The yar of happiness and luck.

Yup, I am happy, really lucky, with a great passion – an amazing sport to life for (on the water and the snow), nice friendly people around, a loving family, a home, a nice van for the trips, trainings & competitions. Things are arranged well, the things I cannot do alone I got help with – mostly. A life filled with fun, exciting adventures, sports and development. Travel the world at times, a nice study & work.  It’s great, something I’m proud & grateful about.

But happiness doesn’t knock on the door for free

You don`t just catch happiness and luck from the air, neither you can find the rest in a jar after throwing some around – saving some for later in case you need some. Or buy a jar of happiness and luck at the local supermarket. Neither it`s finished for you, after I had some luck, no there is enough for everyone. I also didn`t catch happiness and luck from the sky, neither it blow into my hands. It is tough, I worked hard for it, made difficult not to say impossible decisions…and I still have to do sometimes.  Something I suppose you have to do to… And I won`t take it for less now. It will be all worth it, promised. Once the decision is taken, go for it – there is no way back anyway.                 

“You can own it all, visit it all, but if you are never grateful for this opportunities, you will never find happiness and luck. When you have the ability to be always grateful, it doesn’t matter where you are” – something I learned along the way.

Happiness isn`t in a jar – Happiness is a choice.

Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions. I am surprised about the amount of people, complaining: finding themselves in a situation they are not happy about. But also then they don’t want to do anything about it.  I always learned: “If you do what you`ve always done, You’ll get what you`ve always got”. So if you are unlucky, you will stay unlucky, as simple as that. Just telling you the facts.

So, that means if you don’t do something else, everything will remain the same over and over again,  you will stay unlucky. Some health issues, you can’t do anything about, but the situation, the environment you are in, you can change. The mindset you can work on. Do what you can with what you have. Where you are.

I get it, in one way being unlucky feels safe. In your own cocoon.  You know what you have and what you don`t. You can safely complain. Especially now with social media. The pressure to being above average, showing all forms of happiness is high. We cannot hide, we face it all the time:  the people with special talents, who have everything.. Being average is almost scary… In the other way,  I can’t imagine you will be lucky in that cocoon. What I can imagine, that it is hard breaking through the shell.  But once you try you will find out eventually; “Because what is being average..?” I believe everyone is special in its own way and everyone is having his or her own talents to achieve great things in a different way – it doesn`t need to be shown on social media, you’re awesome in real life already!  We don’t have a choice whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it .  (don’t ask google ask me..!)  

“Luck is when opportunity knocks and you answer”

Luck & happiness begins with the decision to no longer feel sad. You have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go. Life is given but how you live is your responsibility. Being present and finding the joy in every moment. Believe in what will be, be grateful for what remains. 

One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you cannot change. It is what it is. You have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go. Focus on yourself. See the bigger picture, you don’t need to fit in or be compared. Live your life according to your own rules!

The yar of happiness and luck isn`t a yar. It`s a decision.

Give it a chance! May I suggest to try, before letting me know luck comes to me for free, and I have a yar full of it. Please be vulnerable to ask for help, read, talk.. try, try again.  Take more chances, be more active and show up. The best way to find happiness is not to wait for it, it is not the absence of problems, it is the ability to deal with them.

 Believe me or not I have been stuck in that cocoon many times, finding myself doing the same over and over again, waiting for? The yar of luck? No, from that moment I teach myself to do whatever makes me happy – no matter what other people “so called friends” think or do. They will push you around, you shouldn’t care. You only live once and if you do it right, once is enough. When finding out what change can give you.. you get good at it.

I am one of that persons that loves change, fair, development, fear it is what makes me happy, excited and chasing the things worth living for. I get a kick under my ass a lot of times, either I do it myself or someone else will do it.  But life gets more exciting like that though. Go on a journey of discovery. Making mistakes is allowed, giving up NOT.

“you deserve to be happy. You deserve to live a life you are excited about. Don`t let others make you forget that or take that from you. Being happy and lucky doesn’t come from having it all, it comes from appreciating what you already have”

Just in case you want to know, at the moment of writing this, I just published  my blog – My passport back in action. I also just arrived in Greece after an adventurous road. At the spot, but I couldn`t find my thing, be happy in the place, feel safe sleeping alone. No – one around yet and wind from the wrong direction. So, what the hell;  I just decided to move on. In a split second I booked a ticket. Take the ferry to …Paros and even that was hard, because of the suddenly bad weather, strong wind the ferry didn’t go. After a night of driving, one day in the sunny line (-useless). And the last ticket in de night sold out, a night in the middle of the harbour..  I almost thought what did I do now again. But hey I just went the next morning on the ferry……… and visited Athens for the night. Enjoyed the evening watching the boats and fisherman. Taking a shower on the parking lot, slept in front of the boat.  I was thinking; “will it all be worth it….?!”. But NO that`s wrong. It will be worth it, definitely. I have never been on that island before and … I am here right here, right now living life. Enjoy it and be lucky for the chance given to travel and kite all around the world.  And take a shower on the parking lot… who can say that…..;)          .. And I had the best time on Paros!

Last but not least: What makes you happy doesn’t have to make sense to others! If you don’t like something, change it. If you cannot change it, change your attitude.   

Perfection can’t stay there, you can’t stay on the line of perfection, perfection is the straight line through life. Life goes up and down and will occasionally hit that line – that perfection: that one moment, that one peak you need to win – that one moment of perfection – a happy and lucky moment: That will stay with you!

The 7 most annoying, yet funny disrupters in the gym

Lots of people I talk to, hate the gym… And to be honest I can`t really blame them. I personally do like the outside more, the freedom…nature, unexpected circumstances, beach, waves, wind… the space – adventure. But I had to admit that throwing some Iron makes you stronger and can be useful at times to reach your goals. Yet, the moment I walk in I already regre.. no regret is not the right word, I love a good workout.. It`s more a thought of what the heck am I doing here again?!.. might be me, that I am quickly distracted, have the focus of a little child. Asking myself a lot of times is it really true.. people actually do that..?!? My eyes get opened a lot of times, wide open… It`s like a big human zoo.

There are some types I see coming back from time to time. They have the talent to summon some funny yet annoying yet ridiculous irritations.. painful to be around, hilarious at times.  You have got mead heads, housewifes, woman with skimpy clothes and full on wearing make-up to work out (?!), creepzzz, grunters, the sweet potato’s, the markers, the housewife’s, the hoggs and way more. An that’s just the people. And my first week into an actual gym since forever.

