Nice to meet you!
I’m Charlène, the author behind Modern Calliope. I’m so glad you’re here! I hope you’ll find valuable insights and enjoy your time on my blog. Let me tell you a few words about myself: I’m in my late twenties, originally from the South of France, and I moved to Finland a few years ago. I live with my boyfriend in Helsinki, work a 9-to-5 job in a SaaS company, and I have been thinking for months about getting a dog but haven’t taken the plunge yet.
I am also an incorrigible dreamer at heart, more often than not lost in thought and with a rich inner life of its own. My favourite pastimes include hiking in the wilderness, lounging with a book, journaling and playing Animal Crossing on my sofa. As you can see, I’m quite on the “Introvert” side of the spectrum…
After years of thinking about it, I finally launched my blog in May 2021 as a creative outlet to share my thoughts, ideas and reveries. I am passionate about personal development, psychology and humanity in general. Trust me, I know life can be challenging and overwhelming at times. I also sincerely believe that, with the right mindset, some minor adjustments and a few tips, we can all find our way, flourish and be truly happy in life. This is what I’m all about: inspiration, growth, balance and happiness.
Why Modern Calliope?
This name came to me months before I actually started my blog. I guess it’s an apparent reference to Greek mythology, which I’ve loved since I was a child. Its powerful storytelling, extraordinary characters and colourful settings are an endless source of imagination and inspiration. In Greek mythology, every natural phenomenon has its own story: who is in charge of night falling every evening? Why does nature change with the season? Why do bees die after they sting you once? For centuries, those stories used to explain our world’s mysteries and help people navigate through their lives.
The Muses are a group of nine Greek deities, considered the source of knowledge and inspiration in literature, science and arts. They encouraged people to do their best, promoted learning and fostered civic harmony.
Calliope is often referred to as the Chief of all Muses, presiding over eloquence and epic poetry. The legend even says she was the Muse inspiring Homer for the Iliad and the Odyssey!
This blog is not about epic poetry, though. It’s written for all the unsung, everyday heroes who get up in the morning and strive to navigate and flourish in our current world. If it can inspire you to fulfil your potential and find happiness living your best life despite modern constraints and social pressure, this blog will have reached its goal and purpose.
Parnassus or Apollo and the Muses – Oil painting by the French artist Michel Dorigny (XVII century)