I’ll share how I approach this ongoing journey of internalizing a language, and I hope it helps you find your own path, too.

    First things first: Your Mother Tongue is Your Reference — Don’t Be Afraid to Speak

    When learning a new language, many of us hesitate to speak because we fear making mistakes. But let me ask you — are you flawless even in your mother tongue? We all make errors and stumble over words in our native language; it’s part of being human. So, it’s completely normal to have imperfections when you’re learning a new language. What truly matters is your effort, respect for the language, and your intention to express yourself clearly and sincerely. Speaking—even imperfectly—is one of the best ways to grow.

    Second – Think of the Language Like a Puzzle

    Learning a language is a bit like solving a puzzle. Every language has its own grammar rules and sentence structures, and your job is to piece them together. Start by creating mental “frames” — for example, one for positive sentences, one for negatives, and one for questions. 

    An example of verb sentences in the present tense

    Once you have these basic frames in place, all that’s left is to fill in the right words in the right spots. It’s really as simple as that. With practice, building sentences in your target language will become more natural and intuitive. And don’t forget, like any puzzle, the more you engage with the pieces, the clearer the picture becomes.

    Third – Have a Magazine or Newspaper Handy at All Times

    Magazines and newspapers are some of your best allies in this journey. Learning a language is not just about words — it’s about understanding the way your target community thinks and communicates. Following current affairs, noticing the words they use to describe events, and observing how they pair stories with images will help you absorb not just the language but the culture behind it. It doesn’t matter if your source is printed or digital — today’s online versions are just as valuable, and the digital style itself is part of the culture you’re trying to embrace.

    Fourth – Balance Your Skills

    During this journey, the most important aspect is creating a balance among your proficiencies. You shouldn’t forget that along with reading, writing, speaking, and listening are your holy trinity too.

    As Arthur Schopenhauer in Essays and Aphorisms says:

    ‘… So, it comes about that if anyone spends almost the whole day in reading, and by way of relaxation devotes the intervals to some thoughtless pastime, he gradually loses the capacity for thinking; just as the man who always rides, at last forgets how to walk.’

    Do no let your brain get numb with only one outweighed skill. Don’t just become a reader of the language. Become a speaker, a listener, and a thinker in it too. You’ll love every step of this journey.

    Fifth – Catch Your Own Pace

    No, it is never too slow or too fast if it feels right for you. In this journey, the only valid reference is you.

    Some days, you may not feel like learning anything. And sometimes, missing a few days of practice can make you feel like giving up altogether. But don’t let that voice win. Even if you learn a word a day, form just one sentence, or listen to just one phrase a day, it will add up to 365 new words, sentences, and maybe ideas by the end of the day. 

    Small steps will take you there. Never underestimate the quiet power of consistency no matter big or little.

    Sixth – Experience Your Moment with the Language You Learn

    Whatever situation you are in, try to describe or talk about your moment with simple words and sentence structure you know. If the appropriate words do not come to your mind, try to explain that “word” with other simple words. The more you practice, the more complex phrases you will handle. There is no right or wrong in this. Just keep going. The fluency comes with trust in your own voice.

    Seventh – Listen to Radio

    Radios, especially via mobile applications, are best and easiest way to keep you up to date in your target culture. Here, you also have possibility to hear the voices of your target culture. Try to imagine yourself as a guest in one of the studios and answer some personal questions. It is so fun I promise!

    My current favorite is Sommarprat 2025 programme on Sveriges Radio!

    Eight – Consider Having a Diary

    If you think you aren’t proficient in writing, keep a diary. I even recommend going back after a while to revisit your earlier entries. You’ll be surprised at how far you’ve come, both personally and linguistically. 

    Ninth – Practice, Practice and More Practice

    If you need more practice in speaking, you may find language workshops at your level or simply make practice via some language applications like Busuu – not an ad, just a helpful tool I’ve used myself. Verbal practices are so important in terms of shedding out the language shyness. In addition to that, consider engaging with community-based platforms where you can write reviews, leave comments, or join discussions — like sports forums, skincare review apps, or interest-based websites. These spaces allow you to practice in context and interact with real people around real topics. That’s how language becomes more than a skill, it becomes part of your daily rhythm.

    Just some of my applications. There is no ending in learning.

    Tenth – Accept That This Will Take a While

    Like everything meaningful, language learning is a whole process. It is a lifelong skill and a rich process that goes far beyond memorizing some grammar rules or building up some vocabulary. It is not abnormal for you to take some time to be proficient in a language. Learning a language requires also being proficient in that culture and society too. In these times where human capabilities are deeply replaced by computers, it is a great act of staying faithful to your own mind.

    If you have come this far, wish you luck in your journey! If you have any suggestions or questions, please do not hesitate to share. 💜

    Header: Emily Levine on Unsplash

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  • IT IS A LOSS OF LIFE WHEN A TREE BURNS

    IT IS A LOSS OF LIFE WHEN A TREE BURNS

    I come from one of the beautiful coastal cities along the Mediterranean. And I’ve always felt lucky for it. When I was a kid, my family taught me, almost religiously, to respect nature.

