I've always believed in taking a step back, recharging, and surrounding myself with the people who matter most. This week, I have the opportunity to do just that—and with a hot take. Two days ago, I headed to Finland with 10 close friends to plunge into one of my favorite activities: saunas. We are calling it "The Great Finland Sauna Tour". It's an ambitious plan—20+ iconic saunas in 9 days.
I've been immersed in sauna culture since 1992—yep, I've probably had around 3,000 sauna sessions in my life. But this, this is different, next level. Finland is the birthplace of sauna culture (1/3 of the world's saunas are in Finland), and we're about to dive deep into its history and traditions. Our first days are just beginning, with plans to explore igloo saunas, gondola saunas, ancient saunas, and even the infamous smoke saunas. And as a byproduct of the trip, I get to spend a week with my friends!
As we get older, life tends to pull us in different directions. My friends live all over the place—California, Florida, New York, Jersey—and we don't get to be together unless we prioritize it. That's what this trip is about: intentionally coming together. Whether we're sharing a sauna session or just enjoying each other's company, it's about taking the time to slow down with the people who mean the most.
So, here's my takeaway: In the hustle and bustle of life, don't forget the importance of recharging and reconnecting with those you care about. Whether it's a sauna session, a phone call, or a trip halfway around the world—make the effort to be present and refresh. It's something we all need, and it's a reminder that the best experiences often happen when you make time for what matters most.