I am an ex-expat and third culture kid
I was born in the Netherlands, by the sea, but relocated often with my parents due to my father’s international job. Growing up in the US, Germany and Belgium, I went to international schools and became bilingual. I am now back in the Netherlands with the Spanisg island of Ibiza as my second home. I still love to travel & work internationally. The world is my oyster.
I have a creative corporate background as a writer, editor & translator
I loved my creative croporate career, but was always overthinking, often had headaches, felt stressed & overwhelmed, did not sleep well and did not know how to allow myself to relax in my busy schedule.
In my early 30s I nearly had a burn-out
I decided then and there that I would do everything to prevent this from happening. I also wanted a healthy lifestyle change: reduce my overthinking, reconnect to myself, create my ideal work – relaxation balance and live my life based on what feels right for me & what I need to feel calm, relaxed, energized & happy.
I learned from powerful coaches & mentors
And I have 10+ years of yoga & meditation experience, took courses on healthy food and completed a certified mindfulness training in 2007. The powerful tool of mindfulness was the key turning point for me.
Ibiza, my second home
I also discovered the beautiful Spanish island of Ibiza and its magic: the turquoise sea, creative energy, international vibe. A place where I easily reconnect to myself, relax, get new inspiration… my second home!
Life happens while you are busy making plans
From 2012 – 2015 my life was turned upside down. I had a serious pre-stage of cervical cancer in 2012. My father got bladder cancer a few months later. My grandmother had an advanced stage of skin cancer in 2014 and eventually passed in April 2015. My father had a stroke 1 month after my grandmother passed and went into a long rehabilitation period. I am now healthy again and mhy father is doing reasonably well. These years of intense stress & sadness had a huge impact on my peace of mind, relaxation & energy and I found it extremely difficult to take care of myself during this time.
Me as top priority again!
However, this experience made me realize and feel that no matter what happens in life, taking care of yourself on a daily basis is essential for your health, mood, work, relationships, and your overall happiness. I now increasingly trust and follow my heart and intuition – instead of constantly overthinking. I also know what I need to be happy & relaxed and give this to myself on a daily basis. I choose to make myself top priority again every day!
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