There is a saying that I learned on my second trip to Iceland. “Þetta Reddast!” This seems like a motto for many Icelanders and it means, “It will save itself” or “It will fix itself.”‘ This to me means, “Everything will work out” or “Don’t worry or be afraid. It will be okay.” They say the words with a little grin and a shrug of their shoulders.
Over these last four years, I have become much better at this concept but not perfect. I try not to worry and fret about the curve balls that life throws at me. Usually, the very things we worry about can fix themselves .
Maybe it is the partial Norwegian blood that courses through my veins that is sometimes uncomfortable with this saying. More likely, it is because of my husband that I have known for over 35 years. He is a businessman with German heritage. He does not think very highly about the saying, “Þetta Reddast.” In fact, he does not like it much at all. As a Civil Engineer and General Contractor, he plans and organizes schedules for his job. He is never late and when I am relaxed and not worried; he just shakes his head.
Tomorrow, I fly to Iceland. I know some issues will arise during my travels and my presentations. However, I am certain that everything will work out and everything will be okay. Icelanders are very good at figuring out a solution and working together. To me, Þetta Reddast does not mean that you just let a disaster happen without trying to fix it. Things will work out and will be okay but we still need to be proactive and do what we can to ensure a good outcome.
So, when I am worrying or things are not working out the way I had planned, I will think outside the box and try a new approach. But if all else fails …. I will remember ….. Þetta Reddast!