Work-life balance – Inspiration Shot August 2023

2023-07-31T14:31:38+02:00

"Busy"; it seems to have become our new natural state of being. Doing less is difficult, especially if you approach it like another task on your full to-do list. But what if you turn it around? What if you could design your schedule, to-do list and priorities all over again, from scratch? Almost ten years ago it happened to me out of necessity, when a car accident and whiplash forced me to slow down; this time was voluntary and less invasive, but just as effective: an MDMA retreat under the guidance of a psychologist. The preparation, the psychedelic journey, the aftermath and the 'digital detox' were a natural moment for a complete reset. I got off social media for a while, now leave my phone on 'do not disturb' at all time. More 'being' instead of 'doing'. In short: a better work-life balance. In this inspiration shot you can read about the 'trip', the experience of a 'fresh start', productivity tips from the DC entrepreneurs conference in London that tie in nicely with that, praise to Amsterdam and the importance of dancing.

Work-life balance – Inspiration Shot August 20232023-07-31T14:31:38+02:00

Life lessons from a witch – an MDMA experience

2024-08-12T19:15:58+02:00

During my writing retreat in Mallorca, I supported a psychologist writing a book about psychedelic-assisted therapy. The down-to-earth way she approached it, immediately caught my attention. I had never been interested in using psychedelics - I am too sensitive to even drink coffee, plus years ago, I had a magical connection with the Peyote cactus without ever ingesting it, so why would I? - but this time I felt a big YES.

Life lessons from a witch – an MDMA experience2024-08-12T19:15:58+02:00

Fathers – Inspiration Shot July 2023

2023-07-31T14:24:33+02:00

This month, two special people who were father figures to me passed away within a week. I was able to say goodbye to one of them by sneaking into the hospital outside visiting hours. For the other, I cancelled a trip with 40 girlfriends to Valencia to speak at his funeral. Fortunately, my father is still 'here', but - due to his Alzheimer's - not the way he used to be. Father's Day, therefore, became an emotional day with a lot of reflection this year. This inspiration shot pays homage to all fathers, father figures, and other loved ones and gives some great tips on how to capture your time together while they're still here. I hope that the stories and suggestions in this inspiration shot will touch and inspire you, whether you are a father, want(ed) to be, still have your father or have to miss it.

Fathers – Inspiration Shot July 20232023-07-31T14:24:33+02:00

Real estate – Inspiration Shot June 2023

2024-05-09T17:30:37+02:00

Years ago I 'accidentally' found myself investing in real estate. When I sold my house in Amstelveen, I was able to invest in a few 30m2 apartments in Amsterdam. I had them specially designed, furnished and started renting the 'tiny houses' out to expats. Just when things seemed to be going well and I had done a very pricey refinancing of my investments, the rental property regulations in the Netherlands changed. Now, I can only charge half the rent I used to, and on top of that, property taxes have increased ten fold! It has become an unsustainable situation. My entire business model is turned upside down, which means I have to sell the apartments again. At the same time, other opportunities present themselves. That is why I like to share my real estate secrets, tips and dilemmas I've encountered, in this newsletter.

Real estate – Inspiration Shot June 20232024-05-09T17:30:37+02:00

Lessons from construction projects abroad

2024-08-26T15:10:44+02:00

Investing in a foreign country: an adventure or a nightmare? It can be both, and even at the same time. I already had some experience with Dutch real estate, but when I bought a plot of land in Puglia, South Italy three years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It felt like an exciting adventure, and prices were extremely low compared to what I was used to. I dove in, even though everybody said I was crazy, I did not speak the language, did not know anybody in Italy and I had no idea of the local customs, rules, and regulations.

Lessons from construction projects abroad2024-08-26T15:10:44+02:00

Back to nature – Inspiration Shot May 2023

2023-05-15T15:05:00+02:00

As spring transforms my olive grove into a sea of flowers, I find myself undergoing a transformation as well. Returning to yourself after a long period of recovery can be quite challenging, especially when you have lost yourself in a disappointing relationship for years. Nevertheless, I am slowly regaining the color in my life. I even purchased a colorful protest sweater, plus I am learning a lot from nature. It brings me joy to be here in Puglia where I am not only connected to the internet (World Wide Web) but also to the 'Wood Wide Web' 🌳 🌳 🌳. In this Inspiration Shot, I will share some insights and tips on how we are all connected; both to each other and to everything around us.

Back to nature – Inspiration Shot May 20232023-05-15T15:05:00+02:00

Digital delegation – Inspiration Shot April 2023

2023-05-15T15:05:08+02:00

When you travel extensively and seldom stay in one location for more than a few weeks, how do you sustain your business? How do you work with your virtual assistants, and what tasks and responsibilities do you delegate to them? I have been getting many questions on this topic lately. With many people being (too) busy, they often even lack the time to explore outsourcing options. Therefore, this Inspiration Shot offers a variety of practical recommendations for working smarter and outsourcing duties to virtual assistants or ChatGPT, the popular Artificial Intelligence tool. Great news for entrepreneurs and writers on a tight budget. Let yourself be surprised and motivated by the possibilities available to you.

Digital delegation – Inspiration Shot April 20232023-05-15T15:05:08+02:00

Challenges – Inspiration shot March 2023

2023-05-15T15:05:15+02:00

What if you seem to have everything in your life 'under control' and then suddenly get confronted with a health issue? A 'devil's dilemma' even? Then you are forced to look at your situation with completely different eyes. Especially if - in my case - it concerns an eye problem, having already lost partial sight in 1 eye, and the risk of becoming blind suddenly seems very real... How do you deal with such a situation or a similar setback? Do you listen to the experts? Are you going to do your own research? Who do you trust more? The doctors or your own gut feeling? In this inspiration shot we dive deep, very deep into the human psyche. Do you dare to dive?

Challenges – Inspiration shot March 20232023-05-15T15:05:15+02:00

Puglia special – Inspiration shot February 2023

2023-05-15T15:05:21+02:00

Puglia is becoming increasingly popular; trendy travel magazines, newspapers and special editions: everyone is writing about the area. Unfortunately, most journalists visit the same places, while there is so much more. Do you want to discover the real Puglia? Since I have been in Puglia for a few months now, almost without interruption, I would like to share with you my love for this authentic part of Italy. In this Inspiration Shot you will find tips, insights and fun facts. Whether you want to take a vacation here, want to practice remote working (during my Workation in April?), want to come and live here or perhaps even invest, here we go…

Puglia special – Inspiration shot February 20232023-05-15T15:05:21+02:00

‘Turning a blind eye’ – Inspiration shot January 2023

2023-05-15T15:05:29+02:00

“If you had to choose, would you rather be blind or deaf?” Do you remember how you answered this hypothetical question? I always chose sight. Even though I know that sound is important, and being able to have a conversation; as a writer, reader, and traveler I value my eyes the most.  So it was quite a shock when I suddenly had flashes of light in my right eye a few weeks ago. I rushed to the emergency room of an Italian village hospital… It turned out that part of my retina had detached; I have permanently lost partial sight in one eye. I gained a lot of inSIGHTs from this experience, which I would like to share with you in this inspiration shot.

‘Turning a blind eye’ – Inspiration shot January 20232023-05-15T15:05:29+02:00
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