Let me tell you about the 7 most annoying yet funny disrupters in the gym. Please read the article with an eye blink, all in the name of fun! 😉

1. The Grunter

The first that comes into my mind:  “I am about to poop in my pants” grunter. You all know that one guy, the one whose guttural “gaaaah” you clearly hear while being in opposite of the building – wearing or not wearing your headphones.

It`s just like the commercial of two tennis players and start to grunt and scream louder and louder every time they hit the ball. In the gym this happens too – only than by moving a weight. Mostly by a deep red face, throbbing veins, deeply in sweat. Its funny on one side, sad on the other side.

Everyone knows them, I did only need one minute and one gym entry for that.  That guy that always walks to the weight rack no matter how small or how big he is , well and then you hear it:

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhh *smash*

Uggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh *smashhhhh*

Once you’re yelling that loudly, you clearly can’t lift that much weight (yet), you clearly don’t have any regard for the people around you (!), and you’re clearly going to give yourself an inguinal hernia… Just put down the weight one little lighter, more movements and problem solved – I didn’t had the idea anyway I was looking at George of the jungle…

I get it that sometimes in the last set there will be a sign of tiredness escaping… or you can`t put the heavy weight down that easy… but like the whole one and half hour.. screaming, grunting while the whole gym can enjoy it?? Did I mention human zoo?

2. Sweat Puddler

Like the special guest I always look out for in the gym:  Mister dip the sweat puddler.. every dip goes down with a performative grunt, and he does like a hundred a day,  last but not least mister dip is sweating like,,,? Every drop counts? – I really leave that machine for the rest of.. my life.  Sweating is expected, but sweat puddles left on machines, benches, the floor (!) is just not. Carry a towel to soak up the mess.

Another competitor in the era is: Mister croco the sweat puddler #2 showing up in his boardshorts and crocs, using the stairwalk machine every day, he`d drip sweat like no one before, a giant bottle of frozen coke melting in the sun. It`d be all over the machine.. the place.. not just the handles…a snake track is nothing like it. The whole place looked like it was left outside in the rain.. Yep this people also exist.. leaving sopping in his crocs… without even thinking about cleaning up his mess.

“I grunted loudly at the gym today, nobody looked to see how much I was lifting.. so I slammed down the weights, let my sweat run down the machine, now they will remember me. – Mr. Sweat Puddler – also known as The Grunter.”

3. Collect them all

That one that sets up a bench in front of the dumble reck, surrounds himself with every imaginable weight and plans to use them for the next foreseeable future. Like we used to do as kids with Pokémon cards… The only difference is that we took care of our cards but mr. collect them all, he leaves it all, once he is done.  You just lifted them, that means you should be able (at least ) to put them back in the dumble rack. You know the rack, which is organised with numbers 1 -2- 3 – etc. Which dumble goes where: Reracking weights is the easiest thing in the world ( I tought until today).             

Just like using one at the time, that saves some cleaning. While you leave with a yoga matt for a stretch in the other room to come back wit a skippyball. What the…?! Am I the only one noticing you might forgot something..

Who is the usual culprit? A doofus just doing drop sets of seated rear delt-trap-neck, belly arm things that no one has ever seen or heard of, but you can tell it’s just wrong. It would be forgivable if it weren’t so selfish. Newsflash: Other people want to train with dumbbells too; you don’t get to keep tabs on all of them.

4. Reserved holiday goer & Machine Hogs

“Actually I don`t do sets, I don’t have any reps, but I wont be done for a while”

You have the machine hogs, the texting machine hogs, the group machine hogs.  Because they are with a group the can exchange machines and take their time. Conversations about the girls they got at the club last week. Girls gossiping, talking about rainbows and unicorns and all else that doesn’t make sense in a gym. There is a coffee machine on the other side of the road.. maybe a better place for all daily nonsense..?  And you know what: there are actual chairs!  

The bro`s, the locusts . They are everywhere and not going anywhere anytime soon. Look at them in your local gym.. They are recognized by drinking workout shakes / water.. together and talking really loudly about the “chick they banged” last night and probably lying about it – I guess.

Or the staring housewife, not everyone is so serious as you… For instance: The little too big housewife that is just staring in front of the machine, or doing just as little as a 50 (!) reps on the machine you actually reallyyyy want to use. Lets get to work.

“What’cha doin’? Not much?

Yeah… not much. “

While others act if they are in an all inclusive hotel…the reserved holiday goer, also well known as the marker:  towel on the beach bed 07:00 and still a sleep until 13:00 .. it can better be there before you realize you actually want to use it or..??   The part I do understand is leaving a towel on a bench to save it because you have to run to the bathroom or fill up your water bottle, the part I don`t understand is marking half the gym with your shit. – because you’re 135 pounds, have more zits than muscle, and believe that circuit training is your salvation – is as rude and inconsiderate as it is nuts.

And than we have the all equipment hogger, the dude (or dudine – but I haven`t seen one – yet) that thinks he is alone in the gym, takes three towels, a bidon and some other personal crap ..doing his own circuit; using every single piece in the gym at the same time. and he hollers out across the gym to let everybody know, “Hey, bro! I’m on that. Doin’ a circuit!”

Circuit training has a time and place, but it is not in a busy gym. Stop hoging all the equipment.

5. The Texters

“No squatting in the texting reck, please”

Yep, every once in a while (I hope every once in a while for all of you) during peak hours in the gym you’re waiting for a machine, weight rack and you spot someone spending more time texting than actually working out. The I am not done yet  but let me finish this text `slacker, guys. It takes them ages to get off a machine, sometimes and I really wonder how this is possible, but people do it: people will literally be on their phones having full conversations and chatting throughout the entire workout.

Than you have the people with the facebook uploads, to the gym “beastmode on,  lifting, training with ma bro`s”.. Do we give a fuck? . NO we don’t give a fuck… For real. Dudeee move onnn…

Great workout #fitness #cleaneating

#shutup .. Guess you know all these people by .. wait no.. you won’t, because you unfollowed them three months ago..

“What if I told you you can go to the gym without telling everyone on facebook about it”

6. Selfiesss Selfiesssss, Everywhere!

The shame… but it’s not enough to stop you from doing it again! After all, do gains even count if you don’t share them on Insta?  Goes to the gym once: 4 status updates , 65 photos, and buys “I gym for live tee”.

