The best thing that could happen was that we'd never want to move on
Back to her roots in Borhaug
Photo: Lindvirke
Raised in Kristiansand, with roots in Farsund and experiences from other places around the world. In the end, it was the sea, the light and the tranquility of Borhaug that truly felt like home. We had a warm and honest conversation with Nina Willumsen Moseidjord about finding her way back to her roots, creating a simpler family life by the coast, and why the best choice is sometimes the one that feels right, not necessarily the one that looks most impressive from the outside.
For many, the dream is city life, excitement and more opportunities. For her and her family, the dream became something completely different: an ocean view in Borhaug, surfboards in the hallway, children growing up close to nature, and the feeling of finally landing.
She herself grew up in Kristiansand, with roots in Farsund, but without really understanding what the place meant to her back then.
I think I took Farsund a bit for granted. It was just 'where we went in the summer'. But when I look back, that was actually where I was most myself. Barefoot, salt in my hair and completely free. My grandparents in Kjørkleiv, Borhaug, the light, the sea... there was always something there. I just didn't realize it until much later.
Nina Willumsen Moseidjord
Today she has lived in several places around the world, but it was precisely in Borhaug that she found the feeling of home.
– It's almost annoyingly simple to explain. It just felt right. Not like a strategic decision, more like my body said: 'Now you can relax a bit.' And when you stand on the beaches here and watch the sun set over the ocean, it's hard to argue against it.
A life with more life
Many people move to big cities to find their dream life. They did the opposite.
– We wanted a life that was a bit more life. My husband gets to surf, I get beaches and sunsets that look like a filter without a filter, and our children are thriving.
But it's not just about nature.
– People here are incredibly nice. There's not so much fuss. At the same time, I love that I can still get a bit of city feeling in miniature format. Good coffee at Jan Christian's, sourdough bread from Kjærlighet Kafé and always a good book recommendation from Åshild at the bookshop. That's luxury enough for me.
Oh yeah... we're not moving on.
Nina Willumsen Moseidjord
From 'total crisis' to dream life
Nor was there one big revelation that told them the move was right.
– It actually crept in quite quietly. And then one day I just thought: 'Oh yeah... we're not moving on.' It felt really good to say out loud.
When her parents moved to Farsund when she was a teenager, she chose to stay in Kristiansand.
– I thought it was a total crisis. 'To Farsund? Seriously?' Now I just have to laugh at it. What I thought was way out there back then is exactly what I appreciate most now.
She highlights the nature, the peace and the space the children get to grow up with.
– You get a bit wiser with age. Fortunately.
And nature in particular has become an important part of the life the family has created on Lista.
– There's something about the sea. Nature doesn't care much about your plans, and that's actually quite healthy. The sea gives both energy and calm – depending on what you need, and a bit on what it decides.
The small moments
Everyday life isn't necessarily spectacular. It's quite ordinary, she says.
– There's a lot of driving, work, horse, dog and 'did you remember this and that?'. But then you have those small moments. A surf at sunset. A walk around Einarsneset. Or just sitting at home with a coffee looking out over the sea.
It's precisely those moments that make life feel rich.
– The small things make the whole day feel pretty good. And life too.
Alongside family life, she runs yoga studios in both Kristiansand and Farsund, and she describes the response on Lista as warm and inclusive.
– People are open, curious and very supportive. And there are many skilled yoga teachers here, so it feels more like a team than competition.
She also notices a difference in what people are seeking.
– Perhaps a bit less achievement and a bit more 'how am I actually doing?'. And I really like that.
Coming home – on her own terms
Returning to the place the family comes from has taken on a whole new meaning.
– It feels very right. A bit like closing a circle, but in a good way. Now it's not something I had to do. It's something I've chosen myself.
When asked to describe the life the family has created in Borhaug in three words, the answer comes quickly:
– Calm. Light. Nature.
And to others considering moving to Farsund, she has simple advice:
– Try it. The worst that can happen is that you move again. But the best thing that can happen is that you discover you never want to move on again.
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