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Chitra Eder's avatar

Great Podcast. So much to think about. It feels like there's a balance in sisu, both the word and in practice. One could easily dip into being too hard on yourself, persever at all costs. I love that Liisa added the community aspect. This is how sisu is balanced. We don't get through it just for me and my needs but for you and your needs too.

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Maggie Hollinbeck, M.A., LMFT's avatar

Thanks for this, and for listening, Chitra! Great point about sisu not being about perfectionism or harsh self-judgment. There's very much the flavor for a loving parent within, not a critical one, providing that balance between support and challenge.

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Elina Haverinen's avatar

Thank you for this episode, Maggie and Liisa! ❤️ I absolutely recognise the presence of sisu in my life. Countless more or less hard times, I’ve sat in the forest and thought, "No matter what". For me, sisu is connected to choosing. As long as I’m choosing this – whatever it is – I’ll keep on going, one way or the other

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Maggie Hollinbeck, M.A., LMFT's avatar

I love this! For the last several years I've been part of a group whose motto is "no matter what" and I hadn't thought about it in this context, but that group has definitely helped me grow in sisu. And I really like this perspective that sisu connects me to my agency, my freedom to choose to practice sisu in hard times. That's empowering. Thank you for sharing, Elina!

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Liisa Kovala's avatar

So lovely to chat with you, Maggie!

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Maggie Hollinbeck, M.A., LMFT's avatar

You too, Liisa!

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