“I don’t always go to the gym but when  do I make sure everyone on facebook knows about it.”

Have you ever ‘checked in’ at the gym? If the answer is yes, go hang your head in shame. More selfies than reps… but that’s none of my business. – watch me bro, post this on insta. Well, to be honest, I was shocked when I saw this for the first time… people actually do this!?? The answer is yes.

7. Strike a Pose – abusers

Once I was on training camp in another country – the other side of the world – in the local gym – a guy next to me take off his shirt, start flexing in the mirror, and then start taking selfies, staring at his biceps in every possible angle. – IN the gym. On the other side every once in a while there’s a competitor who goes into a side room of the gym and flexes or practices a pose – lets say another world opened up for me. I believe you. Your muscles grow if you work out.. and it is absolutely fine to look at them, but to hit a pose after every set?  maybe next time do it at home..?

To be fair, he’s not as inconsiderate as the others. But because he’s a walking stereotype, he furthers the image of the narcissistic bodybuilder with little intellect and class. In other words, he’s a self-congratulatory douchebag.

Next to this you have the ones that use the gym -mirror, mostly in front of you, to check the hair or the way the too tight pants fit. You know the mirror is there for a purpose? To check your form and maybe check double if you are not a vampire. For all else we have a dressing room or a home.

Who else would you add to the list of gym hero`s ..??

You know all those things you`ve always wanted to do..? You  should go and do them!

De vraag waarom? Die krijg ik best vaak, het antwoord is simpel: Het blijft je bij!

Ja, het blijft je bij, nee je wordt er niet rijk van. Dat is voor heel weinig weggelegd. Het gaat niet vanzelf, het is keihard werken. En ja met een klein foutje kan alles over zijn. En ja je moet dingen opgeven, keuzes maken, teleurstellen. Maar waarom dan nog? Nog een keer.. Nou, het blijft je bij. Het gaat om het moment van die ene overwinning. En dat blijft je bij.

Dat ene moment. Waar je alles voor gelaten hebt, alles voor gedaan hebt –de weg die je hebt afgelegd, de persoon die je geworden bent – doordat je, je passie hebt gevolgd en niets anders:

De obstakels die je moet overwinnen. De obstakels die je los moet laten om te groeien. Leven gaat niet over vallen, het gaat erom wat je erna doet. Wat je eruit meeneemt en daarmee doet. Slechte dingen gebeuren die kun je niet tegen houden.  Het is allemaal onderdeel van het proces. Jouw groei als persoon en als atleet. Dat blijft je bij, niemand pakt je dat meer af, het is jouw ontwikkeling, jouw weg jouw passie – jouw droom!!

Perfectie kan er niet blijven, je kan niet op de lijn van perfectie blijven, perfectie is de rechte lijn door het leven. Het leven gaat op en neer en zal af  en toe die lijn raken – die perfectie: dat ene moment, die ene piek die jij nodig hebt om te winnen.

Je leert dat dingen in leven niet altijd perfect hoeven zijn, maar af en toe die lijn raken. Dat houdt je gemotiveerd. Dat daagt je uit. Dat laat je keihard werken voor datgeen dat je wilt bereiken.  Ookal krijg je soms de vraag: Wat doe je dan hier? Waarom ben in je in Nederland? Werken hier? Dat is toch niets voor een atleet? Mag dat wel?… Trainen alleen, dat heeft toch geen zin..? Je hebt twee masters..? Onthoudt: Niets is zoals het lijkt.  

“Imperfection is a way of freedom”

Ja, dat ene moment van overwinning.. en de week erna zit je weer gewoon  in de collegezaal alsof er niets gebeurd is sta je gewoon weer shakes te maken, dozen te stapelen,  of  cappuccino’s met hartjes in elkaar te zetten. Alles om toe te werken naar dat grotere moment – je droom waar te maken.  Met een vrolijke goeiemorgen voor die chauffeur,  die nog en lange dag te gaan heeft , maar hem nu wel positief begint ondanks alle chaos, ondanks zijn eigen verhaal. Voor die ene lach van die conducteur, iets kleins wat zijn hele dag weer goed maakt…. En die van jou ook, want het blijft je bij. Dat ene moment, die glimach, die alles toch heel even perfect maakt – dat moment waarvoor je alles doet. Het moment dat het harde werken waard is, ookal is het maar voor even.  Ookal is het iets kleins. Je laat iets achter, het blijft iedereen bij – je laat zien dat een glimlach het waard is, ookal is het voor heel even. Wees de reden van die glimlach, het begin van de goede dag.  Die overwinning is iedereen weer vergeten na een week, maar de weg die jij vrij maakt, wat jij laat zien, de mogelijkheden in het leven, hoe jij je passie volgt, die droom,  de glimlach die jij geeft – dat blijft ze bij! Je kan zoveel meer dan je denkt. Door mijn weg te delen, hoop ik dat ik jullie inspireer om ook je eigen weg te vinden in deze wereld, te geloven in niets en niemand anders als jezelf en je dromen waar te maken.  Doordat jij je passie hebt gevolgd.

You know all those things you`ve always wanted to do..? You should go and do them!

“Representing Possibilities”

Mijn leven is ook niet perfect maar imperfection is a way of freedom. Je kan geen grootheid bereiken met alleen obstakels te overwinnen. Het gaat niet om die te overleven , het gaat erom ze te begrijpen – ervan te leren. Ermee om te gaan en soms te geloven in die imperfectie.  Het gaat om kleine dingen bij succes, geen rommel. Je pakt in voor gevecht, je bereid je voor op een gevecht, je werkt toe naar die piek.  Dingen om je heen moet je leren respecteren, dat geeft je meer controle.  Leren accepteren en leren aan te passen. Het hele proces eromheen, of het werken (cappuccino’s met hartjes maken, dozen stapelen), school, trainen de supermarkt of t` dagelijks leven is. Wat het ook is goede atleten zien uitdaging en pakken die aan. Je gaat voor succes. Of het nou alleen is of met een team om je heen. Elke fout, is een leerproces. Die horen bij het leven, het gaat om de reactie erop.  Als je er toch aan gaat, dan helemaal. Je droom volgen, je eigen passie, niet die van iemand anders. No matter the conditions. Alleen dan gaat het je lukken. Om af en toe die lijn te raken, die lijn van perfectie, die ene overwinning op dat juiste moment! Die glimlach en je droom waar te maken 

“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more left to take away. “

Ja en soms lijkt het of je in cirkels loopt, ronddraait en niks bereikt, maar vergeet niet dat een springveer ook uit cirkels bestaat en dat die de weg omhoog laten zien.  De weg naar dat ene moment.

