What’s the hardest part of being a mother?
– Being enough. Keeping calm when there’s someone eating on you, of you, from you and another one’s asking a thousand questions about what Triceratops do on Saturdays, while the third one wants you to practice soccer penalties out in the rain and the fourth one is staring at you all wronged and abandoned in the corner.
What are you afraid of?
– Not much. Not being able to be a part of things, perhaps. Of life, of the tempest, of those moments slipping through your fingers.
When are you truly happy?
– When I’m reaching my fullest potential. When I practice my profession and knock myself out of balance. When I’m outdoors with my tribe, we’re eating our lunch pack and I can see they understand the greatness in the little things. I’ve also felt happiness at the theatre. Both as an audience memeber and as part of the creative chaos. I’m also happy when surrounded by the buzz of my lovely friends.
You live a toxic free life. in practice, what does that mean? do you have any advice for the uninitiated?
– Minimize your consumption of new stuff! You can inherit, borrow or buy stuff on Blocket for
your kids, except old plastic toys which can be very frightening… We eat organic food both at restau- rants and at home. You’ll still get that shit in your body. At school, pre school and at lunch restaurants. Somewhere, there has to be a safe haven. We use organic products for our skin and hair, and all of our soaps and cleaning and washing products are gentle to your skin and environmentally friendly. I don’t even think about it anymore. We don’t use synthetic material in our carpets or furniture. Pay attention to pacifiers, feeding bottles, water bottles and other things that kids put in their mouths. Store food in glass jars or in stainless steel cans. Minimize the amount of unnecessary plastic toys and tell your friends and relatives that you don’t need a 6.6 feet robot for Christmas this year either.
Dream character to play?
– I seek contexts rather than parts. Who will I be working with? Who wants something? DOES anyone want something? I create to the best of my ability when I’m with people who dare to challenge themselves, it makes me extremely creative, inspired and invincible. But sure, Hedda Gabler has always been closest to my heart. There’s something about the impatiently kicking racing horse trapped inside her. The gloominess, the passion and the darkness. And the courage.
Favorite place?
– I love the Norwegian fjords and and mountains of Jämtland, where I have my heart and and my roots. I also have a weakness for empty beaches. We know of a few secret ones where you can surf and go for walks. We travel for a couple of months each year, to places that make the skin happy.
Who were you in school?
– Depends on what year we’re talking about… I had friends, was a fast learner and good at sports, so I had confidence. But the self esteem was naturally on growth.
Favorite place?
– I love the Norwegian fjords and and mountains of Jämtland, where I have my heart and and my roots. I also have a weakness for empty beaches. We know of a few secret ones where you can surf and go for walks. We travel for a couple of months each year, to places that make the skin happy.
Who were you in school?
– Depends on what year we’re talking about… I had friends, was a fast learner and good at sports, so I had confidence. But the self esteem was naturally on growth.
How do you turn a rough day around?
– I try to think about being thankful. I go outside. I’m a ”walker” who needs physical activities and nature in order to get a perspective on things. If nothing helps, just hold on tight and cry until you’re done.
If you got to meet your 16-year-old self, what would you say?
– Continue. You’re on the right track. And don’t worry, everyone’s so occupied with themselves they don’t care if you’re doing something the wrong way or if your socks don’t match. And lastly: don’t be afraid of love.
Tell us about your work as unicef ambassador. How do you go on with everyday life, knowing of the sorrow of the world? In what ways has the experience changed you as a person?
– I strongly remember the moment when I felt I’d had enough. It was 12 years ago and I sat by myself in front of the news, watching a report on some recent disaster. The children. Despair. The terror. I remember I started crying, my whole body was screaming: ”I can’t stand this anymore”. Those exact words. How the hell are you supposed to just go on when the blinds are up and you can see what things are really like? I decided to do what I could and joined up as a volunteer.
In 2007 I was officially asked to become an ambassador, which is the greatest distinction I’ve gotten so far. Who cares if the initial reason for joining is making yourself feel better. The point is you’re doing something and I think so many people are far too relaxed and lazy in that aspect. A thousand excuses and prejudices, just to avoid having to take collective responsibility. My task is to be well prepared, understanding and engaging, try to get people to realize enough and open their hearts and wallets. I’m harsh but loving… We’re at our best when we have the opportunity to help others!
What’s the greatest thing you’ve learned from your children?
– Parents are allowed to be wrong and be forgiven, if they apologize instead of pretending to own each situation.
What are your dreams at the moment?
–Surfing at dawn, when the sun and the moon meet. Sounds like a youth novel but that’s generally what our days look like when we’re traveling. I also long for the theatre all the time. Back to my roots.
Some of your favorite things to do in life?
– Traveling. Throwing parties and dancing.
Life philosophy?
– It will be fine.
Role models in life?
– Fearless and empathic people.☮