By Kate Love

In a world that often feels like it’s spinning too fast, there’s a certain comfort in knowing that, despite everything, it will all work out. The Icelandic saying, Þetta reddast (pronounced thet-ta red-dast), captures the essence of a philosophy widely held across the Land of Ice and Fire, historically known as Snæland (Snowland). The phrase roughly translates to “It will all work out,” but it embodies much more than just optimism - it’s a way of embracing life with calm trust and resilience.

I’ve always been drawn to Iceland for its raw, rugged beauty, where the land and sky seem to possess a wild sense of order. I remember standing on a volcanic ridge overlooking a field of moss-covered lava, watching the clouds break apart and the sun pierce through, casting a golden light on the horizon. In that moment, Þetta reddast seemed to echo in my mind: amidst the chaos and unpredictability of nature, everything had its place.

A Philosophy of Acceptance

At its core, Þetta reddast is more than a comforting phrase. It’s a philosophy that Icelanders live by - one that embraces uncertainty and encourages patience. It’s the quiet assurance that, no matter how challenging or unexpected life may seem, things have a way of falling into place. It’s not about avoiding difficulties or pretending that everything is perfect - it’s about accepting the flow of life and trusting that you’ll find a way through.

The beauty of Þetta reddast is that it allows room for flexibility. It’s a reminder that not everything has to be perfect right now. It encourages letting go of the need to control every detail and instead, making peace with what unfolds.

When I visited Iceland, I noticed this approach to life everywhere - from the streets of Reykjavík to the rustic farmstays. Icelanders carry themselves with a quiet ease, confident in the belief that, no matter what, things will work out in the end.

A Simple Trust in Life’s Flow

When things go wrong, the Icelandic way is to trust that, eventually, they will right themselves. If your plans fall through, don’t fret. If you miss your bus or your flight is delayed due to a snowstorm, there’s no need to panic. Instead of stressing over things that are beyond your control, Icelanders lean into this simple yet profound trust that life has a way of balancing itself.

This isn’t to say that people in Iceland - or anywhere else - don’t work hard or take initiative. Rather, Þetta reddast speaks to the attitude of resilience: things may be difficult, but there is always a way forward. I found that, in my own travels through the country, the landscapes seemed to mirror this philosophy. From glaciers to geysers, volcanoes to vast fields of lava rock, there’s an inherent balance that Iceland holds in its rugged beauty. Nature has a way of managing itself, and Icelanders have learnt to trust that.

Embracing the Unknown

The Icelandic ability to trust that everything will work out is also evident in the country’s approach to unpredictability. From extreme weather conditions to sudden volcanic eruptions, Icelanders live with constant change. But instead of resisting it, they’ve learned to flow with it. The landscapes themselves teach this lesson: in a land where everything is in motion, from the shifting glaciers to the erratic geysers, nothing stays the same for long.

And yet, despite the constant flux, the country thrives. This cyclical nature is mirrored in the everyday lives of Icelanders, who live in tune with the land, its rhythms and its unexpected twists and turns.

It’s not about avoiding difficulties or pretending that everything is perfect - it’s about accepting the flow of life and trusting that you’ll find a way through.

A Life of Resilience and Patience

Þetta reddast is ultimately about resilience - the kind of resilience that doesn’t rely on rigid control but rather, embraces the ebb and flow of life. It’s a reminder that, even in times of uncertainty, there’s always a way forward. Instead of battling against challenges, we can trust that, with time, solutions will emerge. And, importantly, we can embrace the unknown with patience, knowing that life has its own pace.

Living with Þetta reddast means recognising that the process is just as important as the outcome. It’s about finding peace in the present, trusting that things will unfold as they should, and remembering that, ultimately, everything will work out.

There were moments when the raw power of Iceland overwhelmed my senses - the sheer cliff faces, the thunderous waterfalls, the cold, unyielding ice. Yet, within this rugged landscape, I discovered softness. A flower emerging from the moss, the gentle touch of an Icelandic horse, the warmth of a farmer's smile.

Letting Go and Trusting the Journey

For me, Þetta reddast has become a daily reminder to stop overthinking. Whether it’s a problem I can’t seem to solve, an unexpected change in my plans or just the ebb and flow of life, this Icelandic saying encourages me to relax, take a deep breath and trust that, in the end, it will all come together. It's a small, simple truth that can bring great peace to the chaos of modern life.

Whether it's a volcanic eruption that turns my life upside down, or a small tremor that leaves me unsteady on my feet, I remind myself that, in the end, things will fall into place. And before too long, I’ll be soaking away my cares in a volcanic hot spring.

So next time you find yourself in a moment of doubt or uncertainty, remember: Þetta reddast. With patience, trust and a little faith in life’s flow, everything will work out as it’s meant to.

Þetta reddast: The Icelandic Philosophy of Trust