My story
Since I was a little kid, my way of expressing myself has always been through my throat — talking, screaming, crying, laughing. Through sharing my stories, I hope to invite you into my world, where every thought matters and every feeling finds its place.
I love
cheesy things
Growing up, I loved cheesy things—literally and figuratively. You could give me a bag of cheesy Cheetos, and you would have stolen my heart. Or you could introduce me to an inspiring, cheesy quote, and I would be wildly impressed by your wisdom. So naturally, throughout my life, I have always had a quote guiding me like my northern star.
When I was about 12 years old, my very first quote was “Live, love, laugh.” Yes, I immediately hit it off with the most delicious level of cheesiness. I even had the words stuck to my bedroom wall, next to my dolphin statue and butterfly wall stickers.
Aged like gouda
Then I grew into my teenage years, and at 16, I figured my quote needed to grow up too. It changed to a Loesje quote that translates to: “Why stay within your comfort zone, when outside of it there is so much more to experience?” This one stuck with me for quite some time, as it challenged me to keep going on new adventures—whether they were close to home or far away.
However, after about five years, I fell into an identity crisis. No quote seemed to stick. I bounced between several, but could not settle on one. I felt uncertain about what I wanted in life.
A year or two passed, and as I grew more confident and grounded, one of the wisest people I know—my mother—introduced me to my current favorite: Blijf jezelf verrassen. Translated: “Keep surprising yourself.” I like this one. It feels fresh, simple, nuchter, and just right. The quote has been guiding me and shining its light brightly, until today.
From dreamscape
to daylight
It has been the catalyst of giving in on my dream to travel. It has been my nudge to act on the things I reallly want to do, instead of what my mind tells me to do. It has invited me to approach situations with a smile, because everything always brings you something. It has stimulated me to be honest towards myself and others, and it has reminded me to always love and allow myself to be loved.
I’m 24, traveling to learn about the similarities between cultures, see how love shapes itself in different surroundings, and to learn to trust in the unknown. I’m craving to experience life to the fullest with all it has to offer: the good to enjoy, the bad to grow from, and the love to feel. And through it all, I want nothing more than to let this little light of mine shine.
me @Peru with monica and jorge, 2025
