At this stage of my life, my primary professional work has evolved into a multifaceted role centered around enhancing the impact of higher education institution in The Hague. Over the past three years in this organisation, I have transitioned from an external-facing role to a more internally oriented one. My current focus is on community building, spotlighting and facilitating transition makers as well as developing the organisation’s profile in transition to sustainability.

Sinds recently, interest has intensified in exploring and strengthening the human-nature connection for myself and to bring that experiences & insight into the context of higher education. Later this year, I am embarking on research that delves into this very connection, with the aim of integrating these insights into educational spaces to create a more holistic and nurturing learning environment.

Above all, see my primary work as human in breaking the cycle of blame, fear, and anger that has been passed down through my ancestral line. By confronting and healing these patterns, I am committed to creating an environment where my children can grow up as compassionate, couragous, connected, loving, and kind individuals to continue healing the world.

My role is to shine a light on the changemakers who are already doing inspiring work within these spaces, showcasing their efforts to motivate and inspire others. By highlighting these examples, I aim to create a ripple effect that encourages more individuals and institutions to embrace change and transformation. My role is also to bring in opportunities as events, activities that can shift consciousness within the organization.

I embrace the role of a lifelong learner. I believe that in order to facilitate meaningful change, I must continuously expand my own knowledge, understanding and practice. This includes learning from the diverse experiences and perspectives of others, as well as from my own introspective journeys.

On a more personal level, I see myself as a healer and a cycle breaker.

One of my main goals is to unlearn the pervasive need for doing and action, which often overshadows the importance of being, sensing, and listening to others deeply and own intuition.

I want to cultivate a greater sense of intuition, trusting my inner voice and instincts more deeply. This also involves embracing silence and stillness. I feel in my role there is a lot of expectations from others and I get pulled into what others want me to do/believe I should be doing. My growth area is to really stand behind what I believe in should come about. I also want to easy out of the impulsive negative reactions / triggers that are in me.

I am focusing on the art of listening—listening not just to the words being spoken, but to the underlying emotions, needs, and desires that drive them. I believe that deep listening is a critical skill for anyone working in education and community building, as it allows for more authentic connections and more effective collaboration.

Next to listening also sharing my vision and ideas to inspire others.

In 2023, I completed the Regenerative Leadership Journey with Laura Storm, a program that has profoundly influenced and shifted my consciousness.
I have also committed to daily journaling, which has been a powerful tool for self-reflection, insights and personal growth.
Additionally, I have invested time and energy into parenting courses focused on emotional fluency, both for myself and for my children. Understanding and embracing emotions is a key part of my journey toward healing and breaking the cycle of inherited patterns.
And I have also drawn inspiration from books like The Great Turning by Joanna Macy, which has helped me frame my work within the larger context of global transformation.

Learning in groups has been a significant part of my journey, allowing me to engage in collective reflection and analysis that deepens my understanding of complex issues. I have been particularly influenced by thinkers like Julia Cameron, whose work on creativity has inspired me to explore new dimensions of myself; Els van Steijn, whose insights into family constellations have helped me understand the dynamics of my ancestral line; Vaclav Havel, whose commitment to truth and integrity in leadership resonates deeply with me; and Joanna Macy has also been a pivotal influence, particularly through her work on "The Great Turning" and the concept of Active Hope. Her perspectives on the interconnectedness of life and the urgent need for a shift toward a more sustainable and life-affirming society have profoundly shaped my understanding of the role humans must play in this critical time.

My philosophy of life is rooted in the belief that the soul is part of a greater universal consciousness. I believe that each soul has chosen to be in a specific place and time for a reason, and that humans are an integral part of a larger, interconnected web of life. Our role is not just to exist, but to contribute to the well-being of this greater whole.
I see humans as stewards of the Earth, with a responsibility to care for and nurture the natural world.