What we all could learn from Pippi's "mum"

Recently a new biography on one of my all time favourite authors, Astrid Lindgren, has come out here in Denmark. I adored her books as a kid (and still do) because they transcend the reader to a whole different time and place. But the stories are still full of themes that everyone can relate to: Friendship and family, life and death, being brave or scared. This new biography focuses on something entirely different, though: Being alone.

If you've ever read the books of Astrid Lindgren, you'll know that most of the main characters are alone in one way or another: Like Pippi, who has decided to live in a big house all alone, or Ronia the Robber's Daughter, who goes out on adventures in the woods by herself. The point is: They are neither lonely or sad people. Instead they use their alone time to explore, have fun by themselves, or just daydream. I think it's such a powerful message to both children and adults: Being alone can be just as inspiring and rewarding as spending time with others.

I'm definitely putting the new Astrid Lindgren biography on my reading list. Hopefully it's filled with lots more inspiration.

photo via dagens.dk