My year in review
Christmas is over, we are approaching a New Year... An ideal moment for reflection, take the time to review on what has happened in my life over the past year, and that is quite something.
Early January I came back from Houston, Texas, much earlier than planned, together with my husband. After staying for one month in Belgium, and then in February I 'remigrated' to the Netherlands, my home country, after an absence of 15 years. Sounds simpler than it is because our house in Belgium was rented out, and with the scarcity on the housing market in the Netherlands, find a nice, furnished house for an affordable price. In the meantime, we've already moved 4 times this year and I'm fed up with it.
Not only on a personal level it was a dynamic year, also on a business level it was a whirlwind. I went to America with the thought of expanding my business there but I turned out it was much more challenging than I thought. America, for many the promised land and during my relatively short stay, my image has changed. Meanwhile I look back on a dynamic year in which I am happy to be back in Europe, in hindsight this was the best decision.
When your husband comes home after a day's work in December last year and casually says; darling, we are going to the Netherlands, our adventure is over in America. That was a bit of a swallow for me, I was really devastated. I agreed with the decision, but if you’re just settled in and get used to your new environment and have to start all over again…
My America adventure has had much more impact than I had thought, including the aftermath, the removals, arranging mail, insurance, banking and many other things that have happened over the past year. It had an impact on my energy level and health. My father in law in the hospital for more than 1 month (he’s recovered really well, but in the meantime diagnosed with Alzheimer's) and unfortunately a few others in my surroundings who are ill.
Still, I am very thankful that we took the step, even though it turned out much differently than I thought. Many people dream to emigrate, but how many people actually realize their dream? I am happy to be back in my home country after 15 years, sometimes I feel completely at home, sometimes I feel like a tourist and I can enjoy driving through the Netherlands, and I can sincerely say, my country is really beautiful.
During this year I met so many amazing, inspiring people during my journey, friends, clients, (and a special thanks to my mentor David) and of course the community of influencers who maded IBTM a success (thank you David Thompson of IBTM for your trust). And Anita, Sabrina, Giovanna with you is working fun! And thankx to their trust in my me, my company has grown. I cannot be more thankful and grateful. Also I have to mention my biggest fan, because if I hadn’t him, this was all not happened, my husband Christophe. And my aunt Heleen :-)
We live a world where human connections are essential we can make the difference, we can create an impact. And this is why 2020 will be a special year.
Now, I’m looking forward to 2020 and I can really say, be careful what you wish for :-) Since the start I have worked hard and now I see that the results , after 3 years of dedication, perseverance and hard work. It’s going to be another exciting year, that’s for sure. I have every month exciting speaking opportunities, divided over 3 continents, workshops confirmed and new projects in the pipeline. But the most excited I’m about is to accomplish my dream from the start, to give the support to destinations (suppliers) that they need by implementing our own product in the market.
Once again, a HUGE thank you!
I wish you all a healthy, joyful and successful year and ENJOY!