En dat ene moment…. dat blijft je bij J En die ontwikkeling, de weg die je hebt afgelegd, de dingen geleerd, de ervaring, de avonturen, de nieuwe vrienden gemaakt, de inspiratie die je achterlaat:  dat proces, dat proces van imperfectie naar dat hele kleine moment van perfectie dat pakt niemand je meer af, dat maakt je sterk, maakt je wie je bent en laat je glimlachen. En alleen doordat ik mijn passie heb gevolgd, en mijn droom.  Dus daarom 

“Sometimes – Dreams do come true”

Blijf imperfect, blijf jezelf, klim de berg zodat jij de wereld kan zien, niet omdat de wereld jou kan zien. Geloof in dat ene moment en die lijn – ook al is die klein.  Op je eigen manier.  Er bestaat niet iets zoals een perfect werk – leven- studie -familie balans. Alles wat het vechten voor waard is brengt je leven in onbalans.  Wees niet bang om te vechten voor je dromen en wees niet bang voor een beetje onbalans – soms brengt dat je juist naar de beste momenten!  En daarna …. trek je het gewoon weer recht! Volg je passie, en je eigen droom – vertrouw op je eigen keuzes!

“Perfect people arn`t real and real people.. they ain`t perfect – Be brave, Be kind & Be YOU! ”

The year of 2020 – The moments that matter 

Hope you all enjoy your 2021 as far as possible!?

Starting the year of 2021 in the freezing cold of the Netherlands… frozen hands on the water,  I missed that.. NOT. But hey,  I can’t complain a few years earlier I earned to kite in the middle of the ice. (it’s still feels like summer now  ) … Winter just became my new summer!  

While at the moment of writing this little story,  the politicians are discussing the evening clock and all rules I don`t even know about yet – But hey!  today its 45 knots and above 5 degrees, we are allowed outside.. that means WINNING!!  And that’s what matters!

“we can`t control everything that happens, but we can change our experience of those things”

 … Lately I get a lot of questions about my 2020 and about my 2021.. and what the hell am I doing in the cold on the water.. working every night….since mannyyy years.  “When are you leaving again? Training? Competitions? Travelling? Is it possible? Cancelled? Postponed?  Well,  I don’t have the answer either – it`s all difficult and strange, with a feeling am I doing it right or …… what will happen if ……”. It has been a year of chasing freedom, home gyms….and new experiences. Learning to enjoy the moments that matter!  Leaving to train has become expensive with all obligatory tests etc… and risks not to come back or… cancelled. So meanwhile I make the most of being HOME! 

2020 – You have been one hell of a  stormy year in all directions!  Yet an extremely though year, for some more than others. But it can`t rain forever (even not in Holland) and the dark clouds, they come to pass not to stay – don’t worry, I promise.

I (we) have been “home” more than “normal”. And that’s when…I realized, there’s no going back to “normal”.  It will never be the same. The world changed and so did we.  .  Sadly seeing people leave this world (are they victim of the virus or the rules?), on the other side lives are saved, I  lost and I learned,  we cancelled and found new opportunity’s, I closed doors and opened new ones, got stuck but created new ways. After all, all around the world life is not the way it used to be – anymore. So many questions, but there are no answers – just choices, life is to be lived. Just because things are not at their best right now does not mean that we should give up or shouldn’t enjoy the moments we actually can! Yes we haven’t been training as we wanted or competing the way it is supposed to be… reaching the goals we wanted to, everything is uncertain – it is what it is. And yes life is unfair at times, and it might be not the year I (we) hoped for.. what  did I hoped for anyway….???

I just want you to know: There are rules, but there is really no wrong way. There is not a specific “right way” to go through this pandemic. Neither there is “an award” for who is the best or the most miserable going through this. There is no government in the whole world saying “fun” is cancelled.(and that’s an important one I personally think!)  Neither that we should go in social isolation or finger point at each other. While appreciation, cancelled,  social distance, acceptance, quarantined, evening clocks, virtual dinner, balcony bingo and shared screen meetings are the new words we learn. Neighbor bush tennis is a new sport and patience is a big part of our “new” lives now.  

And yes this year might destroyed some lives, dreams, families – everyone  struggled. And yes there are no promises 2021 will be easier. Simply because: you can`t prepare for the future. We never know what life might throw at us tomorrow….. 

“it isn`t where you came from, it is where you going now – that counts”

So I made up one rule this year, finding out the things I wanted to do wouldn’t work out as usual:

Don’t miss out on the right things worrying about all the bad & wrong things:  All you can do is focus on the good, the reasons to smile, to laugh and do the best you can!! Take care of yourself and those around you – focus on the moments that matter!

 ……..because  once this storm is over you won`t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won`t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won`t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm`s all about. And so you should make 2021 another storm to never forget for yourself- wherever you are and whatever you do! Be brave be kind and be YOU!

The moments that matter – 2020 I:

• Started off in  Cabarete, with lots of kiting in all disciplines and new adventures and friends, ready for more foiling and snowkiting the weeks after (I thought).

• Snowkiting competitions ended up with lots of free snowboarding and skiing instead.

• Learned for the first time about the Covid 19 and quickly realized it wasn’t a joke: Everyone and all underestimated this virus, not realizing what kind of impact it would have on our family’s and lives. What this virus will take from us and how hard we will face the reality after… But maybe also a bit what it will bring us.
• Broke my wrist with while skating .. oooops. But if I had to anyway – the timing was perfect.  Got finally back on the water in June. That made me make more walks than ever, discovered the dunes just around the corner…but no, walking ain`t for me – yet.  But I  also learned to surfskate,  endless rides on the new swell…the concrete waves. Which was way more fun!

• Got myself a new challenge and inline skated 100 km & 120 km – which was pretty cool to do. And I will do it again some time  next up: rondje markermeer……………
• Learned to wing & that’s where the door opened into a new direction on  gusty lakes… they instantly became fun!  Tried to SUP foil for the first time in my life… costed some bruises and some fights in the waves, but ..yet another door opened……… And I also went on a little wing adventure which taught me some more ocean knowledge.  Did my first attempt to surf foiling – which I still suck at for the moment and – I am a bit scared for… the mast the waves, the leash.. But to be good at something you have to suck at something first is it… ??

