What words best describe you? Intuitive, free, creative, independent, stubborn, good listener, empathetic, confident, melancholic, direct, curious, thorough, usually calm, sometimes neurotic
What is it that inspires you? That’s not so easy to answer, since I do not have one particular interest that stands out, but there are certainly things that have left a strong impression. Last summer, I visited Spiti Valley. I was blown away by the raw power of this very remote area located at the foot of the Indian Himalaya. It reminded me that us humans are such tiny particles in the whole system. We usually tend to forget this and overestimate our own existence. I also gain a lot of inspiration from my dreams and day dreams. Moreover, I am drawn to people who don’t fit in with society. My mom, in particular, inspires me.
What are you most grateful for? I am grateful for my difficult childhood. The unfortunate circumstances growing up have made me into the strong woman that I am today. It has taught me to be empathetic, nonjudgmental and respectful of others.
What important values do you live by? To live and experience life fully, to feel my emotions without being overtaken by them.
Life is… just there
Love is… the ultimate nutrient
Work is… tempting to the point of turning it into an obsession. I love to work and I love to work hard. Work is like almost a drug. I have to pay attention for it not to become addictive.
Biggest achievement so far… I am confident and content with who I am. I am not afraid of change. In fact, I enjoy setting new goals and achieving them.
Hardest thing you’ve ever done… to move from family to family and to manage to feel at home each time. I am not sure if I ever succeeded of that 100%
Most impactful or favorite book… There are several. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, “Monsieur Linh and his child” by Philippe Claudel, certain passages by Jacques Derrida’s on death, the essay bundle “Bauen Wohnen Denken” by Martin Heidegger, “Alina” lyric by Dutch singer/songwriter/poet Spinvis.
Least favorite word… “ideal,” although it’s similar to one of my favorite words “idea.” I prefer infinite ideas as opposed to one ideal.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully I’m surrounded by a lot of space, literally and figuratively. I want the space and the freedom to create and experiment as well as to have a place in which I can retreat and recharge. I hope to be surrounded by inspiring people as well as to be a source of inspiration to others.
