Some months begin quietly…
and slowly unfold into something much fuller.
October started exactly how I needed it.
A slower pace. A few half workdays. Space to listen to my body before everything picked up again. And it did—faster than expected. Work, appointments, small moments in between. A month that asked a lot, but also gave something back.
At work, things felt steady.
Within the RAAS system, the structure helped. Clear tasks, a familiar rhythm. And then, a different kind of moment—a meeting in Almere with colleagues from other municipalities. Sharing experiences, talking about what works and what could be better.
Those conversations matter.
They remind you that you’re part of something bigger.
In between it all, I found space to step outside.
An afternoon in the Oostvaardersplassen—fresh air, open landscapes, that quiet kind of calm only nature gives. Not long, not far… but enough to reset.
I also returned to swimming.
Carefully.
The warm water helped, but my body reminded me that recovery takes time. Energy doesn’t always come back all at once. And that’s okay. It’s a lesson in patience—again.
For Codee, October marked something bigger.
Progress.
Through determination, healthier choices, and everything she’s been working on, she reached a point where she could stop her ADL support after 3.5 years. That’s not a small step—it’s a milestone.
And yet, we keep a safety net close.
Because independence and support can exist side by side.
There were other small but meaningful moments too:
A pedicure at home.
A repaired wheelchair, bringing back comfort.
A new volunteer through Humanitas—someone who brings connection and new experiences into her routine.
And then, a day just for me.
A trip to Amsterdam with my mother. Walking through the city, taking it all in, and ending the day at the DeLaMar Theater. The musical Onze Jordaan—full of recognition, music, and memories that stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Looking back, October wasn’t easy.
Lingering fatigue.
Colder days affecting my fibromyalgia.
A schedule that didn’t always leave room to pause.
But still…
There was progress.
There were moments of joy.
There was balance—sometimes fragile, but present.
And maybe that’s what this month really showed me.
That it’s not about doing everything.
It’s about learning where to slow down.
November will be different.
More space.
More intention.
A week off to truly recharge.
Because moving forward also means knowing when to step back.
And this time—I’m listening. 🤍
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