• Flew a 21m for the first time(without downlooping it  straight into the water). Finally took the floaters & the chickenloop of the bar…………. Also…. Decorated a pole on the beach as a Christmas tree with my kite … somewhere in spain…….  Oooops….Still not the most skilled “foil nerd” out there…learning every day 

• Worked more than ever (- people keep on ordering) – counted teddy bears on the road (bicycle) to work. Through the empty streets and city centre of the first lock down.  No partying people anymore in the city in the middle of the night, whishing me good luck at work.  And the second lockdown made it even worse, I can`t imagine a Friday evening with partying people anymore…?? I need to have permission to be outside t cycle to work every night… and yet I explain it every night….because police officers are just doing  their work.
• Learned Balou (our dog) what kiting is all about.

• Travelled for the first time again during the whole covid situation:  To spain for the Spanish tour, became third.  Realized I needed a bit more practice.

• Discovered kitespots in Germany, camping with all (!) kitegear, winggear & foil gear.  Twintipped more than I foiled. – but enjoyed every moment!

• Became 20^th on the individual Europeans in Poland. Kited in more seaweeds than I would have ever imagined.  Finally legal, participated my first ever team event as Dutch team in Austria at the europeans (the new Olympic class). Which was fun to do.

• Slept in a van for over a month, drove more than 6000 km in total with my co driver:  DOG. Meanwihhile……Killed 4 phones in a year incl. simcards – personal record. Reconnected with my best friend on the road the VW van.  read more Learned everything about how to convert a van, how to install solar panels, a window, became an electrician, still learning for car mechanic though.

• I have been HOME with Christmas! (right on time for dinner). No Christmas tree but a house full of kites boards, skates, skateboards, skies snowboards, wings and love  its Christmas every day at our house. I have been awake during the Dutch New Year. (that has been a while……).. and HOME.
• After tooo many requests I finally started the shop again… still a work in progress project.. but coming sooooooon for you guys toooooo!!  So from frozen to liquid water you can support my dreams and become part of my road around the foiling world again.. representing the Dutch on competitions and trying to reach the top in kitefoiling!!    Anyway … stay tuned! 

I should have… I wish… I planned … ooohw: cancelled!  I miss.. but I embrace what I have and appreciate HOME!! Grateful for the little getaways and training moments we have now and then.  I can still work, study and am still al live – which is pretty cool  . The most valuable things in life cannot be seen, bought or touched – 2020 taught me.

The Netherlands became our new adventure project with the kite, sup , surf foil, wing, skates, skateboard AND  winter just became my summer so let`s enjoy it!

From being unplanned, flexible  and unorganized, too creative and making a mess, to all of that  finally works out in a good way, because 2020 was and 2021 still is all about that!  Stop swimming against the current (accept life is what it is and it will be unfair sometimes) – it doesn’t make any  sense, go with the flow:  be imperfect, be that one that says; “Nah that ain`t for me”- set your own goals and go or it – even though its different!

 Keep shreddin`  & see you out there!! 

Don`t ask google ask me!

Vaak hoor ik: maar dat staat niet op facebook? Dat post je helemaal niet? Eeuh nee, we weten allemaal dat de klaag muur ergens anders staat toch? 🙂  En een zielig verhaal delen, de mindere dingen, is dat om het delen, of om aandacht te trekken. Ik weet het niet. Alles krijgt altijd zijn eigen leven op social – media. Aan 1 leven heb ik genoeg. En we hebben allemaal een verhaal, ons eigen verhaal, waar alleen wij zelf de waarheid van weten. Vaak wordt er geoordeeld vanuit het hoofdstuk waar mensen binnen lopen.  Of bij wat ze zien, een moment opname, vergeleken met het eigen pad. We luisteren, lezen en kijken om te reageren, te oordelen, niet om te begrijpen. Is dat wat ik wil bereiken? Nee.

“ik ben jou niet”

En wie zegt dat facebook een reflectie is van mijn complete leven, mijn werkelijkheid. Dat is wat ervan gemaakt wordt. Reality, open en eerlijk is het zeker wel als het om het kitesurfen gaat, de competities en het reizen. Gewoon omdat ik dat leuk vind om met jullie te delen. Omdat ik weet dat er vragen over zijn en dat het gelezen word. En misschien andere weer verder op weg kan helpen op een reis, te inspireren of die dromen toch echt te volgen. Om niet bang te zijn anders te leven dan anderen. Soms en later worden altijd – nooit! Sommige mensen zullen toch nooit begrijpen waarom jij een bepaald pad in slaat om te bewandelen. En dat hoeven ze ook niet, het is jou reis, jou verhaal! Dus waar wacht je op. Niet perfect is ook goed.  Gemaakt om te laten zien wat er is in de wereld, wat er kan en niet om ook maar iemand jaloers te maken. Want geloof me dat is echt nergens voor nodig!

Mijn verhalen en herinneringen levend houden – voor mijzelf.

Degene die de rest willen weten , kunnen het vragen. Degene die het verhaal achter die positieve, motiverende toch kritische post willen weten. Of waarom deze quote?   Die zijn er ook. En dat laten ze weten, een berichtje of een vraag. Gewoon persoonlijk ipv aan de hele wereld.  Een wedstrijd die eens wat minder gaat, resultaat waar ik niet trots op ben, is allemaal part of the game. Maar ik zie dat meer als motivatie. Niet perse slecht / dat komt dan ook zeker wel voorbij. Zonder “struggles geen progressie”.  Werk studie school / familie, mijn verhaal, dat is van mij en niet van social media.  This  is real  life!   En hier vind je stukjes daarvan, antwoord op sommige vragen, aan jullie om een relevante puzzel compleet te maken. Om alles echt te begrijpen i.p.v te beoordelen.

 “don`t ask google , ask me”

Because…Life isn’t perfect but it has perfect moments!👌 😊 #throwback🔙

Yesss I am still alive🙃, maybe not that responsive or sharing the kitesessions with you – yet, but my arm is still in one piece and I am just hanging on, learning to be patience, to not fight the facts, to deal with it and this world!🤷‍♀️ What about you guys?

