After a period of rest, the busyness at work slowly returned. And honestly? It took some getting used to. But even in the middle of that, there’s one thing I can say with certainty: I’m proud of myself.
Where I might have pushed through in the past, I now consciously chose myself. I set my boundaries, took breaks when I needed them, and made clear agreements about my role during the busiest weeks of the year. It cost energy, that’s true. But what I’m noticing is that my energy also returns more quickly. And that feels like progress.
After nearly three months of not working, and now about two and a half months into my reintegration, I can slowly see the end of the tunnel. A special moment. Not just because I’m looking ahead again, but because I realise how many steps I’ve already taken.
I’m grateful for the people around me — for the listening ear, the support, and the patience over the past months. It has truly made a difference.
Seeing the end of my reintegration doesn’t mean I’m “finished.” Quite the opposite. Next month, I’ll be increasing my working hours again, and I’m taking everything I’ve learned with me. The tools, the insights, and the understanding that asking for help is not a weakness. Accepting help… that might have been the real challenge. And still is, sometimes. But I’m learning.
I’m grateful for the support I’ve received and I know I don’t have to do everything on my own right now. And that’s okay. That’s where growth happens. I can feel that I’m learning, changing, and step by step moving closer to a stronger version of myself.
At home, something beautiful happened too. My housemate was able, with the help of a sign language interpreter, to properly follow a conversation for the first time in a long while. Something she can be incredibly proud of — and so can I, seeing what it brings her.
Now, a new shared challenge lies ahead: learning to communicate on her level. Growing together, discovering together, and making sure we truly continue to understand each other. It’s a challenge I’m embracing with care and dedication.
Onwards to growth — for both of us.
To close, something that truly made a difference for me. In the middle of the busy period, I consciously took time during the weekend to step into nature, for a walk in Dronten. A moment away from everything. That pause gave me calm, and exactly the energy I needed to face the busiest week of the year with a good feeling.
Walking with the dog and my camera is my moment of pure calm and reset. Slowing down, observing, breathing.
That’s why I’d love to share a few of those moments with you — captured in images. 📷🌿
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