    “Don’t hurt the tree while climbing.”
    “Be gentle while picking the fruit.”
    “Don’t pluck flowers just because they look nice.”
    “Watch where you step. Don’t harm the ants.”
    “Never kill a bee.”

    These were the sentences I grew up hearing repeatedly, and they shaped the way I looked at the world around me.

    Lately, wildfires have become a terrifying reality across different parts of the world. And this time, they came closer to home. In TĂźrkiye, over 600 wildfires were reported in a single city in just one week. Many are still not under control.

    These fires hurt more than landscapes. They erase memories, homes, livelihoods, even heritage. They ache somewhere deep in me.


    Because while authorities say, â€œThankfully, there has been no loss of life,” I ask myself:
    What do we count as life?
    Isn’t a tree life? Isn’t a burning animal, a wounded bird that will no longer fly, a panicked fox running for shelter – life?

    When a tree burns, a life is lost.
    Nature is not something that exists solely to serve or entertain humans. It is not a background. It breathes. It shelters. It grieves.

    Sometimes, I think we’ve become too used to viewing nature through the lens of convenience. But damaging nature – whether intentionally or through ignorance – is not a small matter. In some places, war requires no bullets. Sometimes, it starts with fire and silence.

    Knowingly or not, those who destroy nature betray something much bigger than laws or borders. They betray life itself. They betray us all. Burning trees shouldn’t be dismissed as less tragic than human loss. Life takes many forms.

    Yes, sometimes things happen beyond our control. But that doesn’t mean we should stop watching, caring, or raising our voices.

    We must keep our eyes on nature. We must teach those around us, especially the little ones, to grow up with respect for the world they live in.

    As governments grow more indifferent each passing year, our personal vigilance becomes even more vital.

    In an age where machines are getting smarter and humans often seem to be forgetting their roots, our awareness matters more than ever.

    It’s not only about planting trees. It’s about planting values. We must be part of an education that goes beyond classrooms and textbooks.

    Header via Pexel

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  • Staying Human In These Days

    Staying Human In These Days

    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: â€˜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.

    Cover image Š The Economist. Shared here under fair use, in the context of personal reflection.

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  • What I Learned from Margareta Magnusson’s DĂśstädning

    What I Learned from Margareta Magnusson’s DĂśstädning

    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.

    DĂśstädning, 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 DĂśstädning 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. 

    DĂśstädning 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 dĂŠluge.‘

    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. đŸ“š

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  • Living with Dust-Mite Allergy: How I Manage Dust-Mite Allergy on a Budget

    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. â€œHow 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.

    Anti-mite spray

    And zipped it into a high-quality, tightly-woven anti-mite cover from Velfont. 

    Velfont anti-mite cover

    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.

    Ikea Nattjasmin Fitted Sheet

    I also looked for breathable, gentle fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, or Tencel—easy to wash regularly at high temperatures.

    Ikea Luktjasmin Duvet Cover

    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 Ă„ngskorn 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.

    Ikea Skogsfräken Pillow

    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.

    Pillow Procter and Pillow

    🧹 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! đŸ™ˆ

    Desk with books on it

    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.

    A desk with laptop on it
    Storage case filled with books

    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. đŸ’ŞđŸť

    Miele Vacuum Cleaner

    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.

    A hand with glove

    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.

    🧼 Step 8. Cleaning Strategy That Works

    Cleaning became a carefully choreographed routine. My best allies: a bagged vacuum with HEPA 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.

    A bag of detergents

    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 TolĂŠrance Control and Dermalogica Calm Water Gel became my trusted companions, soothing redness and itch.

    A hand holding skincare products

    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.

    A hand holding eye-care products

    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.

    Also, here I’d like to share a Dust-Mite Management Checklist for you. I hope you find it useful. đŸ’œ

    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! đŸ‘ŠđŸť

    I’d like to add some articles you may want to read further:

    1.  https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(03)01283-1/pdf
    2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cea.12450
    3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11450438/
    4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6474366/
    5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6378489/

    For extensive and reliable search of allergy-friendly products: https://www.allergyuk.org/our-services/allergyuk-products/

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    2 responses to “Living with Dust-Mite Allergy: How I Manage Dust-Mite Allergy on a Budget”

    1. Wilma S. Avatar
      Wilma S.

      Thanks!! I was also diagnosed with a dust mite allergy. This checklist is super helpful!

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      1. betweeneverywhereandnowhere Avatar
        betweeneverywhereandnowhere

        I’m so glad to hear it! Wishing you relief and calm days ahead.💜

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  • It’s Not Your Skin; It’s Your Immune System!

    (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 đŸ‘‹), 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 đŸ’›
    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). đŸ¤“

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