Even now, when times get tough & things get super strange (well, not only things…also people’s mentality). All around the world life is not the way it used to be – anymore.🤔🌏So many questions, but there are no answers– just choices, life is to be lived. Just because things are not at their best right now does not mean that we should give up or shouldn’t enjoy the moments we actually can!🙌🙌

There is not a specific “right way” to go through this pandemic. Neither there is “an award” for who is the best or the most miserable going through this. There is no government in the whole world saying “fun” is cancelled. Neither that we should go in social isolation or finger point at each other.👮While appreciation, social distance, acceptance, virtual dinner, balcony bingo and shared screen meetings are the new words we learn. Neighbor bush tennis is a new sport and patience is a big part of our “new” lives now🤷‍♀️

Just remember life isn`t about surviving these things, it`s about understanding this –we are all struggling (and not only the ones in need of a hospital bed). Do we focus on the right things?We might save lives now, but don’t we destroy some in the end?We can’t hide from it, it exist and it will exist forever. And we might have to live a bit longer like this. 🤐Keep hustling, keep fighting and keep hanging on!💪

And once the storm is over you won`t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won`t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over.But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won`t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm`s all about.🌪️⚡

We might be further away from each other, but in another way we are closer than ever.Be brave, be kind and be You!😊❤️

#enjoythemoment #seeyousoon #sportstays #hangonjustalittlelonger

WORLD…???

World? yes you world, know what?? Should we uninstall 2020 and reinstall it. This version has a virus.. it ended up on standby – but not on hold – for a lot of us. Are you confused already? Trapped inside? On standby – mode? Kiting? Or isolated? Or reopened already?? What to do and what is the best decision?   This year.. I rather skip it..? Or.. well, maybe it brought us some good things to?

 We ended up into two worlds. One with really bad things, hospitals full of reality – showing how vulnerable we actually are. Closed businesses, people without jobs, closed schools… uncertainty about the future.  Working at the grocery store is suddenly a highly important job, we might have to realize after this as well. Just like the transport. Without transport no medication – food – or anything.  In the other world it brought us together, the you know what gave us time.  We might be fyrther apart than ever, but in the other world we are closer than ever before.

And some days, I think it brought us a bit apart, because of different opinions, lost lives, lost friends, family, all processing this on our own way, discovering new things thoughts and having time…. Yes it`s still our world we have to live in.

The You Know what virus got us like:

“I have seen people doing the craziest things finally find their creative inner self. Challenges from the best crash to foiling inside to the in your face, throwbacks and push up challenges. Looks like were all still alive…... from the toilet paper madness to doing skateboarding backflips of the roof, snowboarding on blankets from the window, climbing around the whole house, skiing on the table, kiting at the stairs. Granny’s with sticks in the park to chase everyone on a 2m distance… We are guilty too, actually already whole my live I realized just now:  Made a little skate bowl in the backyard, practice board flips from the chair (sorry neighbors ..again) , skate tricks on the carpet and I do play soccer indoors, slide the table and nothing to say about the gym upstairs.. meanwhile  I write this blog, still with one hand, staring out of the window – I see people starting new hobbies though the street… skating, slackline etc.. We all got our own quarantine goals it seems. #stayathome #dontstaysafe or..??”

The Ride of uncertainity

One thing is sure:  We have to ride through this together. Even if it`s through the swell in your living room (for some countries around the world). Or kiting with the wind of the ventilator  in the bedroom. We are in this together – not alone! Don’t be selfsentric.  It surprises me how disciplined some people are.. and some totally not.  During the day, going skating – I am never alone anymore – everyone is outside. (I am too.. #quilty). But Every step I make, every trick I do someone is talking to me, looking for communication, positive though… Being some kind of entertainment show dancing on my longboard in front of the “street of old people”. Recognized by every window that shows a head with grey hair – staring and waving – and secretly smiling. Yes I still play outside – because staying at home and staying safe just doesn’t work for me. But I don’t complain if some beach or anything needs to be closed. They should have a reason for it. We shouldn’t discus this. Closed is closed. But for now I am happy we can still be outside and…. no –one said fun is cancelled. But we have to keep our distance and not make it too busy everywhere. Do what you got to do and go home! J

Meanwhile, some are worrying about them being chased of the beach with a drone. Competitions that get moved, a way to still effectively train. Why? To beat the rest of the world? but what if the world beats us? While you were too busy living your live, finding a spot to kite driving across borders… It shouldn’t be a discussion.

You know that people die alone? People fight the biggest fight of their lives, alone? People are left alone? People do there last breath, alone? We are not untouchable. I hope you realize that too. I know some do, but some not.  I know by now how vulnerable we actually are, after seeing a hospital full of reality and hardworking people. You can for sure, but don’t complain if they close something because of you.  Instead team up, accept it and try to understand. If you really want too:  Make it happen, find a way to keep the spirit alive in a responsible manner, so sport can stay (without finger pointing each other). Just like the people that had to shut down there business. Or the once that lost lives or beloved ones.  I don’t hear them complaining too, while they are suffering just like the people in need of a hospital bed. So do something useful with your time. And don’t make the world think we don’t care. Be self-disciplined – accept what`s expected from you.

Ps.

You will discover some funny facts though:

• The new hobby of the neighbor is maybe not where he is made for.
• That the dog is the most wanted object nowadays.
• That we fight about who is throwing away the thrash.
• People that keep so many distance, they must be measuring in inches.
• Hand sanitizer helps you discover new cuts you never know you had.
• That some people know shit about technology and skype “I can’t hear youuuuu, Hellooooo, Hellloooo – Maybe switch on the microfoon” . and you can work in pajamas, sticking some tape on top of the webcam. Don’t start with sharing a screen.
• That your girlfriend (or boyfriend!!) is not made to be a haircutter – another reason to switch of that webcam.
• That you actually have nice neighbors. And playing badminton over the wall can be fun to.
• Never had so much fun with toilet paper, admit it.
• Wishing your parents good luck when they go shopping.
• shopping together everyone with their own cart made it a bit more funny.

The you – know – what: Use it wisely

Hamster virus or  the virus of stupidity? Anyway – Use it wisely.

The you – know – what …It made me realize waking up, seeing the sun shining – outside,  I have the chance to see another day – be thankful. Many others are not able to, some never – and it happens faster than you ever can imagine. Within one week I started to ask myself the question again and again… Is this our world? Yes now it is. Some are still free, some are locked, beaches are closed, gyms, restaurants, schools and even the borders – everything thats not important to healthcare. Some friends are stuck on places you don`t want to be- almost in a war kind of situation. It s serious.

The reason I share this story with you : This week my opinion got asked… I actually dont got one: I am just curious whats going to happen with our world.

