Taking the lead in a world full of surprises – Inspiration shot May 2025

2025-05-08T11:43:11+02:00

Life surprises us. Sometimes in unexpected ways, with a strange conversation or an absurd experience you could never have made up. And sometimes it hits hard, with a phone call you wish you had never received. You never know when someone might suddenly end up in an ambulance. That is exactly why I believe true freedom starts with being prepared. Not trying to control everything, but knowing what you can do when it really matters. Choosing what you can influence. And making sure you know yourself extremely well, so you are never caught off guard by how you react. This month, I am sharing moments where that made all the difference for me, hoping this will help you to find something to hold on to your own freedom a little more firmly.

Taking the lead in a world full of surprises – Inspiration shot May 20252025-05-08T11:43:11+02:00

Can you use AI as a ghostwriter or marketing assistant?

2025-05-08T10:35:11+02:00

Recently, I was invited to join an international panel on AI and ethics for writers. What struck me most was the tone of the conversation. It was cautious, even fearful at times, as if AI is something to be afraid of. That makes sense, because it’s new and evolving quickly. Still, I mostly see opportunities. Instead of focusing on risks and limitations, I advocate for curiosity, responsibility, and most of all, staying in control. AI is not a replacement for human talent. It is an extension of it. Like a good editor, sparring partner, or copywriter, it can help lift your work to the next level. As long as you are the one deciding what goes in and what stays out.

Can you use AI as a ghostwriter or marketing assistant?2025-05-08T10:35:11+02:00

The power of pause – Inspiration shot April 2025

2025-04-03T14:26:02+02:00

Sometimes life is like a dog: it forces you to pause, get more fresh air, and see everything from a different perspective. After months of traveling and making plans, April unexpectedly brought me exactly what I needed: rest, puppies, and ice-cold water. In this Inspiration Shot: how eight rescued puppies taught me something about grounding, why my theater show is going ahead (despite rumors), how you can benefit from my VA, and why I consider staying in one place for five weeks a mini-vacation. Oh, and I’m still looking for a catchy name for my ‘best of’ workshop series — will you help me brainstorm? Enjoy reading, and as always: let yourself be inspired!

The power of pause – Inspiration shot April 20252025-04-03T14:26:02+02:00

ChatGPT as a coach: your personal guide to growth

2025-03-20T15:31:02+01:00

Recently, I visited the parents of a French lover for the first time. An exciting moment because although I speak French quite well, I had not actively used the language for a while. And of course I wanted to make a good impression… I decided to be smart about my preparation and asked ChatGPT to play my ‘mother-in-law’. “Ask me questions like a curious French mother would,” I typed, “and give me feedback on my answers.” Within minutes, I was engaged in a simulated conversation about my trip and my work. When ‘she’ asked me if I could help make her favorite recipe, I knew I was ready for the real test. Fast forward to dinner: her first question in real life? “How was your trip?” I felt immediately at ease, exactly as I had practiced. And yes, I even helped out in the kitchen. Maybe not exactly the ideal daughter-in-law, but I managed just fine.

ChatGPT as a coach: your personal guide to growth2025-03-20T15:31:02+01:00

Move, move, move! – Inspiration shot March 2025

2025-03-20T15:31:06+01:00

I was supposed to take it easy... But yeah, who am I kidding? December and January 'kind of' worked out, but last month, I even drove myself crazy. Eight different places in just a few weeks, constantly on the move. But hey, it's my own choice - and honestly? I love it. Everyone’s busy, probably you too. So how do you stay afloat in all the chaos? For me, three workouts a week with my online personal trainer are non-negotiable, and I make sure to hit 10,000 steps daily, usually with an inspiring podcast in my ears. In this inspiration shot, I’m sharing my favorite ones with you, along with a few other experiences and insights.

Move, move, move! – Inspiration shot March 20252025-03-20T15:31:06+01:00

More efficiency in your inbox? Save 5 hours per week with ChatGPT Voice Prompts

2025-03-20T15:31:11+01:00

Hoeveel tijd en energie gaat er in het beantwoorden van e-mails zitten? In deze column vertelt AI-expert Esther Jacobs hoe het sneller, makkelijker én zelfs leuker kan. Zelf bespaart ze 5 uur per week met deze aanpassing. Zodra ik een e-mail lees, weet ik eigenlijk meteen wat ik wil antwoorden. Maar het typen en het antwoord netjes maken voelt vaak tijdrovend. Niet alleen omdat typen langzamer gaat dan denken, maar ook omdat ik soms even afstand wil nemen om professioneel te blijven. Dat betekent echter dat ik later diezelfde e-mail weer moet lezen, het antwoord opnieuw moet formuleren en het uiteindelijk nog moet uittypen. Gelukkig kan dat tegenwoordig anders!

