No Excuses: Turning my life into a theatre show What creating my own show taught me about letting go, creativity, and being yourself On my 55th birthday, I stood on stage at Theater Amsterdam with a one-time-only performance: the No Excuses Theater Show. It was a deeply personal [...]
Only 4 weeks to go. Preparations for my theatre show on June 28 are in full swing. Are nerves getting the better of me? No, not really. Even though there’s still a lot to be done, I mostly feel a deep trust that it will all come together. But what is happening: I’m learning. A lot. About letting go. About trusting the moment. About the tension between spontaneity and planning. About myself. In this Inspiration Shot, I’ll take you behind the scenes. Not just of the theatre, but also of the creative process. Because making a show might look spectacular from the outside, but on the inside, it’s mostly a journey. A search for what feels right. For how things could be done differently. And how I can make my own rules. Maybe you’ll recognise something in my process. Maybe it will inspire you to create your own ‘show’ in your own way.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
How much time and energy do you spend answering emails? In this column for Dutch career platform Intermediair.nl, AI expert Esther Jacobs shares how email can be done faster, easier, and even more enjoyably. She personally saves 5 hours per week with this simple adjustment. As soon as I read an email, I immediately know how I want to respond. But typing it out and making the reply presentable often feels time-consuming. Not only because typing is slower than thinking, but also because I sometimes want to take a step back to maintain professionalism. However, this means I have to read the same email again later, rephrase my response, and then type it out. Fortunately, there’s now a better way!
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.
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!
