At fika, my Swedish coworker friends take time to enjoy small treats and coffee with their colleagues. They aren't rushing to grab the biggest cinnamon bun. Instead, everyone takes just enough to be satisfied while making sure there is plenty for others to share. Work-life balance is also held in high regard — working too much or too hard is not an honor, but being able to spend time with family and make room for hobbies is.
I asked one of my Swedish friends, Tuva, where lagom originated. She said it helps create harmony in their community. When everyone takes just what they need, there's enough for everyone to enjoy. It's like when you're sharing a family meal — if everyone grabs too many slices at once, some people might not get any. Lagom not only ensures that everyone gets a piece, but also reminds people to be sustainable and not as greedy.
What's really cool is how lagom connects to taking care of the environment. In Sweden, I noticed people are mindful about not wasting food, energy, or resources. They turn off lights when leaving rooms, recycle carefully, and buy only what they need. People are conservative with traveling by plane because of the carbon emissions it releases. This value helps Sweden be one of the world's most environmentally friendly countries. While Sweden still has debates over climate change and mining resources, it should also serve as a role model to other countries.
