5 Potent Viking Concepts I Learned And Now Apply to Daily Life

Every one of us is born with a dream. Some are fortunate enough to have their dreams fulfilled early on, while others work tirelessly to make theirs come true.

Perhaps you're like me, working your buns off to realize your goals and dreams. I was born in a part of the US, East Los Angeles, or "East Los," which is less than desirable, and dreamt of one day living on an island paradise where life was easy, and the waves never stop crashing against the shoreline. In this place, people live without worry or rush.

Interestingly enough, I never imagined that island would be in the Barents Sea, above the arctic circle, in Norway.

Home of the Vikings.

So yeah, I'm a California native living amongst real-life Vikings.

But I just call them friends.

Alas, these concepts I've come to learn and embrace have helped me traverse life's daily challenges, and I'm betting they'll do the same for you.

Find meaning in everything you do, even the mundane tasks of life

"There is a time for everything." ~ Grettir's Saga

In a world where we are constantly being told that our time is worth so much, it can be challenging to find meaning in life's mundane tasks. Many people spend their time feeling guilty about not doing enough or beating themselves up for the inevitable mistakes they make along the way.

With my Viking counterparts' help, I've discovered that life is more meaningful when you make everything you do worth your time. And the way to do that is by finding meaning in even the small things. You know, like washing dishes after dinner or hand-picking cloudberries when they're in season.

Do not forget to look for the magic in each thing you do, even if it's something simple.

Adding a bit of poetry and creativity can help make every day easier.

Be courageous and strong in the face of adversity

"I demolish my bridges behind me – then there is no choice but forward" – Fridtjof Nansen

There is no better way to describe this than with the Viking Lutefisk story.

A legend has it that Viking fishermen hung their cod to dry on tall birch racks. When some neighboring Vikings attacked, they burned the racks of fish, but a rainstorm blew in from the sea, dousing the fire. The remaining fish soaked in a puddle of rainwater and ash for months before some hungry Vikings discovered the cod, reconstituted it, and had a feast.

This is a perfect analogy for approaching our work as writers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers - always believing everything will get better even when times are rough right now.

Never give up and never give in. It is easy to feel beaten down. It's easy for the daily grind and hustle of life in general to wear you out and make it seem impossible to keep fighting on.

Fight for what you believe in with every fiber of your being

"Better to die with honor than live with shame." ~The Saga of the Jomsvikings

I am a freelance writer, but I'm not just any old freelancer. Freelancing has become my full-time job, and it's allowed me to live the life of my dreams. Yes, I work a lot (sometimes more than 40 hours in one week), and yes, some weeks are more complicated than others (especially when deadlines close in). But at the end of each day, I know that what I do is meaningful and essential.

The Viking culture influenced many aspects of our lives today - including their approach to adversity. Vikings valued courage and strength in the face of adversity; they were known for being bold and brave warriors who conquered lands through fearlessness.

The same values that helped them conquer land are now helping me.

Honor thyself

"Stand by your own trial and not by what others say" – Gudmundur Jonsson

Amid a busy life, it's easy to forget about our own needs and wants. We're often so focused on everyone else that we neglect ourselves. This is where self-care comes in: giving yourself what you need to stay healthy and happy - even when your schedule doesn't allow for it.

Coming from the US and an always-on-the-go lifestyle, it was often challenging to find self-care time or energy. But when we take care of ourselves, we are better able to take care of others.

Honoring thyself is not only ingrained into the Viking culture, but it is an intention dedicated to keeping oneself sharp by eating well and exercising regularly; getting enough sleep; avoiding addictive substances; connecting with friends and family; and finding peace in one's work.

There are a lot of things that we're told to do in order to get ahead, but there is one thing you need to put first: yourself.

"Honor thyself!" is the motto I'm fast learning to live by and will be my mantra long after leaving Norway and my Viking friends.

Be a Viking

"Fear not death for the hour of your doom is set, and none may escape it." ~Volunga Saga

The Vikings were skilled sailors and traders. They had a strong sense of community, so they often lived in villages with their extended family. They were known for their great courage and bravery. Viking women could inherit property, divorce husbands, and raise children without the help of men.

They were the first Europeans to discover America.

They had (and have) a deep respect for nature.

Their culture was based on equality and fairness.

They were fierce warriors who never gave up, even in defeat.

All of the above to simply say, "Be A Viking."

Embrace the things that make you and your culture uniquely you and your culture. This concept is as wicked simple as they come, yet so many folks strive to be things they aren't.

Final Thoughts

The Viking spirit is indomitable, and that's why I'll be using these 5 powerful Viking concepts to help me achieve my goals, be courageous in the face of adversity, and become a stronger person.

While you will take your own lessons from these concepts, my biggest takeaways were these.

Get your hands dirty.

Explore the world.

Find your own way in life.

Be a Viking.

Island paradise is, an island paradise does.

Skål!