Writing a book in one week might sound like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it becomes more achievable than you'd think. I recently wrote a business book for a client in just seven days, using my Reverse Writing methodology and ChatGPT. Along the way, I learned some valuable lessons that anyone can benefit from, even if you're not writing a book.
A unique time is approaching; from December to June, I have nothing planned, except for my last writing week in Mallorca and, of course, my theater show! The first few months of 2025 feel like a kind of 'pre-retirement', where I can truly explore where I want to be and what I want to do, instead of following my usual (self-made) hectic travel schedule. Until then it seems like I am busier than ever. In the coming months, I will travel to Thailand, within Europe, and Peru, from conferences to retreats. And in between I will visit my father in Miami. Every month, I’ll be hosting one of my online workshops for the very last time. These moments can be quite emotional when participants share why they follow me or talk about how long they've been my fans. I know I will really miss this. Still, my decision is firm. This month, I will write someone's book in just one week for the first time with my new exclusive 'Rapid Ghostwriting' offer. From 2025 onward, this will be my sole focus. In this inspiration shot, I’m sharing some useful and inspiring insights I've come across, which you might find helpful, whether you're planning for retirement or still in full action mode.
Polarities have always fascinated me, the opposites that shape our lives. In my search for balance, I discovered that I was often in my masculine energy: focused on doing, control, and results. But deep down, I longed for a softer side, to embrace my feminine energy, which is all about surrender, presence, and connection. This desire led me on a path of self-discovery that led to tantra workshops and eventually to my first MDMA journey under the guidance of a psychologist. I expected this psychedelic experience to bring me closer to my feminine energy, but the journey took an unexpected turn. The harsh and dangerous reality of living as a witch in the Middle Ages gave me new insights into my distance from feminine energy. Being a woman is not always easy, and has often been dangerous. This time, I felt ready to move on and really delve into being a woman. My most recent MDMA journey brought surprising lessons about myself, my family, and the hidden stories that shape my feminine power. I’m excited to share my experiences and lessons with you, in the hopes that they will resonate with you too…
When a friend from a tantra workshop mentioned he was heading to the Sexibility Festival in Sweden, I was intrigued. The festival promised a unique mix of tantra, spirituality, and personal development, all set in the tranquil, remote surroundings of Ängsbacka - a place I'd only heard whispers about. Without knowing what to expect, I impulsively bought a ticket. Unlike the tantra retreats I was accustomed to, where the experience is carefully curated and shared by a tight-knit group, this festival offered a different approach: the freedom to choose your own path, selecting from a variety of workshops, or stepping back whenever you needed to. As the day of departure approached, I found myself filled with curiosity but also a touch of anxiety. I was going alone, with only a vague acquaintance to rely on, and I had no idea what awaited me. But everything about this festival was designed to break down those initial barriers, helping people connect quickly and deeply. In this blog, I'll share my impressions of the festival and some of the valuable lessons I learned along the way.
Inspiration and new ideas often arise from combining different elements that at first seem unrelated. A new environment, knowledge from different disciplines (interdisciplinary approach), and making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts form the basis for innovations. Curiosity is essential to be open to unexpected creative insights. During a recent Dynamite Circle conference in London, I immediately felt the creative energy of the event working on me. Surrounded by 100 innovative minds from the network of successful, location-independent entrepreneurs, and thanks to the setting, creative exercises and unexpected questions, small puzzle pieces slowly started to fall into place. It was fascinating to see an idea come to life when you are open to new experiences and collaborate with others who challenge you to think outside your usual box. In this Inspiration Shot I take you through my process and share the new idea that emerged from it, to show you how you can invite new ideas yourself.
Perhaps you are looking for shade under the sun during your vacation, perhaps you are confronted with your own dark sides now that the summer does not seem to be taking off in many places. Nowadays I actively seek out my own dark sides, during tantra retreats. And I do not avoid them in 'normal life' either. Shadow work is a type of self-development in which we focus on our dark sides: characteristics or parts of ourselves that we normally prefer not to face or share with others. Things that irritate you in others, your so-called 'triggers' are often indications of where your own 'shadow' is. Actively seeking out your shadow, exposing it and integrating it, is called shadow work. It is not therapy. So it is not a 'problem' that needs to be solved, it is discovering a part of you where some more development can be achieved. You get to know yourself even better by looking at your contradictions. In this inspiration shot I will go into this a little deeper. Dive into the dark with me, if you dare?
During the recent Workation in Italy it became painfully clear again: many entrepreneurs do not dare to step into the spotlight; whether they have 50 years of experience, have written a book, hold impressive titles and positions, or have an important message to help others… ‘Who am I?’, ‘What will others think?’ and ‘actually what I do is very normal’ are common phrases. Some overthink it or make it too big, while the magic is actually in the little things. I have been sharing everything I experience for almost 25 years, and I still continue to learn. In this Inspiration Shot I'll share some ideas and tips about visibility.
I have been a motivational speaker for more than 25 years. Each of the 1000 keynotes and 2 TEDx speeches was special. Either because of the location (Qatar, South Africa, Lithuania, New York, in a zoo, in the money museum during my collection of €16 of foreign coins for charity) or because of the special connection I had with the audience (entrepreneurs, travellers, professional women, veiled or not). I treasure the messages people sent me afterwards; how my story changed their lives and motivated them to quit their jobs, become entrepreneurs or make another important life decision after hearing my talk. Some events stood out. In this blog, I share some of my most memorable events, bloopers, and some tips for speakers at the end.
Here in the Italian countryside in my @tinytrullo, I am slowly coming back to myself. There is no better place than nature to recover from the dengue that I contracted in Curaçao in March (and the associated brain fog). It's so beautiful here in the spring! There are flowers everywhere, I pick wild green asparagus on my land, everything is beautifully green, nature is slowly coming back to life. Just like me... This month I also host 12 people for the 'Workation'; working and living for a month in my village Ceglie Messapica. Whether you have a thing for Puglia or not, have already been here or still want to visit, I hereby share my Google Maps with my favourite restaurants, cafes, beaches and other non-touristy places. In this Inspiration Shot you will also find a TinyTrullo update and other insights, inspired by Puglia.
Thing to watch out for Condition of the trullo: What needs to be restored, and what are the costs? Accessibility: You want a peaceful location, but it should still be accessible by road. Also for construction traffic if necessary. Phone reception: In many rural areas, reception can be poor. It's essential to have good phone reception not only for convenience and safety but also because internet services often rely on GSM signals. Land area and building rights: How much land comes with the trullo and how much can you build? This is crucial and varies by municipality, so hire a local 'geometra' to investigate. A real estate agent can provide an estimate, but make sure to confirm it.
