Lately, the world feels like it's upside down with everything that is going on and all the uncertainty that comes from it. Wellbeing and safety are therefore important topics in everyday life. As someone who has had to navigate these topics since childhood, I know that they are not always guaranteed. Which is why they are key aspects of my work within Donatues.

For us, wellbeing and safety start from within. The board often has conversations about wellbeing and maintaining healthy boundaries, because if we are not working on these topics ourselves, we cannot effectively help others with them. For our larger community, we offer multiple modes of information, guidance, and assistance, tailored to individual needs. Currently, for example, we are contributing to both Fontys and TU/e's wellbeing weeks through lectures, workshops, participating in discussions, and offering a safe space for anyone who needs it.

Ultimately, feeling safe and well is what matters most in life. Donatues wants to create a space where everyone feels like they can be themselves completely. With everything that is going on in the world, this almost feels like too big of a goal, since there is much unsafety on multiple topics and impossible high expectations projected on ourselves. Just know that if you ever need anyone to talk to or a place to feel safe, we will do everything in our power to help you. And if you want to have an anonymous safe space, know that you can always reach out to me as a confidante. Know that you are seen, heard, and cared for, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

for me sayings like find your vibe, find your tribe resonate. it takes one to (experientially) know one. I'm not walking around trying to find like-minded people by ticking off boxes so I can officially place them in any category; that's not what it's about for me.

But, when you know, you know. To me,

"Finding like-minded people feels like a breath of crisp air. A relaxation. An invitation to be more of myself."

Its awesome, especially because it can be such a rare experience. Mind you, I work in healthcare, so I am used to talking to all sorts of people from all walks of life. And I have learned to adjust and adapt to the other to create the most effective interface as a G.P., and to create a safe space for the other to share their worries. But every now and then, the back and forth is effortless, and I can sense that there is room for a bit of humour and a bit more of my own personality despite the serious setting of 'man or woman comes to see the doctor'. 

This is what I especially love in my other job, coaching (highly)gifted individuals. We can touch the full range, from creating space for very subtle and/or intense and complex emotions to full-speed infodumping with 10 puns per minute. Its very worthwhile to see people reconnecting with that part of themselves that is just.. eager to be there, to be present. And to discover, explore, create, and share whatever is going on inside that buzzing mind.

If I had my way, we, as a society, would create more places where this is not an exception but a more widely appreciated way of being and connecting with one another. Thriving minds everywhere.. creative problem solving at its finest...

I think the world will benefit, so here's my two cents: you be you. We need more of you.