More efficiency in your inbox? Save 5 hours per week with ChatGPT Voice Prompts2025-03-20T15:31:11+01:00

Life as a dance – Inspiration shot February 2025

2025-03-20T15:31:13+01:00

Everything has two sides: dark and light, masculine and feminine, yin and yang, ups and downs. Life is a dance. What I learned from tango is that you have a choice: do you focus on ‘following as best as you can,’ or do you go all in and enjoy, even when things don’t go as planned? The past weeks in Buenos Aires have been a mix of disappointments and beautiful moments, both personally and in the world news. It’s all part of the journey. I used to think life should always be fun, but I’ve realized that by consciously acknowledging the difficult moments, you can appreciate the good ones even more. This month, I’d love to share a piece of my life dance with you—along with some inspiration for your own.

Life as a dance – Inspiration shot February 20252025-03-20T15:31:13+01:00

Abundance – Inspiration shot January 2025

2025-03-20T15:31:16+01:00

The new year and the solstice mark a time of transition. During a shamanic tantra retreat and local ceremonies in Peru, I learned to let go of what no longer serves me and create space for a truly authentic new beginning. This transition into 2025 feels like an opportunity to go deeper, beyond superficial resolutions. For me, 2024 was a year of abundance. Professionally, it was an exceptional year: fully booked writing weeks, coaching sessions more popular than ever, and more free time thanks to streamlining my business. This created room for personal growth, including four tantra retreats, an MDMA journey, and a San Pedro ceremony 🌵. I also treated myself to more luxury, such as flying business class. Now, my focus shifts to 2025. How can you share abundance with others? And what pain are you willing to endure to realize your dreams? I’m excited to share my insights and inspiration with you. Enjoy the read!

Abundance – Inspiration shot January 20252025-03-20T15:31:16+01:00

Wachuma ceremony: a journey of reflection and renewal

2025-03-20T15:31:17+01:00

After a shamanistic tantra retreat in Peru (link to ISTA level 2), I had the opportunity to participate in a Wachuma ceremony, guided by two local shamans and their son. This sacred ritual, rooted in the ancient traditions of the Andean people, involves the use of the San Pedro cactus, known for its ability to connect individuals with God, nature, or their inner selves. While I normally don’t use psychedelics, in a dream during the retreat a few weeks ago, I had gotten the strong ‘message’ that I needed to purge an old relationship. This ceremony took place in the Sacred Valley, just two days after the solstice and just before the new year; a perfect time to reflect, let go and set new intentions for the year ahead. The intimacy of the group and the setting felt safe and right, making it an experience I couldn’t resist.

Wachuma ceremony: a journey of reflection and renewal2025-03-20T15:31:17+01:00

Esther went on a tantra holiday

2025-03-20T15:31:18+01:00

"Ben je ooit bereid geweest om alles wat je denkt te weten over jezelf los te laten?" Na mijn eerste tantra retreat in 2016 en een aantal ervaringen met ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) voelde ik me na twee keer Level 1 en een integratieretreat eindelijk klaar voor Level 2. Niemand vertelt precies wat Level 2 inhoudt, behalve dat je ‘doodgaat’. Je ego sterft en je wordt opnieuw geboren. Een intens proces, maar dat was precies waar ik klaar voor was. Het retreat vond plaats in Peru, een land dat diep geworteld is in het shamanisme en dat voor mij altijd een bijzondere plek heeft gehad. Hoewel de timing slecht uitkwam—ik kwam rechtstreeks uit Thailand, had slechts twee dagen in Amsterdam voor de overgang naar een andere tijdzone, om te pakken en door te vliegen naar Peru—wist ik dat ik erbij moest zijn. Dit was het laatste retreat van Bruce, een van de oprichters van ISTA, en mensen waren lyrisch over hem.

Esther went on a tantra holiday2025-03-20T15:31:18+01:00
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