"What happens when a Finnish-Canadian nurse faces life's toughest challenges? The Rocking Chair reveals how one woman's journey through trauma, career, and unexpected retirement became a story of unbreakable 'sisu.'"
The Rocking Chair
About the Book
A rocking chair can symbolize comfort and craftsmanship—or carry the weight of painful memories. For Hilkka M., it’s both.
The Rocking Chair takes readers on a raw, deeply personal journey of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Born in Finland and raised in the rugged landscapes of Northwestern Ontario, Hilkka learned early on the meaning of “sisu”—the Finnish concept of perseverance in the face of adversity. Through heartbreak and triumph, Hilkka turned life’s hardships into stepping stones toward inner strength and purpose.
From surviving childhood trauma to building a decades-long nursing career, from navigating the complexities of motherhood and marriage to facing illness, divorce, and the unexpected realities of retirement, Hilkka shares her story with unflinching honesty, humour, and wisdom. Along the way, she reveals practical lessons and insights, empowering readers to turn their own challenges into opportunities for growth and self-awareness.
Part memoir, part self-help, The Rocking Chair is a book for anyone ready to embrace life’s messiness and find meaning in the moments that matter most. Whether you’re forging your path as a young adult, redefining your purpose after retirement, or seeking inspiration to carry on, Hilkka’s story will leave you laughing, reflecting, and ready to face whatever comes next.
Chapters
(click to enlarge)
One
Ten
Twenty
Two
Three
Eleven
Twelve
Four
Thirteen
Twenty-one
Twenty-two
Twenty-three
Five
Fifteen
Twenty-four
Six
Sixteen
Twenty-five
Seven
Seventeen
Twenty-six
Eight
Nine
Eighteen
Twenty-seven
Nineteen
Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Stay Mindful
About the Author
Hilkka M.
Hilkka M. dedicated forty-six years to a caring profession, building a career as a nurse with an unwavering commitment to others. When mobility challenges brought her career to an end, she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to helping those in need. Writing The Rocking Chair became her way of continuing to care—offering comfort, guidance, and insight to anyone navigating pain, adversity, or the complexities of life. She hopes her book will inspire others to recognize their ability to navigate life’s challenges with strength and “sisu.”
Hilkka lives in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where she finds purpose in helping others discover their inner resilience.