The power of sisu
I’ve always loved the concept of Finnish sisu (sis-oo), which translates to fortitude, tenacity, and perseverance when faced with a challenge. It is such a way of life in the Finnish culture, to press on regardless and never give up. I’ve seen it on both sides of my family over the years and I relish references to it by my friends and fellow Yoopers. Finns can sometimes go it alone a little too much, but we are a strong people, secure in knowing that we have what it takes to get anything accomplished if we dig deep.
The power of sisu is there when I think of the early settlers at Otter Lake, who saw the potential in what the land offered them, despite the drawbacks, and decided to settle there and build a life.
“Need will teach us what has to be done.” — Pekka Tauriainen, early settler at Otter Lake, Michigan
The Otter Lake, Askel and Tapiola area is sometimes referred to as “little Finland” and you can understand why based on the topography, lake attributes, and annual snowfall. It felt like home to these Finns, many of whom emigrated from the “old country.”
Sisu also comes to mind when I watch the Winter Olympics this month from China. There are so many powerful stories of overcoming tremendous obstacles to excel at various sports and compete with the best athletes in the world.
Of course we are all cheering on Abby Roque, a forward on the U.S. women’s hockey team, who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., on the far eastern end of the Upper Peninsula. Not only is Abby a Yooper but also the first Native American to play for the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team. Such an accomplishment for a young woman who grew up playing with the boys because she just loved hockey and wanted to play.
We should all find our own sisu and do more things just because we love doing them. Go Abby!
Images courtesy: this is Finland (Finland Promotion Board), Roque the Soo Facebook group.