Our world: I looked around with my surprised face. My eyes wide open (and no I wasn’t in the supermarket in front of the toilet papers – this time). Is this our world? An elderly woman asked me if I know she could go inside to her husband. Once she told me where he was – even I know that moment I couldn’t help her I tried – really hard  – because that’s my work and that`s what we should do during this times – help each other. But then I realized no-body could help her anymore… Life changed, the world changed- we have to accept it and deal with it – help people even though we know we can`t. Be nice but keep distance and listen to the advice.

..a bit shocked to leave the elderly lady alone, waiting like that. I gave her one of my kitesurfing magazines to read an get a bit of distraction in this ..world.

…Walking further outside the door with my fresh cast, all test survived – still in another world. It changed in a week. A reporter catches me to ask about my work, my cast, my arm and anything inside and outside the hospital – I didn’t realized it, did some staring at what’s going on around. My friend works at the IC in Italy and.. meanwhile I am seeing her with tears in her eyes this morning on skype:

” no- one knows what`s really happening inside the hospitals”. “The neighbors are in quarantine… friends in voluntary quarantine to travel others stuck on dangerous places… people lose beloved ones they never had the time to see or properly talk with…or let the phone ring 10 times, just because you didn’t make the time – later suddenly became never” “healthy people can transfer the virus without noticing… or too late.. and I need to make impossible choices” – i dont like this world – and people dont take it serious. That all, because you’re live was based on financial decisions, egoistic decisions, you wanted that party, or that gym session above all and now you regret not picking up that phone earlier or saying hello once in a while a little more. “threated my first patient and now months later, I already did too many – too many who did not survive – I can`t do it anymore.. my parents…they are in another hospital…how long can we continue like this…?”:  she said.

I didn’t noticed but the reporter is staring with me for already half an hour, quietly – listing to the conversation with my friend.  In the supermarket and the streets around we still make fun about it, children play, we are talking cloe to each other, but this world here is different. It opened my eyes – wide open. With respect to all nurses and all other hard working people inside this world, our world. Be nice, help people out, but keep distance and listen to the advice. And just make a stupid video, enjoy netflix, start another challenge at home, have a skype party with friends, play with the toilet paper, shower in desinfaction.. but dont go running all on the same road… enjoy the nice weather from your backjard for a while. We are in this together as one world.

“I work inside the hospital & transport on location , not at home and in the night shifts aswell (not as a nurse  )and I do have a cast around my arm I have been in there, seen the quarantine, the tests, experienced it all yes”… oow … “My story from inside and outside this world, you asked?”

A gift

Forget about the other viruses going one these days: the hamster virus and the virus of stupidity. But honestly, I think it’s a gift, a gift of time we never have. Always people have the excuses I don’t have time, I can’t make time. Here you go: Now you got it. Use it wisely. Now you have the time to play with the kids, talk to your parents on the phone, to read that book or watch that movie, to study, to sit on that couch you didn’t even know there was in your house, to clean everything you needed to clean for ages, ask your friends how they do – by zoom. Time, to reset and realize what really matters the most in life. To overthink your dreams, passion and goals. Use it wisely. Before starting to get angry, panic around or complain or do if nothing is going one.

Some of us have been there and have seen how it is in the hospitals, quarantine and around – it`s not a joke. Seen with own eyes what is going on, been inside this story. And usually I am the one going against it and ditch that rules, because I am not scared and like adventure. But this ..this is different. People are crying – outside – because, people who are loved really die, alone. Never seeing your beloved ones anymore. Nurses have to make sacrifices they never want to. Need to implement ramp scenarios teached on university but never thought they would ever use. But its what’s really happening now – all around the world – and we are just hanging on.

So if you have been given time, because of a cancelled trip or work shift, you’re not allowed to do your favorite sport- Use it wisely.  I know you are disappointed not being locked down on that favorite kite or holiday island, not being able to work, too see your friends, you wish you studied for another job to work now (accountant or transport.. or nurse), but there are worse things in the world right now. Enjoy your gift – time and Use it wisely. Be glad if you are at home and safe – keep it like that.

We can still make fun about it, because when you look outside the window the sun is shining and all is the same but the world is different. We can still do things we want to and have to do, because we got time  – Use it wisely.  And not by emptying supermarkets or pharmacies…or going against rules that are necessary, follow advice and keep on smiling there is more than you think! You don’t have to react to everything and always – let it go. Open up for new things, help and be nice – stay home.

“And personally..? “ Well …eeeeuhhh I dont have too much to say  “you use it wisely..?” “What about the isolation..?.. did youre life changed..?”

I just love it when the hardest choices are made for me… (for the once of you who missed the cast around my arm)

• I don’t hold myself back. Even though a broken arm or something else that still let me walk. There is always a way ..always, you just have to find it.  So the Red bull race in Norway.. I didn’t even think about how to fit that hand glove with the cast. I will make it happen, just like holding that kite. Be brave and go out there. Against some opinions.. but I can’t decide not to do it – if I can. That’s not me. Appears that they cancelled the race because of the you-know-what….and shut down the whole country.. and two weeks of quarantine to Snowkite in a country is a bit too complicated if home is nice too… And the countries around did shut down too, so the choice is made for me again – no snowkiting also somewhere else, stay safe.
• Same story: Soccer, rainy , outside and we had one person short. We just can`t afford it to get a fine and to lose, to lose the points we need – because it would be an easy win… And I can’t let a team down. Because that means no champion this year – not an option. So even though I had to run away from the ball, hide for the shot of the defender,  I would have gone there for sure. What appears? They cancelled all the competitions – next weeks…

 Happy me again 

It let me think Isolation ready or normal lifestyle…..?

When you actually find out, your normal lifestyle is already self- isolation – proof…

• We did some unintended hoarding already – no not because of the you-know-what. But because of going to Norway. So we are ready for 3 weeks at home.. Usually we don’t have any food at home.. need anything?
• We do have a floor full of gym toys, maybe sooner than we had a real bed – I didn’t had a gym subscription anyway.
• Well,  I already practice my skate tricks, soccer tricks inside the house on rainy days… sorry neighbors, plants and mum (but you should blame dad for the ideas and kicking the ball always to hard). Am I the only one in this? The kitebar is also swinging around in the room. Just like the dinner table we use for table tennis or the wall made empty for tennis…or who has still the skippy balls at home..?
• No – one looks strange now if I have 1 arm and 1 arm inside my jacket, I can’t shake your hand. Its policy now is it? Maybe I should keep the other arm inside as well, do you think?

Finally people woke up or am I the one isolated always… ?

Thinking more about that… my life goes one like usual…. (Sofar)

• Watching the class together with my teammates back at home. Usually I am the strange one watching all classes from under a palm tree, from a boat, on top of a mountain or in the ice cave – on the other side of the world. They might follow me next time….well and its 2020 after all so we all have some sort of skype, Facebook, Instagram to stay in touch. It’s not that hard, I had to fight the first years to convince everyone I could study online, stay in touch online, work online… the world is changing. oké and I stil have to watch 30 lectures old 3 hours back ……………. How long should I stay at home? another year?
• They don’t always have to bump into you in the train or bus anymore.. and no traffic jams. Its nicely quit outside in public transport and people keep distance. You get even a seat in the busy train in the early morning or on Saturday night after a shift – nice! but also strange in a way…..
• And you know? You can always switch of the tv or social media. (if you only know how many time my phone is on flight mode… ssst). Take a break from everything and stay in your own world and use your time. But not too long, the world might have moved on during that time. Not guilty… but yes I am the one who sometimes misses out on complete conversations and appointments, questions…etccccc.

Home or?

• I can finally (yes mum – really this time) unpack my boardbag, which I already had to do for ages. Every time I left I just took another boardbag, snow, sun – or the same and never unpacked just switched incl. the dirty clothes… The story of the past months. And finally the skies are waxed up and ready.. for next season. This season the wouldn’t make it ready anyway 
• Actually home feels like a holiday now if you are there three quarters of the year. No place like home. Finally the time to fix that door we had to do already a few years ago…  And did you now I also have family? Just wished them happy new year J finally I wake up and  I know where I am. The same place for more than a week. And you know.. I also have neighbors.. not just the bisons..? I am the biggest tourist there is nowadays in my own country.
• Say yes, Finally time to clear that hard drive and all the SD cards of the phone, drone, gopro and camera… I run away from already way to long. Ooow and… finally: Found the Dutch chargers for my laptop again. Every time I start searching I end up somewhere in between not finding it and not a wanting to  miss my flight.
• Do all the 10.000 updates on my laptop, which I never even try to do with the Wi-Fi networks I meet  abroad…waste of time (and maybe, just maybe not patient enough).

• Finally I hear the delivery man thinking ( and the neighbors) they open the door , are actually at home to receive their own package for the irst time in yearsssssss.
• Many are complaining and I know it will affect everyone around. But hey be positive. Think about other things.. meanwhile I have so many shifts I can’t even work them. As a freelancer it`s about time now to find something else, be creative. Cause everyone around is complaining and I have so many shifts I can`t even work them ..without that much effort. So there is plenty of work out there. Find the places where you are needed. Or in this three weeks you can be a pro in editing software, designer, another language and wayyyy more, while safely staying inside.
• Finally the time to kite– you don`t want to talk to people anyway if fits windy – finally a legal reason to rush to the beach, be unsocial and kite… and rush home again (in wetsuit)  because it cold. Play indoor soccer.  Stop making excuses and do the workouts you always and always wanted to do. Just finish that puzzle. Or try that new skates + trick.. or maybe leave this idea for safety reasons…

You’ve got time – use it wisely.

“What do you think about the shopping?”

The dangerous hamster stupidity virus:

Am I the only one not getting it….??

• Empty supermarkets within a few minutes…I really do enjoy shopping in the supermarket now. I used to hate it, in and out and you always forget something. I mean how funny is it seeing someone grab ALL – I mean 30 bags of 16 toilet paper rolls. Just stare and watch – I did this morning with just tree apples in my hand. The lady at the desk said: “ that’s all? “With a surprise face I told her: “Yes that’s all”.  I mean how many sheets of toilet paper you use in a day..?? As well as I noticed the Dutch don’t like mandarins – even the expensive, not so fresh, already cut fruit is more popular. Do we live of bread and toilet paper? It`s 2020 guys! The virus kills, you get sick… and you have lots of toilet paper – nice! But for what?
• And you know? if you come in the morning the supermarket is al filled up…and so is your kitchen by now I guess?

We should all be a bit more creative, we’ve got time now is it..? It reminds me at the moment on a boat in the Philippines I got pushed a bucket or something into my hands when entering the toilet…. A “tabo” – I learned a year later. No its not to wash your hands/ face or flush the toilet.. or a cooking pan (looks like it though). No its another way…there I learned how to survive this toilet paper crises… and more … baking your own bread is really not that difficult and its fun! Well, and not only with this, also with staying home and keeping distance of each other. We can do this.

Or just enjoy your quarantine – time while visiting another country. Every problem is an opportunity! Mindset guys…don’t lose it – open your eyes. Like mine did at the hospital. Change is the only constant thing. We will adapt, we will grow and we will gain a greater appreciation, strength and passion. Together we are strong. Let nature be your teacher and use the time given wisely. Even if it means not coming outside or allowed to go anywhere, than just stay at home and be safe – shouldn`t be a problem is it? Be aware you might never get a change like this again! Make the best out of it  See the world changing but also see it as an opportunity.  While others are fighting where we stop. Lets not intterupt that, but support each other, stay at home or away from everyone. We often lose sight of it but: Health is and stays more important than anything else on the world!

“…..and we have seen the example in italy. the reporter concludes….” What do you think?

And I , I think: We can`t escape, the news, the quotes, the story’s, facebook – The-You-Know-What. It is what it is and we have to deal with it.

Airplanes disappeared from the sky, cycling to work through the city, in the middle of the night suddenly became boring, no bridge huggers, still looking for people dancing around coming out of the café, drinking to that party without reason. It’s scary when I`am literally alone on the world early morning with my bike….. Did the world stopped turning? 

 Thinking, when finally seeing people how to greet them or at the traffic light to press the button or not. It’s the little things.. While in the parks, beaches and on the water it seems nothing is going one, everyone enjoying life, freedom – all running on the same roads, talking with friends we now meet in the supermarket, but is that the right thing to do? They have time enough while others have time too short. Can we make that joke? Can I greet my friends? We have to wait on distance of each other for this storm to pass…? 

I don’t know.. But what I do know: We took everything for granted and we have to solve this together. Now the strange thing is there are two different worlds. The-You-Know- What gave us some really bad things, experiences, but also some good things and lessons: Don’t take any sunrise or sunset for granted.